A Sanctuary of Banana Boxes: Finding Grace in Unlikely Places

Sometimes, we imagine that holiness requires a specific setting. We think of stained glass windows, soft lighting, and polished pews. We expect the sacred to be found in a place set apart, perfectly prepared and serene.

But God has a beautiful way of showing us that His presence isn’t confined by our expectations.

This truth was made wonderfully clear yesterday at Gateway To Hope. Our dedicated volunteers had gathered for a day of service, filling boxes and bags with food and hope for our community. But a practical problem arose: the air conditioning in our sanctuary was out, making the space uncomfortably hot for a planned late morning service.

Rather than canceling, our pastor, Father James, demonstrated a lesson in what true church is all about. In the midst of our large workroom, surrounded by the evidence of our GTH mission, a makeshift altar was constructed from humble banana boxes. There was no linen cloth, no ornate cross—just stacks of cardboard that moments before held fruit destined for those in need.

And right there, amidst the cardboard and the purpose, something extraordinary happened.

Father James stood before us, with all the banana boxes as his backdrop, and served communion. The words of institution took on a new, profound meaning: “This is my body, broken for you.” We celebrated communion, the ultimate symbols of sacrifice and love, in the very place where we practice a smaller, earthly form of love and sacrifice.

It was a powerful reminder of the verse, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). It doesn’t say where two or three gather — in a perfectly climate-controlled building. He simply says, “wherever”.

Today, “wherever” was our work hall. The altar was made of banana boxes. The congregation was a group of volunteers with dusty hands, sweaty clothes and full hearts. And it was, without a doubt, a most special and authentic communion service. It was a taste of the early church; simple, sincere, and centered completely on Christ.

It was a holy moment, not in spite of the circumstances, but because of them. God met us exactly where we were.

A special thank you to Father James for pulling together a communion service amongst the banana boxes. A special thank you for Debby Shepard proving such uplifting music.

GTH leadership reminds us that church isn’t a building; it’s people, gathered in His name, wherever they may be!