Creating A Good Story

It's about time I start writing again...it's only been, what, a year? Yikes! I finally have a reason to write and keep updated after Zach Pflederer sparked a great idea last night at Imago Dei Church's youth gathering, Iuventis. (His blog can be found by visiting http://zachpflederer.wordpress.com/)

We began the evening talking about STORY. We all want to live a good story...one people remember or want to be a part of. All of our stories fit into the one BIG story of God's story. This story is told through Scripture and lives on through us as we partner with Him to work towards the redemption of all things. Inside our own stories are little stories that happen, some big, some small.

Last night we wanted to provide the students with a good story to tell so we did a scavenger hunt around Morton. 3 teams competing for an unknown prize. After 45 minutes of speeding around Morton, getting chopsticks from a Chinese restaurant, a picture in front of the Libby's sign, buying an ugly tie at Wal-mart(Father, forgive us) and 15 other things my team came away the champions...finding 18 of the 30 items in the allotted 45 minute time frame.

Upon our glorious victory each team member received $40 cash, second place team members received $20 cash , and last place team members received $10 cash. Quite a shock to the students as well as myself.

We were told that we could spend the money on ourselves or use the money to find ways to multiply it and create a good story...

...so thus begins that story...

Last night I purchased a 12oz. bag of Panama Esmeralda Especial Coffee from Stumptown Coffee in Portland. (check it out at http://www.stumptowncoffee.com/coffees/direct-trade/panama-esmeralda-especial-mario-carnaval-)

This coffee costs a whopping $75 for 12oz. worth of coffee. It is held as the best coffee in the world, winning the Cup of Excellence the last 4 years. There are many in my profession who would give anything to try a cup of this mouthwatering brew as well as a handful of committed Copper River customers and friends whom I've proudly converted to coffee geekery.

So, starting next week I will be selling this coffee for $12 a cup while I'm at work (Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat from 7am-2pm). I will make it with the pour-over method, perhaps the best way of brewing by the cup that can be done without a $12,000 clover press.

This coffee is also what's known as DIRECT TRADE meaning that Stumptown directly deals with the farmer who grew this coffee and can pay him top dollar without any middlemen, meaning that the farmer is paid considerably higher than what most are in the industry. (Feel free to talk to me more about this subject or read about it yourself).

Any money made from the sale of each cup will go towards meeting a need that arises over the next month or to some sort of charitable organization.

I plan on keeping you all updated on how much I've made, what folks are saying about the coffee, as well as what we end up doing with the money. Hopefully pictures will accompany anyone who decided to buy a cup of this incredible coffee as well as what they thought of it.

For those who think $12 for a cup of coffee is ludicrous perhaps you have never had great coffee...this is your chance to be enlightened while at the same time giving to two great causes at once...enriching a farmers life who have historically been oppressed and also towards the final lump sum that will be given to a charity or other cause.

Join me in this story!

...The Redemption of ALL Things