Q: Give us a little background about your testimony/story and how that led you to looking for an organization like Cafe 1040.
A: I heard about Cafe 1040 when one of my really good friends went the summer before me and she loved it. I worked at a camp and some of those people on staff went as well. A missions mobilizer would come set up a table at Wesley Foundation I was involved with. I thought it would be the best way to move forward with what missions work looks like. Growing up I never knew what I wanted to do, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to help people and the Lord highlighted missions for me in college. The Lord is slowly growing me towards missions and what that looks like.
Q: What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome before going through Cafe 1040's program?
A: I am a huge over thinker, is this the right time, is this something I should do? God is slowly teaching me about making decisions. The biggest obstacle was support raising, but it was a neat opportunity to see the Lord’s provision in that and share with my friends and family.
Q: Why did you choose your location for overseas?
A: I felt a tug towards that region of the world. It was a perfect fit.
Q: What did you enjoy most about your time there and with our program?
A: I loved getting to be stationary in one place instead of a quick trip. I liked being planted there and experiencing what it was like to live there. I loved my team. I know that’s not always the case for people, but I was super thankful for that.
Q: What was most encouraging for you during our 3-month program?
A: I loved the mentorship and the way it’s set up. Meeting with a mentor and having that accountability and getting to hear her encouragement and look forward to that. I was able to process and she asked very purposeful questions. In the beginning its a lot of questions about how I was doing being there and towards the end it she asked about what are you leaning towards and how can I help you best. She was super encouraging and I always felt like I was being poured into.
Q: What was the most challenging thing for you?
A: I think having moments of feeling super lonely. I wasn’t crazy homesick, but I didn’t know the language; it’s 100 degrees outside. Hitting the moment of I cannot communicate with this person and it’s hot and I miss the familiarity of being home. It was very liberating at the same time. I would have a hard morning, but by the end of the day the Lord would show me hope. It was hard, but it was a good challenging.
Q: Describe an experience you had that impacted the way you thought about missions.
A: One of my teammates and I met a local friend. Her name was A*. Before going overseas I had a broad, romantic view of missions. I can’t stand on the corner and share the gospel. If I am around people why can’t I instantly start sharing the gospel? But what shifted for me was that I saw the importance of establishing relationships and assimilating into their culture instead of tossing bibles at them. We hung out with our friend A* and we would hang out around the city and around the 4th time hanging out with her we weren’t seeing depth in our conversations. We weren’t sure where to prioritize her and that relationship because it didn’t seem to be moving past just friendly conversations. We met as a team and prayed over our local friends. A* came over to practice her English and before she came over we prayed for her and asked the Lord to allow us to have really good conversations with her. And that night A* started opening up without us even prompting or asking her. She opened up about her family and her struggles and me and my teammate just looked at each other. And we were able to share with her what we believed and who Jesus was. The rest of the summer we had opportunities to continue to share and pour into her. After we left she made contact with the staff to continue the relationship and to this day I get emails from the staff saying, continue to pray for her, she is getting closer to making a decision to follow Jesus.
Just the fact that the Lord invites us into missions work, he doesn’t need us. And recognizing the importance of relationships.
Q: What surprised you most about the culture?
A: They are very hospitable culture and open their homes to everyone. They are willing to allow us in and value their family a lot. It was surprising how involved they were in each others lives. Their doors were open all the time. And people could just come in an out. They would eat soup for breakfast and that took awhile to get used to.
Q: Did this experience give you more clarity and confidence on your calling? How?
A: Yes, I think so. The lord just opened my eyes to what his bigger picture is and highlighted the necessity to what it looks like to be among unreached. From the time you are a kid and sharing the Gospel is important, but highlighting the role you can have in it and why it’s important. It changed my perspective on missions. Even now God is teaching me, before I send you, I want you to be confident to share with others around you.
Q: Would you recommend Cafe 1040’s program to others/friends? Why?
A: Yes, I would and I have! People will ask me or it will come up in conversation and any time anyone brings up missions work, I will talk about Cafe 1040. I would recommend it because it is so non-committal. The program doesn’t pressure you into committing your life. You understand us and you know if students go they will be change and there is no pressure. And it’s a good opportunity if people want to learn if you are capable of living overseas. Its very different than most programs.
Q: If you could summarize Cafe 1040 into one sentence, how would you summarize our program?
A: A semester of a lifetime that broadens your perspective of missions work and bring transformative growth to your walk with the Lord. You truly see God’s heart for the nations, but not how you expect. You see God’s creativity.
Q: What would you tell someone who is considering Cafe 1040?
A: Why are you uncertain about going? Fear shouldn’t hold you back. I would encourage them that if the Lord doesn’t want this for your life, he will make it happen if it’s for you.
Cafe 1040 is awesome! It really is such a life-changing experience. It’s a tangible way to take a step of boldness to walk into a place of obedience. The lord has transformed my perspective of his character and I grew in ways I wasn’t expecting to grow in. It’s worth the “risk” of asking for support and going to an unreached people group.
