Monday, April 03, 2006

Coffee Anyone?

Well, I think many of you have already heard of our newest endeavor here in Mexico City. In an attempt to get to know more people in our neighborhood, in a natural way, we are opening up a little part-time coffee/dessert shop just down the street from our house. The idea came to us awhile back - sort of as a joke at first - but we really believe that God is at work in our attempts to be creative with opportunities. We have already seen how many more conversations we have had with people since this all began...and we aren't even open yet! The landlord of the little place we are renting lives on our street - we had never seen his face before. The neighbors from across the street came over for breakfast on Saturday - he is going to make our sign. We have had conversations with the people who have shops right beside where ours will be. We feel really good about the direction this opportunity is taking us. It has been a lot of work - but we have received a lot of help and support and partnership from teammates here, and from family and friends. Thank you! A group of 8 just arrived yesterday from Westport Road - in Louisville, KY - our supporting congregation. They are going to help us finalize plans - bake, paint, finish the bar, set up, advertise, etc. They will be life savers!!! And they'll get to participate in our grand opening - this Friday, April 7 at 4:00! They brought down a LOT of donated coffee cups from the church there...so we have a wide variety of really neat things to use, and decorate with. Thanks to all of you who donated - we had fun unpacking them last night. Yes, so please pray for us this week as we try to get up and running. Pray for the planning - but more importantly that God would use us to be salt and light in our community as we serve people, talk and listen to them over a cup of coffee and dessert, as we become a presence amongst other shopkeepers. We trust that relationships will be built in a normal and natural way. Our name is "Cafe y Algo Mas" meaning, "Coffee and Something More"...the "something more" being desserts, or an environment to sit and relax, or a group of people (us and our teammates and prayer partners) who are praying for their lives, listening to and loving them. So in light of that - I don't think the coffee really matters! Of course, I will post some pictures next week. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

To dream the impossible dream!! (Hey..I feel a song coming on..)

Mel and I are so thrilled and excited for you. She said to tell you she'd love to come and make desserts and bake cookies for the cafe.

Have you considered having a book spinner available? I'm looking into getting some spanish titles together for you to use in the cafe.

Know that we're so proud of you and ask God to give you all kinds of blessings on this new venture.

Stay close to Jesus

Anonymous said...

OK... I'm gonna say something that might seem like a negative at first, so bear with me. If this coffee shop only stays open a month, it will have already served a great and Godly purpose! Now, having said that... I'm sure you're hoping for a venture that's more long-lived than a month! :-) But honey... you're already a success! RELATIONSHIPS!!! It just brings tears to my eyes! I'm so excited I almost wet myself!

Seriously though... you know I'm committed to partner with you in prayer, and you'll be fully covered on Friday!

Thank you for bringing to life the things the rest of us just talk about... Pass along the love to everyone else!

Hug those kiddos for me!

Lovingly,
Ang

P.S. Take Mel up on her offer... that woman can bake like crazy!

Anonymous said...

Hi Carolyn, just had to come out of lurk-mode to say...now that is the coolest idea!

I wish you guys all the best with it and will be praying that you have success...for the business but also for the algo más.

Suerte!

Claire (Maguire) Wilson

Erna Wiebe said...

Well, Care and Benjy - What can I say. I have so many emotions right now - great joy in your successful opening and sentimental feelings - just think about how Ruben would love your idea. He loved the store when we had it and, would have loved to see what you are doing. I can just picture him trying to make conversations with the Mexicans - he would have managed because he was a good salesman - e.g. Char's c.d. I am so proud of you and wish I can someday come and see you and help you in your great adventure. What a great God we serve! I continue to uphold you in prayer - that you will be God's voice, hands and love in reaching those dear people.
Keep up the good work
In God's love,
Mom

Anonymous said...

What a Great outreach, you guys are incredible servants.

May God Bless,

Mike Mack