Missions fundraiser fills bellies, spirits

The Community of Faith Church in Maryville held its second annual chili cook-off over the weekend in an effort to raise money for youth ministries.

Proceeds from this year's event, which took in more than $300, will benefit the Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge, a national missions education program for youth members of the Assemblies of God.

Similar "challenge" events in 2012 raised more than $600 for a variety of programs, including the Ministry Center food pantry, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Backpack Buddies and BGMC. The church hopes to do at least that well this year.

Monday was National BGMC Day, and the weekend cook-off was intended to celebrate the efforts of  church youth.

"We challenge the kids every month to do something to help the community and help raise funds," BGMC coordinator Nancy Owens said. "And what really makes us proud is that we can do so much with a small group."

Six entries made their way to the cook-off, with several competing family members.

James Pederson and his "Touchdown Chili" went up against his daughter Beth’s "Sweetheart Chili."

Another family rivalry included the Rev. Joey Winafeld with "The Little Joe" versus wife Mikayla and her take on "Cowgirl Chili." Mikayla’s dad, Cliff Smail, entered "Texas Taco Chili." Grace Owens also contended with "Smokey Chicken Chili."

Both Owens and the younger Pederson participate in BGMC events and say they are proud of what the organization does.

"It is really cool," Owens said. "We go places with friends outside of school, and we get to spread the word of Jesus."

Beth Pederson agreed about the social aspect of BGMC and emphasized the importance of the organization's mission work.

"We go to events like Acquire the Fire," she said. "It's 27 hours of nothing but Jesus. We don’t take cell phones or mp3 players, no computers. It’s music and testimonies."

Most of Saturday's chili crowd were hard-pressed to pick their favorite dish. But Zelma Shackelford, at 95 the oldest person present, had no such doubts.

"I liked the sweet chili," Shackelford said. "I liked it the best because it had a good sweet taste. I don’t care for the spicy stuff."

Then there was the pie-in-the-face event. This year, it was James Pederson’s turn with his children doing the honors.

As for the chili winners, there were four categories: people's choice for most bowls sold, children's favorite, hottest chili and best presentation.

Beth Pederson and her "Sweetheart Chili" took both the people's choice and children's prizes. Smail won the hottest chili vote, and James Pederson took the presentation award.

Anyone who could not make the event but would like to support the youth group should call the church at (660) 582-2623.