They slipped into the service like the rest of us. It wasn’t until after – the fellowship time – the free cookies, brownies and coffee, that I met these two brilliant teens who challenged, inspired and questioned me.
I often forget that non-believers DO come to church and are seeking something more. Do you notice them in your service!? These two were just that. Even though they are not believers, they still got questioned as to why they were going to “that” church for church. It’s not Catholic like the rest. It’s different. Yet, they came…but why?
It was a blessing and a privilege to be able to spend time talking, sharing, listening, laughing and freezing outside in the cool fall, rainy weather, with two teens, Ante and Anela, that have opened my eyes to Croatia, 
God and the world as we know it. These teens are intelligent and weren’t afraid to answer any question, or throw out a question or two of their own. They were curious and searching and wanting more!
The conversation with my new friends came naturally. It was like they were just waiting for someone to talk to them, notice them and be interested in who they were, what they do and what brought them to church.
This church is more than a church. It’s home. It’s a cafe. It’s a place of fellowship, relationships and to be comfortable being who you are. It’s unique. It attracts people young and old – as it sits next door to a neighbourhood bakery – and is around the corner from one of the High School’s. This is the Global Cafe. This is ministry.
There are MANY coffee shops here in Split, so I asked them WHY this one? Why do they spend so much time sitting upstairs with their friends, rather than going to another coffee shop that is run by locals rather than “Americans” who come and go (as there are many volunteer groups who come through the doors week after week).
The answer was simple. It’s convenient…a quick snack/coffee during a school break is a short walk away. It’s friendly, comfy and a fun place to hang out! One thing I have noticed about most places here in Europe is that customer service in restaurants is non-existent. Therefore, serving and spending time investing in the customers at the cafe and making them friends is essential. They notice the difference in service, and want to come back! I believe that is just the start – there is a LIGHT coming from this place that can be seen for miles, and people want to know what it’s all about!
We have been blessed to be able to live here for FREE and be able to cook and bake, serve, be a barista and impact not only the customers, but encourage the “missionaries” that run this amazing ministry. It is full of so much love and fills the streets here with a little bit of hope. God is present, even if others don’t see it. We know He exists and that God is showing up in big ways. I feel like I am living and working in a dream. I am blessed and feel at home!
He is providing for this little cafe. The staff here are missionaries and visionaries. They love this community and what they do. They are truly amazing and have inspired me. I have only been here a few short days and have already fallen in love with this ministry and the people here.
Please continue to pray for this little cafe, and the people I have already grown to know! Pray for the salvation of those who are seeking (specifically A & A). Pray that the Croats will be willing to stand up for who they are, and not feel like they can’t do what they have their hearts set on. Pray that this generation will be a generation of difference, standing up for what is right and what they believe!
