Advent 2020Sample

Regeneration, restoration…and coffee This year has required vast amounts of hope from Christians all around the world. For me and my husband, 2020 was the year we decided to open a coffee shop in the Rhondda Valleys. We felt God leading us to do this after our town was voted Wales’ worst high street. Clwb Coffi was to be a picture of God’s regeneration and restoration – not only of souls, but also of communities. Leaving behind the comforts of regular income, security, and approval of others, we took the plunge and took steps to make it happen. When viewing the property that would later become Clwb Coffi ’s home, we were moved to see written on the wall upstairs the words: "It is I. Don’t be afraid." (Matthew 14:27) Jesus said this to the disciples when they were afraid in the storm and their hope was seemingly not in him. Jesus’ words have brought immeasurable amounts of hope to both me and my husband, and this scripture has led us through fears of stepping into the unknown, through financial worries, and through the months of delayed opening due to coronavirus. Praise God, our coffee shop is now open and we are still putting our hope in Jesus for what’s to come. I invite you to let Jesus’ words of assurance speak to your heart today. He is with you. By Sarah Sutton, Youth and Engagement Manager for Tearfund Cymru.