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Gospel Lighthouse Church kicks it up a notch with chili cook-off

  • The second annual chili cook-off at the Floyd Gospel Lighthouse Church took place on Saturday in Floyd. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Attendees of the second annual chili cook-off at the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd on Saturday sample some of the chili entries. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • One of the entries in the second annual chili cook-off at the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd on Saturday. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Gospel Lighthouse youth pastor Joe Low announces winners at the chili cook-off in Floyd on Saturday. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Aaron Martin wears the winner's apron after placing first in the people's choice category at the Gospel Lighthouse chili cook-off on Saturday in Floyd. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Will Nolt, left, and Aaron Martin don the winner's aprons at the second annual chili cook-off at the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd on Saturday. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

The three “F’s” – food, fellowship and fun.

They can’t be beat on most occasions.

All three came together to make a pretty good combination Saturday in Floyd at the second annual men’s chili cook-off at the Gospel Lighthouse Church.

The event crowned winners in two categories – people’s choice and the secret judge’s champion. That made for a spicy race to see who finished first among approximately 10 chili entries.

That’s what the antacids on the table were for in addition to the different crackers, cheeses and toppings that contestants and chili lovers put in their bowls to ratchet up the flavor content if they so desired.

“I went around like four times,” said Jacob Gibson, a 2004 graduate of the Gospel Lighthouse Academy.

Those aforementioned three “F’s” provide a simple recipe that Gospel Lighthouse youth pastor Joe Low wants people to take advantage of.

“Those are just tools that God uses to speak to people,” he said.

The attendees of the chili cook-off listened to guest speaker Bob Erickson, who is a teacher for the Midwest Bible Training Center in Cresco. After his inspirational message, it was off to the cafeteria where a conglomeration of different styles of chilis were ready for tasting.

“I don’t know if I fall into the manly, chili type,” said Gibson. “I like something that’s not too spicy. I like it when there’s more meat to it and less juice — closer to a stew than a soup is my kind of chili.”

Gibson works at Hy-Vee part time and is also the co-author of a children’s book with Dixie Phillips, the wife of Gospel Lighthouse pastor Paul Phillips.

Gibson said he recently sold the 100 copy of the book.

“It’s really exciting working with her,” said Gibson. “It’s doing well. People like it. I’ve got some more coming out in the future, hopefully within the next two years.”

About 40 people attended the cook-off and voted on their favorite chili. Low made sure to remind would-be voters there are rules in such competitions.

“Don’t make me do a recount. This isn’t Florida,” he said, laughing.

The secret judge, who Low said was the manager of a meat department at a grocery store in the area, crowned Will Nolt winner for best chili. Low said Nolt won the event last year in the judge’s category. Pastor Paul Phillips finished second in the judge’s voting, which was conducted while the men attended Erickson’s sermon. Vernon Martin placed third on the judge’s side.

Aaron Martin took top prize in the people’s choice category. Jeffrey Hoover and Paul Phillips tied for second. Vernon Martin also placed third in the people’s choice category as well.

The top winners received cooking aprons for their expertise.

Tyler Wiltse, who has been member of the Gospel Lighthouse Church for six years, said he didn’t vote for any of his favorite chili recipes.

“I just wanted some free chili,” said Wiltse, with a laugh.

Mark Helmers heard about the chili cook-off at a Bible study group that meets at the Gospel Lighthouse Church on Thursdays. He didn’t have a dog in this fight as far as a chili concoction he created, but no matter.

“I came to enjoy,” said Helmers, with a smile.

But Helmers wouldn’t rule out bringing his own chili to the cook-off in the future.

“Maybe next year,” Helmers said.

 

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