Café Chat 2008  ...…by Anne Chedgzoy (Café Manager)
Jesus said “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel”

Liverpool has been an interesting place to be this year as “European Capital of Culture”. The number of visitors to the city has exceeded expectations. In the café we have had customers from a variety of countries including Italy, Brazil, France, Spain, Poland, Turkey, Scandinavia, Russia, China & Malaysia. Sometimes taking the orders is quite a challenge for the café volunteers! But hopefully the customers get what they expect!

One of the biggest regular groups has been some Chinese students attending language schools at the University over the summer. One day, a group of 20 came in together, almost filling the café and making the atmosphere very lively! They seemed to like the English breakfasts, lasagne and omelettes in particular! Although spiritual conversations were limited because of time and language, we were able to give them literature and Scripture portions in Chinese provided by the pastor of the Liverpool Chinese church. Recently the University tutor of the group came down to the café especially to tell us that many of the students had reported that we were the best café to eat in and that he would tell next years group of 120 students about us!

Another day a Lithuanian man seeking asylum was referred to us in need of food. He seemed to speak no English except for “thank you” but we were able to give him a John’s gospel in Russian which he seemed grateful for. We also have literature available in German, Italian, French, Polish and Spanish. Many of us cannot go abroad to speak to people about Jesus but often He sends them to us!

The results of our recent questionnaire showed that we have had visitors from many different places around Britain too. Of course we also have customers who are more local and regular, some coming several times a week. It’s good when we can build up relationships with people and chat about our families, as friends, often on first name terms. Interestingly in the survey, the majority of people said that they came to the café because they were passing by and saw us, with only a few saying they came through friends or from churches. We asked for comments about the service and the food in case there is anything we can improve upon - some are included below. We weren’t looking for praise but to see if we were meeting the aims of the café - to offer a good choice of food at reasonable prices in a friendly atmosphere which demonstrates our love for Christ and people. Here are some of the comments we received

“Everything is all good, keep up the good work. Thanks for the service-very pleasant & polite”

“The breakfasts are lovely”                     “Very pleasant service and good food”  

“Very nice staff and very cheerful every time”       “They cook a “boss” Full English”

“It is a warm friendly place where sometimes I meet friends. Nice low key Christian atmosphere and hospitality”

“The staff are friendly and efficient and the food is good”   “Cheap but very good food”

“Very welcoming for our first visit to Liverpool”                  “Very good breakfast”

“It feels like Grandma’s place here- I love it!” (Anne says she’s happy with this comment now she is a grandma!)

“The café is fab and the work they do for people on the street is a god-send. God bless the Mission Café”

Although the daytime café is different from the Mission’s early morning work among the homeless, there are many overlapping areas. The proceeds and donations help to support the rescue work but often during the day we are able to help those in need. Sometimes there are homeless families with children placed in a local bed and breakfast hotel for short periods. We are able to help out with hot food and even laundry facilities. Often some of the early morning lads call in to buy coffee before they go off to sell the Big Issue papers, or wave as they go past. So by what we do and what we say we are actively seeking to fulfill Christ’s great Commission “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.” (Mark chapter 16 verse 15)

Thanks go again to the faithful volunteers who work so hard, especially on busy days and when we are short staffed. They are a vital part of the ministry of the café. There are often vacancies for volunteers to help. If you are able to offer a regular day a week or on an occasional basis, please contact the café 0151 702 5381 (9am -3.30pm Mon-Fri) or the office 0151 709 8866.