The Miracle of a Coffee Shop

Coffee shops have been a big part of ministry for me the last several years. From writing blogs, books, sermons as well as countless conversations and divine appointments have transpired around a hot cup of cappuccino. So a few weeks back as I was weed eating the yard at Oceans Retreat Center I was thinking about coffee. Specifically, about a coffee shop a block away called Stag.

It closed during lockdown and I heard it was not reopening. Stag, not only had great coffee, but an amazing mission to be Jesus to whom ever came through the door. The first time I visited I received a Scripture verse served to me with my coffee and my heart and business were won over. In fact, when our first teams arrived from the States I promptly pointed them to my favorite place in Fish Hoek.

In the midst of the noisy weed eater I had a strong impression that I needed to reach out to the owners of Stag. Maybe just to thank them for their witness to the city and the kind and loving service to our friends from the states, especially my mom & stepdad who hung out there every day sometimes twice a day when they came out for the dedication of Oceans Retreat Center.

A few day later I was in Stag with the owners Peter & Ellen Doyle and Kegan Haakonsen, ORC’s manger. We had a great conversation about using business as missions to the city and they asked as well about the vision of Oceans. Peter & Ellen have amazing Kingdom hearts and created an atmosphere of warmth, love, and peace at Stag Coffee but sensed the LORD moving them on to others ventures. They shared that they were looking into helping their former manger Venus start a small coffee take away across the street and were in the process of moving out of their present location.

I always dreamed of being a part of a coffee shop and using it as a place to do ministry as well as provide jobs. But how could we ever do it when everything has come to a screeching halt. We said our goodbyes and wished them well. The next morning I received a long email from Peter describing in detail the assists of their business and this note below:

“Well, a lot happened after you left.  Ellen and I spoke.  We met with Venus and we went to view the other property across the road.  We chatted some more.  I contacted our landlord again to see if the Stag premises have been rented out yet and they replied “no”.  We spoke some more to Venus and she would love to work with you on some basis.  I had come to the shop this morning with my tools all ready to start dismantling the shop, starting with the coffee machine, but meeting you gave us pause for thought.  Our desire has always been to have a coffee shop that is a community hub that also reaches people with the Gospel; including our staff.  A vision that you seem to share.  We have had some success, but it seems to have come to stop, for a variety of reasons, this year.  We would love it if you could continue with our shared vision.“

Wow! I thought, and continued reading on….. “Business Sale PRICE:  We thought about asking One Dollar U$ or a better offer?”

What? Only God could have orchestrated such a miracle in the midst of a world wide pandemic through the amazing generosity of Peter & Ellen. After much prayer, discussion with friends, Oceans board and staff at ORC we sensed we needed to say yes and trust Him as we move forward. We felt Kegan would be a great fit with his gifts to run it and own it. Oceans would financially assist to help get it started and come along side with volunteers who can help live into the vision of a community hub that reaches people with the Gospel.

I pray that this miracle story of a coffee shop for $1 may encourage you to believe in a Good Father who can do more than we could ever hope or imagine even in the most difficult times. Please keep Kegan, Venus & Oceans in your prayers as we step into a new Kingdom size task and that our Abba Father would receive all the glory!

Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May He be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21.