1000 Cups of Tea in the Southern Territory
On May 21, Salvationists around the Southern Territory chose to reach out to those around them, inviting friends, neighbors, and co-workers to pause for a few moments and enjoy a time of tea and fellowship.
As the culmination of the book and Bible study on Preston Fidler’s “1000 Cups of Tea,” the Territorial Mission, Evangelism, and Cultural Ministries Department invited anyone seeking deeper connection and opportunities for evangelism to jump into this campaign. Fidler’s book focuses on building relationships and reaching out to those surrounding us in our daily lives, learning to speak their language culturally, emotionally, and sometimes literally. Building those connections not only enriches our lives but allows us to find moments to share our Jesus stories with others in a beautiful and natural way.
At least one corps in every division participated in this celebration of International Tea Day, making connections, building relationships, and sharing stories over a cup of tea. But you don’t have to wait another year for your next cup of tea. Say hello to your neighbor, pause to talk with a co-worker, and build connections with those around you. That simple cup of tea may lead to something deeper — you may just find yourself sharing Jesus along with your next cuppa.
From Tonya S. Roberts
International Tea Day recognizes the rich history and cultural significance of tea around the world. Inspired by this meaningful occasion, The Salvation Army encouraged us to take it a step further by having “1000 Cups of Tea” throughout the Southern Territory.
I embraced that opportunity by inviting my department at Territorial Headquarters, along with others on our floor, to a tea party. My goal was to get women together to share a story, a moment, or a prayer with people we may not normally connect with on a day-to-day basis.
What better way to build relationships with our co-workers than in a setting centered on fellowship, encouragement, and sharing God’s love? As someone new to the workplace, it was such a blessing to see so many people who desire that same sense of connection and community.
What began as tea and conversation quickly became something much deeper. Through laughter and meaningful conversations, genuine friendships began to form.
The event reminded us that we are more than just co-workers passing one another in the hallway. Now, our greetings are followed by sincere conversations, check-ins, and care for what is happening in each other’s lives.
We entered as co-workers but left as friends — encouraged, connected, and reminded of the beauty of Christian fellowship.
From Major Laura Dohmann
There is something sacred about gathering around a table. Lunch Plus, lovingly started at the North & South Carolina Divisional Headquarters by now retired Major Cathy Costas over 15 years ago, was joyfully kicked back off as we celebrated “1000 Cups of Tea” — and what a day it was.
We shared meals, laughed, leaned in, and talked about the things that truly matter. We even planted seeds in our cups, little reminders that every conversation, every moment of courage to mention faith to a friend, has the potential to grow into something beautiful. Jesus knew the power of a shared table, and we are simply following his lead. May the seeds we plant in the soil and in the hearts of those in our circles take root and bloom in ways we cannot even imagine.
