Jesus answered, “It is written: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” - Matthew 4:4.
On November 17, 2006, Diane Oberkrom, Town Center Community’s very own, took a leap of faith and left the security of corporate life to work for Soul Food full-time even though it does not yet make enough for full support.
Diane’s testimony: Soul Food Inc. is an answer to prayer. On June 20, 2005, God made a dramatic change in my life. Jesus took my beloved husband soon after I left for work on a Monday morning. It was very peaceful. His heart just stopped while he was sleeping after years of unknowingly suffering with heart disease. He was only forty-nine. It was sudden to me and to our eight year old son, Augie, but had been planned by God since before Phil’s birth.
For many years, I have been praying for God’s will to be done in my life. I committed my life to Him as His servant, not knowing where that may lead. I don’t stand on street corners holding up a sign that boldly says, “John 3:16” or hand out tracts at the airport. I just treat everyone honestly and fairly with love and respect, as best I can. I pray daily for the Wisdom of Solomon and I love to cook, read, sing and entertain friends in my home.
How can God use a regular, plain person like me?
In the days after my husband’s death, in the fog of phone calls and visits from loving friends and neighbors and relatives, I found myself with a house laden with casseroles, cookies, cakes, pies, and cards spilling from every table and countertop. As I ate the food and read the cards, I found great peace and love, like virtual hugs from all of those loving people and Jesus Himself. I thought, “Wouldn’t this be a great feeling for others to share without going through such a dramatic event in their lives? God use me. How can I use this thought to expand your kingdom?”
God gave me the name and slogan in a dream that night and the idea for using scripture like fortunes in a cookie attached to comforting desserts that were beautiful and smelled of real butter, brown sugar and spices… the things that made my heart sing.
I asked God for His guidance before each step in the process of building the company and He answered by sending willing, knowledgeable, patient friends, who knew friends and all offering me their time and contacts.
God spoke to Pastor Tammy Nielson too. Don’t think for a second that her dreams and mine were a coincidence. She brings in her in-depth scripture knowledge and healthy muffin recipes as a Soul-sister. (Tammy is one of those health-conscious ladies you see speed-walking down the street on frosty mornings.)
God also spoke to my friend, Robin. God gave her the idea of the scripture blanket to make for her blind aunt who regularly goes through dialysis and is always very cold. She told Robin how she really misses reading the Bible, so Robin embroidered her favorite scripture references on a soft, cozy fleece blanket for her aunt to “read with her hands”. They, too, are literally bathed in prayer and allow you, as Robin says, “to be covered in the word” when you use it.
Our Soul-Man, Augie is my son. He is the professional taste-tester and assists us with making each treat, “over the top”!
We cannot guarantee that your life here on earth will be free of pain and suffering. Ours aren’t. God uses those things to build our inner-strength and faith. We can leave you with God’s promises and the hope that you would share those with others. The mission of Soul Food is to use the power of prayer, the power of the Word, and the gift of hospitality in guerilla warfare against the evil one and to expand His Kingdom. We are a “City on a Hill” using God as our Mighty Fortress and asking as many people as we can to come inside and be saved. We not only want to be the salt of the earth, but the flour, sugar and butter too. We want to be “over-the-top” for Jesus!!!
For more information or a brochure, contact Diane Oberkrom at 678-493-7416.