Ywam Newcastle

I am attending a 6-month Barista Discipleship Training School (DTS) through Youth With a Mission (YWAM) in Newcastle, Australia from January - June 2019. The Barista DTS is intended for students who want to learn how to use coffee and hospitality to bring people together. Students complete a 3-month lecture phase in Australia and a 3-month outreach and application phase abroad in a location to be announced. This DTS is a huge step towards my ultimate goal of starting my own coffee shop and using it as a ministry.  I am passionate about everything to do with coffee; the process in which it is grown, the work that goes into roasting the beans, and the craft of creating a drink that can also be seen as a piece of art. I believe that coffee brings people together. Whether it’s meeting up with someone that you would like to know more or gathering with family or friends, getting coffee is one of the most comfortable, non-threatening ways to have meaningful conversations with others. Therefore, I think that a coffee shop is an ideal place for counseling and for listening to those who simply need someone to talk to about what they are going through in life. My vision is to create a place where everyone feels welcome, loved, and invited to connect with others. I would like the baristas and staff at my shop to be cross-trained as counselors and be able to have conversation with customers over coffee at any time. Anyone who would like to support my journey can either donate through this GoFundMe campaign or by purchasing a custom designed t-shirt/ hoodie, inspired by my favorite lyrics from the song So Will I, by Hillsong. Every contribution means the world to me, so if you would like to give me your address along with your donation, I would love to send you a written thank you!