A Lot of Little Things to do

Most of the major elements of the build-out are completed. We began our lease July 1 hoping to be open by September 1st. Typically, it didn't happen as the "everything takes more time than expected" factor was introduced. Now we turn our attention to moving equipment in (making certain that everything operates as designed), business license, submission of IRS stuff, inventory and other matters.

We still seek financial support, but emphasize that once we get started, we will not ask for any more capital resources. We are praying for an additional $5000 at this time. If you can help, please contact Jeff (javajourney -at- embarqmail -dot- com or 707-980-1783).

Shalom!

The Future Has Become Present

We have had conversations with many people who resonated to various degrees to what Teena and I envision. There has often been a need to explain or clarify some of what makes our hearts beat. Never have we had such free-flowing conversation until we met Ben and Rebekah Curfman. God has bent our mutual paths so that they are now crossed. We are excited and joyful.

Ben posted this on Facebook and I am putting here for other friends and the reading community may see.

Nine years ago I had a unique experience in my relationship with God. Many people interpret their experience as a “call to full-time Christian service/ministry.” The experience is different for everyone. For me, it was at a Christian summer camp during a worship service. I was thirteen years old at the time. I did not hear the audible voice of God. I was not visited by an angel. I just simply became extremely aware of the pain and confusion in this world and my responsibility to share the hope that I had.

Since that time, it has been an interesting road. Because of my religious background, I felt that I needed to find a position or description of what God had set my heart toward. I pursued this calling through bible studies and heavy church involvement in high school, two years of religious education in a liberal arts college, and another two years of religious education at the school I will soon graduate from. During that time the question had been burning in my mind: “What is it I am supposed to do? How will I define myself?” I am finding more and more that God has defined my ministry of His Gospel precisely how he wanted to – namely by creating me the way He did. I am my own definition.

Knowing this, I began to ask myself, “If there were no limitations on where or what I could do to accomplish the mission placed in my heart, where would I go and what would I do?” Sometimes the right answers are discovered only through the right questions. I soon found that I was not most effective in a traditional church setting both because of growing convictions about traditional church practice and limitations on the scope of ministry I felt let to do. I decided that an atmosphere most conducive to ministry was a coffee shop.

After prayer, I began considering opening a coffee shop in Asheville, North Carolina in order to minister one-on-one with individuals who need personal attention and mentoring in their spiritual lives. After all, coffee and Christianity are two of my greatest passions. My wife and I began praying, along with others, that God would open the right opportunity for this ministry to take place. I specifically began praying for someone to handle the shop from a business perspective, so I could focus on my strengths – coffee and ministry.

A few weeks later I was visiting my parents near Hickory, North Carolina where I grew up. The Lord showed me then that the Hickory area is in desperate spiritual need. I had never realized that such a need existed in my hometown. The next question came: “Lord, would you have us begin the coffee shop ministry here in Hickory?” So we prayed again for a few weeks. The next time I visited my parents we went out to eat. Before sitting at our table, however, I recognized a good friend that I used to attend church with. I had shared our vision for a coffee shop ministry with him a couple of months prior to this meeting. He told me about a place called Java Journey that was opening soon. He said that their vision seemed similar to ours and that I should get in touch with them. So I did.

We contacted Jeff and Teena Stewart, one of the key couples involved in the ministry of Java Journey. I offered my services in the coffee industry and my ministry experience to them as a way of "throwing out the fleece" as Gideon did. “Surely they already had help and wouldn't need someone such as myself,” I thought. Nevertheless, we felt that we needed to at least get in contact in case the Lord was making a way for us. He has.

After some great conversations and a sharing of passions, Rebekah and I have agreed to relocate to the Hickory area and make a serious effort to change the community with the Gospel through Java Journey. We believe that this is what God has been preparing us for. We will be seeking financial and prayer support in order to make this a reality, with the faith that God will provide our every need as He has done in the past. I will be continuing school until the spring of next year when I graduate in addition to helping Jeff and Teena manage Java Journey. We ask for your prayers, gifts, and encouragement as it is an exhilarating and terrifying experience at the same time. We will also be seeking part-time jobs to take care of our living expenses until Java Journey gets off the ground financially.

News from Java Journey

The Word is Spreading

One thing we have learned is that our ministry isn't necessarily going to wait until we have Java Journey up and running. It's happening now. People keep popping in to ask when the store front will open. Others are curious about the ministry. Quite a few people have inquired about jobs behind the coffee bar. In a couple of cases we were able to "hire" helpers for peanuts in order to keep the work going and help out those who are unemployed. In the process we are building bridges. That's pretty much what we are all about.

In the marketing realm of things, our exterior sign is officially up and it is drawing attention. In addition, Jeff and Teena each have magnetic Java Journey signs on the sides of their vehicles and this has captured the attention of folks. Some construction guys who saw the sign on Teena's car were ready to come down to the store and buy a coffee. We had to break the news--"Sorry, guys, you'll have to wait a little while longer."

We've also been talking with people who are in music groups who might want to perform at the coffee shop.

Ministry Happenings

* We are still holding Christian community gatherings on Sunday mornings at 10:30. You are welcome to attend these informal, interactive gatherings that typically include short prayer and singing times, and a scripture based lesson that allows attendees to ask questions and share insights. We also share prayer requests.
* Teena recently attended a planning session for a birthday party for Foster children. Many Foster children have never had a birthday party. Though we don't have the free time at present to help plan this event which will be held February 5th most likely at the local YMCA, Java Journey still hopes to support this event by selling raffle tickets which will be $5 and possibly helping man booths the evening of the event.Funds collected from the raffle will help pay for this party.

How You Can Help

The opening of Java Journey is just weeks away! Thanks to everyone who has torn down walls, scraped paint off the floor, installed conduit/wiring, framed walls, put up dry wall, painted walls, reupholstered chairs and provided professional services, etc. in support of the Java Journey mission. Even during this time of renovating the space, the "spirit" of Java Journey is being experienced through building new relationships, ministering among people (in expected and unexpected ways), building of community, etc. The stories have been shared through blogs, Facebook posts, conversations as people work side-by-side, gatherings, etc. When open as a coffee shop, this mission will continue with a new chapter being written and new stories being shared as Java Journey serves our community as envisioned!

To open in November, current and new volunteers and professionals, providing services at reduced or no cost, will continue to work together to complete the build out. For those who are not able to be "physically" on-site to assist with the build out, and/or for those who have a desire to contribute beyond their labor, right now there are some immediate financial needs. We cannot do this without your help. Once open, the first two expenses listed below will be met by the coffee shop ministry. The immediate needs are:

Monthly Rent - $1,300.00
Monthly Electric - $100.00
Building Materials - $4,000
Acid Wash Stain - $500 (Lowes gift cards are great!)
Paint - $250
Food & Beverage Inventory (First Month) $1,500

If you wish to contribute financially to Java Journey please send contributions to:
Living Hope Covenant Church ("Java Journey" - memo)
c/o Dennis Cheuvront
573 30th Avenue Circle NE
Hickory, NC 28601

or you can pay online via Pay Pal by going to http://javajourney.org/Supportus.html

All contributions are tax deductible through Living Hope Covenant Church. Additionally, contributions may be made anonymously, at the request of the donor. If you know of someone who might be interested in investing or knowing more about Java Journey, please encourage them to contact Dennis Cheuvront at dennis.cheuvront@gmail.com or 828.270.9877. If you cannot contribute financially at this time, please continue to pray for the ministry.

We also have an Wish List contributors can help with. To view the most current list
visit http://www.javajourney.org/wishlist.html

Thank you and God Bless
Jeff and Teena Stewart and the rest of the Java Journey Ministry Gang

Cleared for Drywalling

I got to Java Journey shortly before 8 am to let 82-year old volunteer, Joe Guthrie, in so he could frame the doorway for the French doors. I knew the city inspector was coming later and I had to finish what he was going to review. We met Joe when he stopped by on a Saturday morning on July 18th when the youth from Trinity Church in Greensboro were volunteering. He told me he loved to work on things as a volunteer and gave me his number. After he finished the French door frame he asked: "What else you got?" I told him the other 3 door frames needed wood added, so he did that!

The inspector arrived while Joe was working on the other doors. I fully expected that we would be told to make a few adjustments and then call for a subsequent inspection. I was making haste taking into account the work to tweak everything and then be ready by the end of the week to be given a green light. The concern was brought on by the fact that 20-30 volunteers are scheduled to gather at 2149 N Center St on Sunday to put up sheetrock.

What a joyful surprise when the inspector spent about a total of fifteen minutes before saying: "I'll let you move on with this." Part of the time he looked at plans, wiring and plumbing, and asked a few questions. The rest was filled by conversation of our mutual enjoyment of music (I told him he looked like Peter Yarrow and found out he plays the drums).

Today was another big mile-marker day.

Great People

How blessed we are with the new friends we have made. In another context of "building" I would merely consider the people who are involved on a professional level as - well "mere professionals."

But God has brought some special folks our way who possess gifts and talents that are enhancing the actuality of our vision and dream.

Here (in cinematic format) are the names of some great people.

Architect - Ed Lunow
Contractor/Plumber - Mike Taylor
Construction Specialist - Matt Taylor
Electrician 1 - Vernon Moyer
Electrician 2 - Mitch Hollifield
Men's Group Leader - Eddie Broussard
Framers - The Men's group of Trinity Fellowship - Hickory
Painter 1 - Amber Abel
Painters 2-5 The Women of Safe Harbor
Scrapers - The youth of Trinity Church - Greensboro
Material Liaison - Jeff Hines

Forgive me if I missed others - but these are those who stand out in my recollection.

In More Ways Than One

People often ask what Java Journey is. And we stammer and mumble as we try to find the words to describe this hybrid of day to day ministry via a "business."

We are a coffee shop and being such we are dependent on the element of H2O in order to operate. What does that have to do with the tea...? nevermind. I think it will click.

Our chief "M.O." is developing rapport with society in order to establish relationship and community. Once we do, we believe we are free to minister the purpose of God among the masses. We believe that folks will discover the love and grace of Jesus Christ and experience the redemptive transformation God intended for all people.

So what is Java Journey? Thanks to a book I'm reading, I can now say with confidence that we are a "Liquid Church."

Here is what Tony & Felicity Dale/George Barna have observed in the book "The Rabbit and the Elephant - Why Small is the New Big for Today's Church"

"Liquid church happens when we stop inviting others to come to church and instead we go out into every sphere of society as the Lord leads. We reach out to our neighbors or our coworkers, and instead of asking them to come to church, we get together with those people right where they live and work. In this way, segments of society that might never have experienced church life are affected by the Kingdom of God."

That's what Java Journey is!

Actually "Moving Along"

The new door is in; the sign is up and the framing is nearly completed.

It was a very joyful thing for me to hear someone energetically say at our organic gathering yesterday (which is gaining momentum itself): "This vision is becoming a reality!"

Awaited Milestone

A very busy day today.

In the midst of all my activity was a phone call I received from Hickory city planning department. They called to inform me that our plans had been approved but they needed an estimate on the cost of the project. I basically wet my finger and pointed up in the air and came up with a number. They also informed me that I had to have a licensed contractor sign the application. I didn't think we needed one as I was told that only a licensed plumber and licensed electrician had to sign off on the mechanical requirements of the build out.

I called one of our friends (Matt Taylor - the worship leader at Trinity Fellowship) whose father is a licensed contractor and had looked at our space in the past to offer advice. He told me to call his father and that he would call him to let him know I would contact him. Mike (his name) agreed to sign the application and will meet me tomorrow morning at the city planning office.

So after tomorrow - we are cleared to start the major work to transform the space into an operational Coffee Shop and intentional ministry. We are rejoicing.

If you can lend your support in any way by locally volunteering, supplying materials or supporting us financially (tax deductible) we would be very grateful. Please contact one of us so we can give you further information.

Thanks and keep up your prayers. Blessings!

Plans Resubmitted

They went to the city yesterday with 4 days left of free rent.

We're hoping that we can still pull off launching before the end of October.

Please keep us in your prayers. Thanks!