One of Forward Edge’s most dearly held values is the importance of relationships. And what better way has God given us to bond with others than over a table of good food. Culture is often shared through food. Sharing meals isn’t just about filling our stomachs—it’s about connection over stories, experiencing others’ customs and traditions, and coming together as equals around the same dinner table.
Sharing meals is something close to God’s heart. It’s how Jesus ministered to the lost (Luke 5:29-31), where He discipled those closest to himself (John 13-17), and even an image He used to teach important Kingdom values and mindsets (Matthew 22:1-14, Luke 14:7-11).
We’ve put together a handful of recipes near and dear to our hearts. They’re some of the staple foods eaten in the countries where our children’s programs are located.
Whether you’ve been on a mission team to one of the locations and you’re yearning for the familiar flavors of your distant friends, or you sponsor a child and would like to learn more about their culture through food, or you’d just like to enjoy a new recipe with your family, these recipes are a tasty way to connect with others. These recipes can also be used to open up some great conversations with your children about other cultures and the importance of learning about God’s global family.
We hope you enjoy trying something new!
The Road to Today “Imagine a young girl forced to grow up inside a garbage dump, exposed to extreme filth and severe malnutrition, at risk of physical abuse, rape, drug abuse, pregnancy – and even being sold into prostitution by her family for first access to incoming garbage.” These were
Conventional wisdom on wealth has been expressed throughout the ages. Ancient Greek philosopher Democritus wrote, “Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, but rather dwells in the soul. By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich.” Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin stated, “He does not possess wealth that
Bold Obedience In life, some moments stand out as divine interventions, where God’s hand is unmistakably at work. Mission trips are often such moments, where lives intersect with purpose, and hearts are transformed in ways beyond measure. Jilese’s recent journey to Oaxaca, Mexico, serves as a testament to this truth.
In Zaachila, on the outskirts of Oaxaca City, Mexico, live many impoverished families who’ve traveled from distant areas in search of more opportunities and a better life…only to find themselves confronted with the same devastating and debilitating effects of poverty: hunger, joblessness, water-borne illness, lack of education, gang violence, drug
10 yrs. old
Entered the program: March 2025
Nicholas lives with his parents and 3 siblings in a three-room bungalow-style house with no electricity. For lighting, they have a two-bulb solar panel which also charges cell phones. Nicholas shares a bed with his older brother. The family cooks with wood in a semi-constructed outdoor kitchen which is covered with an iron sheet. Water is fetched from a communal borehole and boiled for drinking. They use an outdoor latrine.
The family raises a few hens and pigs to help with food. Nicholas’s parents both used to work to provide for the family but his mother is now critically ill and his father is the primary provider and caretaker.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
