Written by Gillian Fraser
In proud partnership with Miracle Meal
Article originally published in the August issue of JOY! Magazine
A few years ago, on 1 January, my husband and I decided to start the year a little differently. We are blessed to live in the Helderberg, one of the most beautiful parts of Cape Town, surrounded by rolling mountains and open skies. As a bright-eyed young wife, full of faith and perhaps a little too much energy, I suggested that we start the year off with a hike to the top of the Helderberg mountain.
A quiet moment with the Lord
When we reached the summit, we found a quiet spot among the boulders, poured coffee from our flask, and opened the small portable communion cups I had “borrowed” from the JOY! offices. It was my first time using them, and I remember being genuinely struck by how simple and practical they were. We did not need to carry extra cups, prepare anything beforehand, or think about cleaning up afterwards. We could simply pause, remember the Lord, and take communion together.
Not only for Sundays
That moment stayed with me because it helped me understand communion in a deeper way. I had always known it was important, but I think I had mostly connected it with Sunday services, ministry times, or special church gatherings. Yet there, on the mountain, I realised that communion is not reserved only for the big moments. Communion belongs in the ordinary moments too – in homes, hospital rooms, small groups, family prayers, and yes, even on a mountain with a flask of coffee beside you.
Remembering the Cross
Jesus instituted communion before going to the Cross. “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me’” (Luke 22:19). Communion brings us back to the centre of our faith. It reminds us that our salvation was bought by the body and blood of Christ, not by our own goodness, effort, or religious activity. Paul also writes, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes”
(1 Cor 11:26). I love that word “proclaim”, especially when thinking about evangelism. Communion is not only a quiet moment of reflection. It is also a declaration of the Gospel.
On the mission field
For missionaries, evangelists, pastors, and outreach teams, communion can become a meaningful part of ministry in places where there may not be a church building, kitchen, or proper facilities nearby. Ministry often happens in real, practical settings – under a tree, in a rural village, in a school hall, beside a hospital bed, or in someone’s home. Having portable communion cups makes it possible to share this sacred moment with reverence, without turning the focus onto the logistics.
Wherever we go
Communion reminds us that the Gospel is not confined to church walls. Christ is with His people in every place He sends them. Whether on a mountain, in a mission field, around a hospital bed, or at a small table in someone’s home, we are invited to remember Him with gratitude, reverence, and faith.
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Date published: 30/07/2026
Feature image: Sourced from original article published in the August issue of JOY! Magazine
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