Carl's Kitchen exists to change lives one meal at a time. Join us as we continue to build on this legacy of hope that crosses, cities, states, countries, mountain ranges, languages, ages, ethnic descents and economic barriers.
We have the faith to believe that poverty does not have to be a label or the end of the story for so many. We believe when we take the necessary steps to tend to the physical needs of others, they will be receptive and open to allowing us to feed their spiritual needs to honor Christ our King.
Matthew 25:40 says, “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”
Thank you for your interest in building on the legacy of hope with faith to move the mountains of hunger and despair.
Steve and Shelly Hopkins of Latin Equip, who are graciously hosting the Carl's Kitchen endeavor, had the perfect opportunity awaiting us with Cathedral of Faith church (COF). COF is located in Lima, Peru, has a membership of over 5000 people, and is the partner church to Latin Equip Ministries. The Hopkins explained, through God’s provision, COF purchased a small piece of property strategically located in Callao in a notorious area known as “La Perla”. Callao, pronounced: Ka-Yow, is a suburb of Lima, the capital city of Peru. The property, which already has a basic building on the premises and a surrounding wall of protection, was attached to a dream. This was where two divine visions collide.
The vision of COF was to use this property to start an outreach in the area for children and then a church to minister to the city. With the dream to start Carl’s Kitchen, it feels as though God has provided a unique way for two dreams to collide and create a divine opportunity from Heaven. Each vision supports the other. And so, Carl’s Kitchen was born.
Carl’s Kitchen, hosted by COF and Latin Equip, provides a nutritious meal and children’s program on the property every Saturday morning for about 100 children. Our desire is to help provide for children both physically and spiritually. Our prayer is that they hear about the Gospel message and the love of Christ with every meal served. The hope is that Carl’s Kitchen and this ministry center in Callao would be a spearhead for the Gospel in this community and help break the cycle of violence and crime in that area. COF would like to eventually grow a church out of this children’s ministry while continuing with the kitchen’s feeding program. COF of Lima also has a desire to support this as a ministry outreach from their main campus. They currently staff Carl’s Kitchen with volunteer cooks, servers, Bible teachers, pastors and ministry leaders. In addition, missionary teams like those from Gateway Church assist with construction, maintenance and ministry as they fly in for short term missionary endeavors.
Carl’s Kitchen is prepared to feed 5,200 children annually. There are multiple phases involved with the creation of this ministry. There is the initial building investment of $15,000, which includes the construction, provision of counters, sinks, shelving and appliances. It also includes dining tables, chairs, utensils and serve ware. Phase 1 includes everything needed to make Carl’s Kitchen functional!
Beyond the construction phase, is phase 2 revolving around kitchen operations. To continue to maintain the kitchen and provide one hot, nutritious meal per week for 100 children, the cost is $4,000 annually.
In phase 3, COF would like to renovate the second floor of the building where Carl’s Kitchen operates in hopes to create adequate housing for a pastor and his family that will lead a church there in the community.
Lives are being changed every week at Carl’s Kitchen. As they receive a nutritious meal, see the tangible love of God and hear about Christ’s love for them, people are giving their lives to Christ. Please consider being a part of this growing ministry that is changing lives one meal at a time in Callao, Peru.