06 Jan Things that matter to us: Hospitality

A series on the guiding principles of QCCC’s camping philosophy.

Excellence in food is an important part of the QCCC service

Food is the basic staple of human survival but it’s so much more than that.  According to history, medieval priests “ministered” to travelers by providing shelter from the cold and nourishment in the form of hot soup.  Eventually, this soup became known as ‘Minestrone’, from the Latin word for service, because this kindness was offered in Christ’s name as a service or ministry to needy travelers.

“Ministry” has traditionally been (a) any service to people (b) done in Christ’s name (c) at a sacrifice – the soup was free to travelers. (J. Gibson – Ministry and Worship).

QCCC exists to serve – to “minister” to individuals & groups – through hospitality & service.  When used in the Bible this implies responsibilities well beyond the provision of food and lodging; i.e. courtesy, care, and attention to other needs.
In camping today’s act of hospitality is one of welcoming, clothing, feeding, and sheltering the stranger from the rigour of the life journey.

Excellence in hospitality creates time to linger over a meal table for hours, enjoying good food and fostering the kind of unhurried fellowship where a relationship is built and deepened.

Henri J.M. Nouwen could have been talking about camping when he suggested “Hospitality means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.”

Hospitality is a very important part of the QCCC experience.  Great food and rest are something we hope each of our guests will enjoy in their time with us.  A break from the every day where their cares melt away and are replaced by introspection, vigour, and hope for the future.