Coffee and Kindness

Anna*, who did not attend church, reluctantly showed up to a Coffee Break meeting at First CRC this past year after having been invited by a neighbor. At first she was uncomfortable, but she continued to come every week. She read stories like that of David and Goliath for the first time. It wasn’t long before Anna felt as though she belonged and felt comfortable sharing with the group; as the year drew to a close, she found that she didn’t want it to end.

First CRC, located in DeMotte, Indiana, has been hosting a Coffee Break group for 30 years. Jayne Bowers, group leader for the past 19 years, is now experiencing the largest group this Coffee Break fellowship has ever seen. With 105 ladies and 14 leaders, the group has had to be creative just to accommodate them all.

Like the many other Coffee Break groups supported by Home Missions, this one includes all types of women. No matter age, race, denomination, or walk of life, all are welcomed with open arms. The goal of Coffee Break is to accept each woman and make her feel comfortable enough with the group to open up and share. “We love each lady who walks through the door,” explains Bowers.

“That is what Coffee Break is all about,” she goes on. “Studying Scripture, changing lives, growing closer to God, encouraging one another . . .  and loving the women right where they are.” In addition to studying the Bible, members pray together—some for the first time. “I have had women tell me they did not know you could just talk to God like that. Women learn how to pray and we pray for them. They share how much it means to hear someone pray for them.”

“I want you to know that Coffee Break has changed my life,” wrote one member. “I think it is so awesome the things we are learning about God . . . I feel very close to our whole group—everyone there has inspired me to strive to live the way God intended me to live. Thank you for showing me such kindness and acceptance.”

*Name has been changed

Find more at the Coffee Break website.