How do I begin to write about a day that has been greatly blessed by the Lord? I know everyday is a blessing from God but some day's it seems He moves more than others.

Two weeks ago at the cafe things were a little slower than the week before. We got to spend more time with the guests who wandered in. Quite a few of the kids were talking about God, the word saved, baptism, and ways of the world.

A group of young ladies were talking about how they saw no point in getting married. They felt it was O.K. to just live with someone and then leave them whenever you wanted. I couldn't help myself. I had to share what God says about that. In doing so, I found out one of the girls is an agnostic (believes in a higher power) not necessarily "God."

I shared with her about the ways of the devil and how he is a liar and great deceiver. I told her about the hole in her heart that needs to be filled with Jesus Christ. I shared with her how to be saved. She wasn't interested in doing that today but a seed was planted, now we just need to water it and watch it grow, praying it not be snatched away. Mark 4:1-20 (Parable of the Sower) gives a very clear description of this. Thank you Lord.

Other volunteers were busy planting and watering seeds too. One was speaking with a woman about her faith, another was sharing the gospel with a young man who was celebrating his birthday. He was accepting of the gift of God and received Jesus into his heart. Praise the Lord!

Lots of gardening done today at the cafe. Pray with us for the harvest!

I love this place!

See you Tuesdays 3-6,

Paula Browand

Brothers dwelling together in unity is AWESOME!

Our family (brothers and sisters in Christ) have given up money and time and energy, talents and expertise and tools to replace our roof. They're generosity, lack of complaint, and sacrifice is totally pleasant like oil running down Aaron's beard. Time with these brothers this week reminds me of Psalm 133. I quoted a portion of this Psalm with a brother working at my house this week, and he began to cry just thinking of the men who've come to help. Psalm 133 reads,

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

It is like precious oil poured on the head,
       running down on the beard,
       running down on Aaron's beard,
       down upon the collar of his robes.

It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.
       For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
       even life forevermore."

And a crew of ten more are coming out Saturday with food from a sister!

Mindee, Mollie, and I have a huge family. We have brothers and sisters, dads and moms, and grandmas and grandpas. Our church family, our brothers, are a bestowed blessing from the Living God. And they love us and pray for us and...confront us. They cheer us on and weep with us. They witness our moments of unbelief and inadequacy and the times when we succeed in trusting Jesus. And they still love us. And it's not just our church family at Harvest.

This includes those serving at the cafe. They're also like precious oil. They come from various churches in Medina. And we are one...in Christ...living together by faith. This is our family. Our relationship isn't perfect but it's good. Like any family, we sometimes hurt and offend each other but we also love and forgive. And I wouldn't trade them for all the wealth in this world. I love my brothers and sisters at the cafe. They refresh me.

Thank you family.

Thank you for believing and supporting what God is doing in our lives and the ministry at the cafe. By our love for one another, and the unity of our faith in Jesus Christ, we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. Even something as crazy as serving Hope one cup at a time through a free cafe ministry. Family, don't you dare stop believing Him! Keep the eyes of your heart fixed on Jesus. I don't care if your roof is crashing down around you. Believe Him.

Like Precious Oil,

Tim

P.S. Hey Dad...they're replacing that crunched garage gutter!

Pepsico, the makers of Pepsi Cola and other products, changed its logo this year. The logo and can design changed but the cola remained the same. The Medina Café 41:11 is going through a similar change.

In 2007, the Medina café team signed a two year lease agreement with our current landlord. The lease was formed with the understanding that when the time came to renew it the Medina café would step out in faith to form its own non-profit organization. The Medina Leadership team and Corporate Office in Norton believed this was God’s direction for the Medina café.

In the fall of 2008, and by God’s grace, the Medina café began this process after receiving the blessing to move forward from Café Corporate. Steve Friddle, the current Chairman of the Board of Trustees in Norton, writes, "We celebrate together with all our friends connected with Cafe 41:11 Medina as you take this next step in transferring ownership of the ministry to your community. We have valued and appreciated the ministry partnership we have had over the past 4 years and look forward to many years of mutual support, encouragement and cooperation as we both strive to serve the Lord and minister to people in our respective communities. May God bless you as you follow His leading and reach Medina with the gospel of Christ."

God is greatly blessing the café with new financial support and volunteers and our service to the community is growing. In the coming months (date still to be determined), Café 41:11 in Medina will become CUPS CAFE. The name and logo will change, but the “cola” will remain the same. The things you see and hear God doing today will continue tomorrow and in the future.

The cafe is in an exciting stage of redevelopment and transition. We ask that you pray for us and be patient as we work with you through these changes. A question I'm asked frequently is: Why Cups Cafe? For many reasons. One is because Jesus said, “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward” (NIV, Matthew 10:42).

The cafe currently serves cups of soup, cups of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cups of cold water, kool-aid, iced tea and milk, and small servings (cups) of Hope. Our new vision statement will be: Serving Hope one cup at a time. The Hope we serve is Jesus and we serve this Hope one "cup" (one heart) at a time. The volunteers and team members not only serve Jesus Christ through our work, we serve Jesus Christ to our guests.

We're hosting an informational meeting open to anyone wanting to learn more about the cafe and these changes.

Do you have a lot of questions?

Do you want to know the ins and outs of the ministry?

Have you wondered how the cafe is structured, why the name change, who is involved, and/or where the money goes?

Then we hope you'll attend this meeting and bring your friends and invite your church family to come to this meeting!!

Date: Sunday October 18, 2009

Time: 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Location: Harvest Presbyterian Church 1095 E. Reagan Pkwy. Medina, Ohio 44256 (Google it)

Contact: Tim Van Arsdale 330.304.5449 or tim@cafe4111.org

Details: Free to all, Free Coffee & Tea & Goodies, Come with an open heart and be ready for a packet of info to snack on

1999

2009

"Could I use your microwave to heat up my mac 'n cheese?"

These were the words of Danny, who wandered into the Cafe on a recent weekday afternoon. He was a bit uncertain, looking around, unsure if he was really welcome. We offered not only the microwave, but a sandwich and a cup of soup as well. Immediately, Danny said he couldn't do that. He couldn't take the food. He didn't have any money. He was stunned when I told him the food was free.

He asked me if I was sure about it being free. I assured him that yes, we simply give the food away at no cost. (Gosh, it's great to be able to do that!) He gladly took the sandwich from me, got a cup of soup for himself, and devoured both. Danny went on to tell me that he was homeless, living out of his car.

Danny's parents told him when he was 18 that he'd have to leave.

Shortly after he left home, his Mom & Dad moved out of state. Danny said he would be starting a part-time job as a dishwasher later in the day - then he'd have money. Tim gave Danny a food map and showed him that there were other places to get food around Medina.

My heart ached for this young guy. Homeless and abandoned at 19! I thought about his need for food, not just earthly but the heavenly food that only his Father in heaven can give him. What an incredible opportunity to feed and build relationship with those who hunger, pointing them to the only one who can bring fullness to every part of life!

As Danny headed for the door, we invited him to come back anytime. He still seemed a bit awed by how he was welcomed as he left the Cafe. I'm not sure if he'll return. I pray he returns and we have more opportunities to point him to the one who fills every need completely in His time.

- Bill Marras

  Cafe' Volunteer 

Kids swarm the cafe. They line the coffee bar sweating all over the counter and panting for something cold to drink. Library bags relax comfortably on the cafe's cozy red chairs. A teenage boy and girl sit face to face at a chess table in a furious battle of wit. And a group of middle school youth pile on the wooden bench near our over-sized table. The cafe is packed. It's packed with kids. Some new kids. And some regulars. And it is fun!

I blame the free kool-aid, ice cream, popsicles, and air conditioning. The cafe volunteers fault the friendly and welcoming hospitality we offer. Maybe it's a bit of both.

"What'dve Y'all been up to?" I ask. (Y'all spits from my lips now and again. It comes naturally from being born in San Antonio.)

"We're headed out to play basketball?" replies one young man.

The kids carry on. Tease one another. And argue over whether they have enough people to play. They chug kool-aid and sweet tea and beg for more Ramen noodle soup.

Then, as fast as they came, they're gone. But they'll be back.

So I sit down to read, leaving the work to my community service helpers. A woman I've never met walks through the door carrying a Bundt Cake. It was a delicious surprise!

"Is that for us?" I say excitedly.

"Yes!" she replies setting it gently on the bar.

After a quick exchange of thank you's and you're welcomes, she leaves. I sit up, place my book on the shelf, and walk over to smell her donation. I lift the cake to inspect it and hiding beneath it is a $20 bill.

I think to myself as I drop the donation in the box: WOW, What a sweet surprise! Thank you Father for this woman and her provision.

Please know that all the volunteers are doing what they can to serve and reach the young people of Medina. We may not always see them experience the life-changing power of knowing Jesus. But we are serving. We are sharing. We are praying. We're giving away bibles, and feeding the hungry, and quenching the thirst of those thirsty, and doing all of this in His name and for His glory.

Thank you for giving. You are just as much a part of our work as those on the front lines. And you get to share in the reward awaiting those who remain faithful until the end.

Someone once wrote, "Whatever you do (WHATEVER), work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (NIV, Colossians 3:23-24).

They are not seeking recognition. But I thought you should know about their great energy and sacrifice and love. Shepherds Grace Church does something different with their Vacation Bible School program. They go out and serve. They take it to the streets. They don't host it at their church.

This week (minus one day for threat of rain) they've organized a Vacation Bible School program at Cafe 41:11 for kids in the Medina community. Tonight is their last night. They're planning a carnival of activities for kids 5 - 12 years old from 6:30 to 8:30pm tonight.

If you've got nothing to do, bring your child to join in the fun. Check out these awesome pictures of this week's fun activities combined with the sharing of God's love found by faith in Jesus. Awesome...just awesome!

Your financial support to keep the cafe doors open is making a difference.

Click to View Pictures>>

I painted my toe nails once. Did I just admit to that? (I told you before that I was little odd.) But sometimes, you have to go to extremes to connect with people for an opportunity to share the truth about the love and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. And painted toe nails on a man opens up some hilarious conversations. I won't go into the details.

I will say that this: Monday, July 20 from 6-8pm a group of ladies are hosting a FREE spa night at Cafe 41:11. Teenage girls and adult women are welcome to come. There is a sign up sheet at the cafe. Please call me 330.304.5449 if you would like to attend or if you know of a young person who could use some one-on-one TLC.

These ladies are offering FREE pedicures, manicures, haircuts, and relaxation massages.

I'll be at the cafe today from 3-6pm and tomorrow. We already have some sign-ups. Please pray for the ladies hosting this event and for the teens and women attending. It's a wonderful opportunity to serve the needs of young women in Medina.

I may have them paint my toe nails too...just for fun .

Conan O'Brien, host of the Tonight Show, says, "Twitter is all the rage." This e-news update is a twitter update on some of the past "goings-on" at the cafe. Thank you for your support and prayers. Keep more of both coming our way. Enjoy!

1. Gave a new Bible away to a guest last week.

2. One type A organizer helped one non-type A person (me) organize and clean our pantry.

3. More people helped organize our pantry.

4. Prayed for a freezer and fridge for the cafe. Received two freezers and a fridge in less than 48 hours.

5. Medina city historical board voted unanimously to approve our new CUPS CAFE outdoor sign.

6. New CUPS CAFE business cards printed and donated to the cafe.

7. Shepherds Grace Church hosting a community VBS program at the cafe this week for young people in Medina.

8. Beat my wife in a quick game of corn hole.

9. Medina Presbyterian Church VBS collecting and donating canned goods and supplies for the cafe this week. I'm speaking there Sunday and they're coming to the cafe to refurbish our outdoor tables...YEAH!

10. Training two new volunteers. One next week. The other in a couple weeks.

11. Cafe blessed again this year with a contract from the fair to raise money for the cafe. Will need workers. More to come on that.

12. Ran out of paper towels. My wife donated some today.

13. Mollie spending a few days this week with grandparents in Pennsylvania.

14. A community service person asked me to help keep them accountable with an addiction.

15. A woman will donate cans of whipped cream on a weekly basis through the rest of the summer.

16. A volunteer asked if it was okay to continue playing a game with a teen. OF COURSE!! I reply.

17. Two volunteers helped out a guest. Took this person to a church outing.

18. Free spa night Monday July 20 for young teens and women. Already have some sign-ups!!!

19. Donuts run plentiful at the cafe.

20. My wife got a raise. She made more than me last quarter.

21. Met new cafe neighbors renting the location next to us. Cool.

22. Umbrellas look sweet outside in the nice weather.

23. A man just released from jail stopped in asking for a cup of cold water. Our new vision statement at work. I think we touched his heart.

24. A special donation of $500 made to the cafe last week will help us pay the rent for August. Any matchers for September?

25. Stopped everything, all the noise, for a moment late one night when I couldn't sleep to listen for God's voice. Found it to be a good exercise (u should try it). Heard Him say, "I love you." And, "Live Life." Yeah...um...still processing that last one.

26. A friend came over and got on my roof to help me work through a roof problem.

27. A friend bought me a brand new hammer drill. Undeserved...but thankful.

28. Cafe hosted a live teen band last Friday night. 70 guests came through the doors.

29. Gave canned goods from our pantry to a woman and her shut-in grandmother. Told her it was from God and that God is real and He loves her. She wept.

"What happened?" I ask crossing the back cafe parking lot. "Did you wipe out?"

"No," replies a sandy, blonde-haired teenager stomping his bike with his sneaker. "My handlebars came loose. I'm trying to straighten 'em."

"Oh...you needa' socket wrench?" I ask.

"No, it takes an Allen Wrench."

"I think I have a set in the cafe," I offer.

The teenager follows slowly behind me. He yells to his three friends, "No...wait up, guys. He has tools...come with me?!"

After unlocking the front door, I walk in, dig out the tool box, grab an Allen Wrench set and then walk outside. The teen takes the largest wrench and tightens the neck of his bike.

"Thank you," he says handing it back to me.

"You're welcome. You guys want to come in for some kool-aid or popsicles?"

"Sure," the sweating, sun-scorched teens answer.

They leave their bikes outside and follow me into the air conditioning.

"I have cherry kool-aid, lemonade, or popsicles?"

A machine-gun-like burst of "KOOL-AID!!" ricochets through the cafe.

"Kool-aids all around. Comin' right up!"

While they sip their drinks, I find out only one of them has been to the cafe. We really are meeting and serving new young people just as Janis mentioned in her last post. And we couldn't do it without your generous support and continual prayers.

It amazes me how a tiny, simple Allen Wrench can spark a friendship. Never underestimate the power of a wrench. It can be effectively used to tighten the loose things in our lives, and it can be a powerful tool for tightening relationships.

What a cool moment on a hot day!

The manager of a free coffeehouse ministry wears many hats. Literally (as you already know from a previous e-news article) and figuratively. I'm a manager, administrator, fundraiser, missionary, and counselor. A janitor, dishwasher, carpenter, painter, short-order cook, and amateur Barista. You name it. I most likely do it.

I now proudly wear the title of "shoelace tie-dude."

Evelyn Crowley, a gracious helper, stood behind the cafe counter diligently wrapping goodies. I sat on a stool across from her when one of our beloved handicapped guests dropped in. He approached me asking, "Tim, can you tie my shoelace?"

"I would be honored."

The seven-foot man stood while I bent down on my hands and knees to carefully tie his loose shoelace. This guy towered over me. I felt nervous, vulnerable, and humbled. He reminds me of Andre the Giant from the WWF (World Wrestling Federation).

"Do you want this loose shoelace tied in a double knot?" I nearly shudder, hoping to not suddenly find myself in a debilitating sleeper hold.

The gentleman heartily replies, "Yeah!"

"It looks like your other shoelace is coming loose. Would you like me to tighten it also?"

"Yes, please," he says.

I reply, "Anytime you need your shoes tied, you can ask me. Okay?"

"Okay."

"You're my pal right?"

"Oh, yeah!" He gargles.

The man sat down, finished his soup, drank his coffee, then left.

Jesus said, "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me'" (NKJV, Matthew 25:40).

I pray and hope Jesus' words are true. I want my great King to tie the "shoestrings of my heart" when they come untied. Which happens quite often. I want lots of opportunities to approach Him asking for help with my inability to daily trust Him. Which, again, happens nearly everyday. My inability to consistently trust Him is at the top of my "strengths" list. (You don't want to know what atop's my "weaknesses" list.)

Thank you for your financial support and prayers. We need more...of both. The staff and volunteers of Cafe 41:11 couldn't continue serving on our hands and knees without your sacrificial support. Thanks for empowering us to be "shoelace tie-dudes and dudettes."