Joe Hurst, missing the fun of running a restaurant, brought a creative ministry idea to the Sandpoint Church board. “Big Joe,” his wife Lois Marie and a few volunteers opened the Adventist Community and Youth Center kitchen in Sandpoint for free lunch on Tuesdays.

“We call it The Agape Café. It is all about sharing love—God’s love and good food,” Hurst states. Just over a year and 5,000 meals later, Big Joe continues to dish out gourmet meals, warm hugs, and cheery conversation with the happy patrons. A number of Adventist members have offered assistance to set up tables, chat with each guest, and help clean up.

Big Joe knows that an average of 75 people come each Tuesday, so he cooks for 90. There are a number of regulars and always a few new customers. Many are poor or lonely and enjoy the warm food and encouragement. Adventist members who work in town drop by for lunch and to chat with guests. The Community Service Center is open for people to pick up items of clothing, blankets, etc. during lunch.

Matt Lombard, Sandpoint pastor, invited the ministerial association pastors to enjoy a homemade meal, featuring soup/entrée, salad, breads, dessert, and water. After lunch they met upstairs to share how God is working and to pray together.

This ministry has been funded by the Hursts, a few members, and patron tips. Recently, a medical crisis struck Lois Marie, and the Hursts were faced with decreased income and mounting medical bills. Big Joe prayed and God “opened the windows of heaven.” The local food bank had bulk items they could not give to their customers, and the manager offered these to Big Joe. We are praising God for His blessings in Sandpoint and looking forward to sustaining this ministry.