What we cook and how we eat impact our health and well-being, as well as our planet. In order to raise awareness on food waste and global warming in collaboration with the Scottish Mission and ADRA-UK, Glasgow Church organised a Teens' cooking contest on the 18th June. It just so happened that the event coincided with the International Sustainable Gastronomy Day.
It all started during the Teens' Bible Club when Pastor Claudiu Popescu, the club leader, asked the teens what they are really good at and the majority mentioned cooking. This inspired Pastor Claudiu to come up with a local community project geared towards supporting our environment - an eco-friendly cooking competition.
Eight teens were divided into two teams. After weeks of preparation and with the deadline fast approaching, face to face and Zoom meetings became more frequent. The teams were eventually introduced as The Winners and The Champions. The Champions settled on Vegetable Soup, Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese, and a Smoothie. The Winners agreed to serve up Lentil Soup, Vegetable Chicken Quorn with Brown Rice, Green Salad, and Fruit Salad. The event was supervised by Pastor Claudiu and coordinated by member Phelomen Mukangiliye, the Glasgow Children’s Ministry leader.
The Winners and the Champions, along with their supporters and event organisers, came to church earlier on Sunday morning to sort out the shopping which had meticulously been done by the Pastor. A small break was then observed and the opponents played together, enjoying their friendship, although only a few minutes away from the start of the contest; such a high-spirited, inspiring and enjoyable moment!
Then the jury, church, and family members arrived and everyone took a seat in the hall for the kick-off ceremony. The competitors lined up at the front and Pastor Claudiu, standing in the middle of the opponents, held up the team leaders' hands and solemnly said: “Let the contest begin!" The children hurried to the kitchen eager to get started. The jury, three in total, observed the contestants as they cooked, recording all the details, helpful for their rating. Each team had up to 2h30m to provide a healthy and an eco-friendly three-course meal.
As the children were busy in the kitchen, other church members were involved in a community clean-up activity. The church partnered with Glasgow City Council to clean Turriff Street and the place was left spotless. God asks us to take care of our environment not simply for our own benefit but for His glory.
Exactly 2h30m after the contest began, the jury announced the end of cooking time and everyone gathered in the dinner room. The hall was decorated not only for the contest but also for the fathers as we celebrated Father's Day.
The judges didn’t have an easy task in selecting the winner. The participants went above and beyond all expectations as they served mouth-watering dishes containing no animal products, using less processed food, leaving less food waste, and no carbon footprint in the kitchen.
In the end, The Champions won the competition with only two marks ahead of The Winners. According to Musa, one of the judges, it was a draw until The Champions took the lead at the dessert level. At the announcement of the result, there was a brief moment of mixed emotion until the jury stated that each contestant will receive a prize! Michael, from The Winners, had fun and said: “It was such a good experience…the judges acknowledged that our team also did very well and the prize for both teams was fair, good, and amazing.” Kiki, the leader of The Champions, the winning team, said: "I feel so proud of myself and happy for all the participants as we all learned lifetime lessons at each level of the competition.” This was undoubtedly a fun experience for all contestants.
Church member Skha Ndlovu, who was coaching the Champions, thanked the children for the “scrumptious meals". She also acknowledged the Children’s Ministry leader for her “stalwart support, as well as Pastor Claudiu for challenging the teens."
Phelomen, the event coordinator, congratulated all the teens who actively took part in the cookery contest, whilst also acknowledging God's presence and praising Him for hearing and answering prayers for this event.
The event ended with a special moment dedicated to the fathers as they received honours and presents. The fathers couldn’t hide their joy. Church Elder Sipho Ncube, a parent of one of the contestants, commended the children:” What a day well spent. I used to think it’s our aunties who spoil us every Sabbath for lunch. But the truth has come to light today. Well done teams!” Jean Albert Nietcho, another father, said to be astonished by the outstanding quality of the food served, and the children’s efforts. To him, eating what his son and friends had cooked, made this particular Father’s Day exceptional and unforgettable.
Soft skills, such as team work and self-confidence, acquired during this competition will be part of those teenagers for the rest of their lives and most of all, this experience has laid the foundation for healthy eating habits and eco-friendly choices.
