We all have dreams but there are some dreams that just won’t go away. They keep nagging at you to wake up and take some action. Nancy Cissell had such a dream — a dream that required bold action on her part in order to bloom into a thriving ministry to those who needed a little hope and sunshine in their lives.

Always a woman involved in some type of volunteer community service or on a board of directors, when Nancy moved to our area she wanted to become instrumental in helping others. She quickly became involved in church activities and the local Women of the ELCA unit. One of her new ventures was as a volunteer tutor for the Durant Literacy Council, a position she held for five years. Giving of her time and self to benefit others is a standard Nancy holds dear to her heart.

Sympathetic to those who don’t have a place to sleep or food to eat, upon visiting her nephew-in-law, the Rev. John Nelsen, a Presbyterian minister in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, she was inspired by a soup kitchen at his church. Thus, the dream began!

She returned home and kept talking about her dream of starting a soup kitchen in our area. There was no service like that available to those who were hungry. She mulled over the idea for a long time until one evening a friend said to her, "You’re always talking about wanting to start a soup kitchen." That was all it took for Nancy to decide, "It’s time! You either shut up or do something about it!" And do something about it she did.

She enlisted the aid of her husband to help her get started. Fellow church members gave needed encouragement. The tiny congregation of approximately 40 active members, including children, offered the space but couldn’t afford monetary assistance so she set out to enlist the aid of the community in helping this venture get off the ground. It became a game as Nancy and Richard went out to solicit donations and supplies. The two of them went to all the area grocery and retail stores that could help with food and paper products, telling them their story. Most responded in the affirmative. These donations continue to help this ministry thrive today. Then there was the inspection by the State Health Department, permits to be obtained, and figuring out how to serve a hot meal in an apartment-size kitchen with three small burners, one tiny sink, a refrigerator that fit underneath the sink, and very limited storage space.

Knowing they couldn’t get this labor of love off the ground and running smoothly alone, they enlisted the aid of another retired couple that was new to the congregation, Ed and Betty Hand. Before the first meal could be served, however, Nancy developed a heart problem. Determined as she was, she decided she was still going ahead with "her dream." Our Saviour’s Table was open for business on the first Thursday in January 1999 with six hungry guests waiting to be fed. Once a week, food would be available to those in need.

Nancy wanted her guests to feel special and, from the beginning, they have been served their food and drink, while sitting around cloth-covered tables, by caring volunteer waiters and waitresses — none of this buffet-style serving for Nancy. Although not knowing how many guests to expect, the food never runs out. Like the story of feeding the 5000, there is something to eat for everyone who walks through the door. When the pot gets low, she finds some more!

Church members initially helped by providing desserts and, before long, a newspaper article about this new area ministry inspired people in the community to offer food and volunteer their service. The program mushroomed with more guests arriving weekly.

A grant from churchwide Women of the ELCA allowed for the purchase of a full-size range and sink that enabled the cooks to operate more efficiently. An individual donated a freezer and donations started coming from unexpected places. Nancy says, "Gifts from heaven appear; you don’t ask for them, but they come. It’s a miracle as to how this ministry is so self-sustaining. I started something and it set in motion something much more. I just know it was meant to be!"

A few of the same early guests are still attending. For some guests, the mealtime has developed into a social fellowship. For some, it has become a second family. Nancy states, "I’m sure some of our guests are not necessarily in need of food, but they are in need of something. Some just need someone to listen or talk to. I decided anyone who walks through the door would be fed. For those who you know haven’t had a meal for some time, it makes all the effort worthwhile. You know it may be the only meal they will get that week. Some have absolutely nothing. We help them with extra food to take home and attempt to bring a little sunshine into their lives."

In spite of having bypass surgery and a stroke in recent years, Nancy continues to dedicate part of two days each week to preparing and serving meals. Volunteers have come and gone, but Nancy is the glue that continues to keep this ministry alive. She is quick to give credit to the women who help her prepare the soup, stew, chili, or other hot meal to be served and to the 6 to 10 volunteer waiters and waitresses who come from the local congregation, other area churches, and the community at large. Without their assistance, she could not continue with the dream to help those in need. She states, "It is a joint effort with Divine help, which is constantly amazing."

Amazing it is! Today, Our Saviour’s Table serves an average of 50 guests per week; in the summer as high as 85. The kitchen is open from 11–12:30 p.m. every Thursday. Guests start arriving as early as 9:30 a.m. to visit. Most come by walking and some pick each other up. They are most appreciative of the ministry they are receiving from the dedicated volunteers and are quick to say "Thank God for you" and "God bless."

As for the volunteers, mostly senior adults, they derive a benefit from working together and knowing that, no matter what your age, God has something for you to do. I think I hear Nancy calling, "The soup’s hot! Come and get it!" Thank God for bold women like Nancy Cissell.

Submitted to Women of the ELCA in honor of Bold Women’s Day 2007 by:
Our Saviour’s Women of the ELCA
Durant, Oklahoma
Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod
Mary Slice is the president of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synodical Women's Organization.