The Mustard Seed is not only a homely environment but a safe, accepting and a judgment free zone that many locals of St Johnsbury come to every other day for a fresh hot meal. Serving different meals ranging from thanksgiving dishes to shepherd’s pie the quality of the food can be compared to that of a restaurant.
My partner Kaitlyn Manktelow and I got a chance to visit this safe haven that has been running for over 4 years. Located in the middle of the St Johnsbury town in VT, one would never presume that it’s a soup kitchen from the outside look of it. The Mustard Seed is not your regular soup kitchen. Right from when we walked in, one could feel the sense of community and love.
The name “mustard seed” originated from the Bible symbolizing growth and development from a tiny seed just like a plant. Christian missionary Frank Rothe, who’s the founder and still runs the kitchen, decided to open this establishment not having any financial support but just faith hence naming this organization “Mustard Seed”. Strictly a Christian nonprofit organization, it is involved with the churches around the community.
The Mustard Seed is strictly run by volunteers and well-wishers. Apart from donations and support from the Vermont Food Bank, the soup kitchen is funded by the thrift store that’s right across the street from it. Without any home shelter around the area, the mustard seed is the only thing that’s closest to an accommodation that the homeless can come and get any type of help. Most volunteers like Lenny and Eugene happened to have benefited from mustard seed before they decided to devote their life to it.
Eugene started out with Rothe when he first opened the kitchen and was dealing with drugs and alcohol at the time. Since then he has now sobered up and found his way. With all that he has gone through, he uses his story as a testimony to others dealing with the same issues who have walked through the doors of the mustard seed. When asked he said his role was basically being cheerful. Promoting love, peace and respect to those who come and get a fresh hot meal in the kitchen.
Lenny who is now the supervisor and the head cook says he fell in love with the mustard seed when he chose the soup kitchen to be the place where he would do his community hours. Ever since then he couldn't imagine a better place to serve and give back to the community.
Many like Eugene and Lenny add to what makes the mustard seed a safe haven.
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