For World Race standards, we are in paradise this month. We are located on a
tropical water front, living in an amazing hostel compound. We have a roof over our heads, electricity, beds,
running water, hot showers, internet (sometimes), amazing food and awesome
company. Our contacts here are gracious people that are incredibly warm and
welcoming. They have poured into us so much and loved on us like parents.
I could not be happier with where we are this month, but even more so I could not
be happier with what we are doing this month. There are a few projects that our
contacts are working that we get to lend helping hands. There is a school
project where the walls and floor need to be plastered and cemented. A boat
project that involved restoring the boat out on the beach so it can be used to
reach villages on remote islands in the lake as well as rural villages along
the coast that are inaccessible by road. The boat will help spread food, clean
water, medicines and preventative procedures for disease. Lastly they told us a
vision they had about starting a coffee shop on their property in the loft of
the conference center. The coffee shop would be a means to help them become
self-sustaining but more importantly it is an invitation for the community to
come so relationships can be formed.
The biggest goal of our contacts has been assimilating into the culture. They
live in a Muslim community, in fact the community mosque is right next door and
unfortunately they put on their loud speakers at 4:30 in the morning to pray.
Not exactly fun to wake up to every morning. This compound is in a prime
location right in the center of the village. For the longest time our contacts were
really looked down upon as Christians when they first moved in. After eleven
months of living here, the neighbors just now started to wave back at them and
smile when they would drive by. They are earning the respect of the community
slowly but surely.
A soccer game outside the compound.
Our contacts are missionaries, but they are conscious that
they will never try to shove their beliefs down anyone else’s throats. They imitate
Christ and living a simple life. It is simple but not easy. They believe that they
have no right to judge others for what they believe in. There is mutual respect
for every person’s belief system. Our contacts merely walk out their Christian
faith and others are naturally attracted to them by the fruit in their lives. It
is incredibly encouraging to watch. Last month I was asked to preach the gospel
and it was not primarily focused on establishing relationships. This month I am
asked to live out the gospel through relationships, and to talk about God and
our Savior Jesus only when necessary. It is quite refreshing.
Right now, with the help of 5
others, I am primarily focused on the building the coffee shop from the ground
up in every sense. I really like being behind the scenes, especially with the
business side of it all. The coffee shop will be named Common Grounds, and like the name indicates,
it is intended for all ages, races and for those of all faiths to feel welcome.
The hope is for the local Muslims, mzungus (white people, usually tourists) and
backpackers to stop by in search of a refreshing drink, snack and a safe,
comfortable place to hang out. We want customers to experience a loving and
warm environment that fosters learning and dialogue. The business will embody
Christ through the employees, music, spiritual literature and overall
atmosphere and vibe. We hope to create a friendly setting rooted in God’s love,
while relying on the Holy Spirit to stir in the hearts and minds of our
customers. We are basing the coffee shop off of principles found in Psalm 1.
Psalm
1:1-6
“Blessed is the man who walks not in
the console of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the
seat of the scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law
he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of
water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not
wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are
like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not
stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For
the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall
perish.”
Here is a picture from the front door of Common Grounds.
Here is a picture on the inside.
We are basing our color scheme off of this fabric.
We plan on painting the walls yellow and blue so the place will be very bright
and vibrant.
We are hoping to be opened before the New Year… Yeah I know, there is a lot of
work to get done, but we are making progress every day. I will post updates on
how the shop is coming along soon.
