Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Smith.
Hi Cindy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’m originally from Eastman, Georgia, but my husband, Pastor Mark, and I raised our family in Dublin, Georgia. We initially ran a Firestone store there. I was a church secretary/volunteer firefighter. Sounds 180 from each other, but both have a heart for people, so both were perfect for me. My husband and I always wanted to do something mission-minded, helping others together. We were allowed to do so when Frank Deutsch, founder of Austin Baptist Chapel, Angel House Soup Kitchen of Austin, Texas, called us. He was getting ready to retire and had met Mark and felt he was the one called to take his place. Of course, we were a package deal. I’m a co-director with my husband and volunteer coordinator, kitchen manager, administration, etc. We feed people experiencing homelessness daily. And it is such an honor to do so. It’s such a blessing and never boring.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
As with anything in life, you learn as you go. A good example was the pandemic. There was no manual written for Soup Kitchen’s during the pandemic. We learn quickly that everyone on our staff has a heart for the guests we serve daily. We knew so many relied on us daily; if we had closed, they would not have food. We are always open. We just thought through the best way to serve them and moved forward. And doing that, we had volunteers that would show up to help us. It was such a blessing of a time to see people coming together to serve their fellow man.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
In this line of work, you meet many people from all walks of life. You learn we all have special gifts, ways of thinking, different opinions, etc., but quickly learn that we all have something that drives us. Our volunteers that come to serve have a drive to help others. I’ve learned that I have a gift for seeing and discerning that. I’ve also learned not to take myself too seriously; my gift is a wonderful sense of humor.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The largest is not to judge, but also a great sense of humor.
Contact Info:
- Website: austinbaptistchapel.com
- Instagram: abcsoupatx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinbaptistsoup
