For the past 6 weeks, my team C3 has come along side Bella Goose Coffee to meet various administrative needs they have. Bella Goose has 2 locations in Wisconsin and 3 in Chiang Mai. Their goal is to enrich communities through people-first hospitality and empower people globally. Through their model of business as missions, they’ve employed countless people who have experienced difficult situations, and have trained them to do a variety of vocations through their Cafes and their non-profit foundation. It’s been a privilege to work with them!
The majority of our ministry days looked like office work in your typical 9-5 fashion. We worked on pitch decks, spreadsheets, bag label design, competitor reconnaissance, and long disclosure documents for future use. A few times a week, we’d visit cafes around town to check out the competition. Once in a while, we’d be asked to do something different, like a photoshoot for their advertising (see cover photo)! Each Friday, we prepared presentations to update our hosts on how the projects were coming.
This ministry opportunity looked so different than anything we had yet been a part of on the Race. It really challenged us to broaden our perspective and drop expectations of what ministry looks like and to experience business as missions. It encouraged me so much because I know many people who work office jobs, and it gave me such vision and excitement for how God is using/will use those jobs to advance the kingdom! The author of Colossians, Paul, says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”(Col. 3:17).
So, if you’re working an office job, be encouraged! 2 Corinthians 4:1 says, “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” Wherever God has placed you in this season, it is by his mercy that you get to be a light there, so don’t be discouraged. Your labor is not in vain! He has a purpose for you! He is using your skills, passions, talents, diligence, integrity, and faithfulness to build the Kingdom! May you be blessed as you continue to work unto the Lord. You matter to God!
Much love!!
Kara Grace <3
