Date: August 30, 2021
Location: Yerevan, Armenia
Host: ATL (Ask The Lord)
I’m going to press pause on my stories of Mestia, Georgia for just a bit and skip ahead to a current opportunity. My new World Race team, FillUp, has partnered with a unique coffee shop in Yerevan, Armenia. I’m thrilled to share their vision and invite you to support them as well!
The origin of Altar Coffee and Books’ name comes from the historical importance of this geographical area. Armenia is the location of the first recorded building of an altar in the Bible. In Genesis 8, Noah, after exiting the ark on Mount Ararat (which, fun fact, is within eyesight of this town!), built an altar to the Lord and presented an offering of worship.
An altar signifies a place where one draws near to God. Right here, the ministry before the altar remains at the forefront of God’s divine calling upon this unique nation. As a nonprofit organization, Altar Coffee and Books seeks to offer a place where people can continue drawing near to God through books, prayer, worship, and fellowship over a delicious cup of coffee.
Altar is the first store in Armenia to offer Christian literature not only in Armenian, but in other local languages as well. We already have an amazing testimony of providing our neighbor with the first Bible she’s read in her native language! Through Altar, God is using the written Word to make Himself known.
A prayer room is also a unique part of their vision. The back room of the coffee shop is set up as a place for individuals or groups to gather to pray and worship. Complete with instruments, giant bean bags, and a chalkboard wall, the space has become very dear to my team!
Altar opened in December of 2020 only to find out 4 months later that the building owners decided to sell the place. Since then, Altar has been raising money to purchase the building. They have $100,000 left to raise by the end of the year.
God led our team to partner with Altar specifically by helping them fundraise during our time in Armenia. We fully believe in the incredible ministry and vision they have here. We want to see that positive impact continue!
Here are a few ways you could join us in partnering with Altar:
- Make a donation of $25+ and receive one of our hand-painted cards. This is something I’m personally passionate about. I LOVE being creative with my hands, so the opportunity to combine it with missions has been especially rewarding!
- Give directly toward our live worship event. On Thursday, September 2nd, we will be hosting a worship night here at Altar. Your donation would help us get the word out and provide food and prizes during the event.
- Finally, we have a limited edition opportunity… The first 3 people to donate $100+ will receive an Altar color-changing coffee mug and a bag of coffee beans!
You can donate through Venmo: @altar_coffee. The money comes directly to my team and we will personally pass it on to Altar. If you prefer another donation form, let me know!
Please also keep my team in your prayers! We recognize this is a big task, but we absolutely believe our God is bigger. Each of us has seen Him provide faithfully for our own World Race fundraising. I know He can do it again!
We come to the ALTAR to ALTER our lives.
Just as the ark rested on the mountains of this region, join us in building for the Lord a resting place here!
I always love reading your stories my beautiful daughter. You are using the talents God has given you wisely and effectively. Is there a 501(c)(3) not for profit USA organization that supports the coffee shop that can receive donations for this project?
Aww thanks, Dad! That means a lot. Yes, they do have a giving platform that would be tax deductible. I’ll send it to you.