I Can Bring the Snacks: By Austin Beyeler

I love food. That’s why I major in Food Science, work for BYU Catering, provide fastSunday dinners for my ward every month, and experiment with recipes in my own kitchen. My paper-bag apple pie (cooked in a brown paper bag so that the apples get softer without burning the crust) and chicken and rice bowls have made many mouths water. Few things bring me more joy than seeing people enjoy food that I cooked for them. My experience in the life sciences will turn an interest into a life-long pursuit.

I also love God; even more than I love food. As I have followed the Savior, I have developed love for my fellow men. I have sought to apply Paul’s teaching from Colossians: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” This charity turns my heart outwards in concern and compassion for my fellow men.

My love for food is a gift from God that places me in a position to brighten the lives of my fellow men. Everybody needs to eat. Good food provides the fuel for fruitful living—and any kind of living. Somebody needs to cook this good food for them. That’s me. A few hundred starving college students have attended the ward dinners that I oversee, and they have all left feeling satisfied. A few dozen of my neighbors have accepted leftovers that I bring home from work. And a couple of lucky people have been the recipients of my most careful, heart-felt, and best-done work, including home-grown rocky mountain oysters.

For about a week, there was a homeless man that sat by a bus-stop on my route home from work. His cardboard sign simply said “HELP.” A meager collection of belongings was scattered around his feet. He looked at me through cloudy, half-blind eyes when I stopped and asked him if he wanted pasta. He said he did. I asked if he liked grapes. He said he did. I unloaded pounds of leftovers and walked away, with the grocery bag half-full of squeaking to-go boxes swinging at my side. It was a lot lighter, and so was I. I was filled with the joy that comes when we “succor those that stand in need of [our] succor,” (Mosiah 4:2). My experience with food enabled me to help a brother in need.

It is remarkable that all around the world, everyone speaks the language of food. What do we do at family reunions? On dates? With friends? When we visit our ministering brothers and sisters? We share food. Bringing food sends a message of love and kindness. It says, “you are my neighbor—you are my friend.”

I work with several people to provide the monthly fast-Sunday dinners for my ward. Some of them are well-known and popular. Some of them aren’t—the bishop doesn’t even know their names. People who would be unwilling to accept service and fellowshipping from the ward light up with enthusiasm when given the chance to serve. I love serving my ward, but some of the best service I give is when I step back and let others help. Together, we experience the joy of serving, and we feel the comradery of Christ-centered community. I share the light of my love by extending the hand of friendship to those who are often overlooked.

When the dishes are washed and drying, I split up the leftovers with everyone who helped. “Thanks for all you did today,” I say. “I really appreciate it.”

“Thanks for the leftovers,” they say. And we all go home with brimming bellies and happy hearts.

The Lord has a job, and the tools to do it with, for everyone in His fold. He has placed a spatula in my hands and asked me to go to work. My experiences in the life sciences are preparing me to wield it as worthily and effectively as possible.

I can’t do everything, but at least I can bring the snacks.