Well, that's really not the question at all... We can buy coffee with the purpose of making a kingdom impact, or
intentionally cut back on those purchases and do the same. Allow me to explain…
We at New Beginnings Church have teamed with EOTE Coffee Company for several months now. The acronym EOTE comes from Acts 1:8 and stands
for Ends Of The Earth. EOTE is carrying out that commission and doing so with coffee. Through their partnership with THRIVE Farmers, EOTE is working to engage coffee farmers with direct trade and a
business model that offers sustainable income for their families. This not only
benefits the local farmer and his community but it helps invest in the lives of
children here in Oklahoma (Willow Springs Boys Ranch) as well as a handful of other programs around the globe. When we realized that by intentionally spending a little more each month, we could not only improve upon the quality of coffee we serve each
week, but do so for a much greater good, it was a no-brainer for us. We moved away an industrial mass quantity producer and joined EOTE.
Then last night at a concert we hosted, Jimmy Needham shared
about one of his ministry partners, Mocha Club. Essentially, for the price of a
few Skinny Soy Jamocha Double-Shot Frappuccinos (not even sure if that's a real drink or not) a month, a person could help
rescue a woman from sex trafficking and prostitution. By cutting back on a
little something extra, clean water, economic freedom, and complete health care
can be offered to exploited women and children in Ethiopia. But please know
that coffee is only one example. It could be a few extra gallons of gas, one
less trinket, or one less late night stop at the drive-thru a month. Instead of wasting on those expenditures, one could use the same amount of money to support an organization that rehabilitates women
and shares the hope of the Gospel.
I love coffee and I’m not necessarily planning on quitting
anytime soon. In fact, whether I’m enjoying a cup of EOTE at home or on a Sunday
morning at church, I am honored to be able to support EOTE’s passion. However, there are plenty
of excesses in my life that need examination. There are places and things
we spend on each month that could be better utilized for a bigger purpose. With
that in mind, my wife and I are prayerfully considering cutting those things
out and partnering with Mocha Club as well. Look, I know there are dozens of
other organizations doing amazing things for the kingdom and that we cannot
help everywhere. The point is this: if the Lord is stirring our hearts and
moving us to make some changes, we would do well to respond in obedient action.
I pray we may live our lives in a way that truly, whether eating, drinking, or doing whatever, we are seeking to bring God glory (1
Corinthians 10:31). Let’s research our coffee. Research our other purchases
too. Let's investigate our own extra expenses and ask God to help us focus our
energies for Him alone. The question is not whether we drink coffee or not, but
rather, WHY? We can spend our time, money, and resources as if everything is
meant to terminate on us… Or we can invest in people and purposes for a deeper, far more precious, eternal value. Might
we be kingdom minded and intentional, and by God’s grace, may we repent of our selfish indifference.
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| matt@nbchurch.info Twitter: @FattMowler Facebook: TheFattMowler |
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