Coffee Talk

With Marc & Denise Atchley

Evangelism in the Marketplace

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

What do ashes, a former drug addict, and a coffee shop have in common?  By God's grace, together they can be used to reach the lost for Christ.  This coming Wednesday (Feb 26) is Ash Wednesday, and Bishop Mychal Spense, now 30-years sober from heroine addiction, will offer "Ashes to Go" at our coffeehouse in downtown Knoxville.  Sound strange?

Growing up, our (Marc's and Denise's) families never observed Ash Wednesday nor the Lenten season.  We had a few friends who gave things up for Lent, and later in adulthood we noticed folks with cross-shaped smudges on their foreheads.  What did it all mean? Were the markings and the self-denial just rituals of a works-based version of Christianity, or was there something more to it?  A quick look at Wikipedia reveals that the Lenten season (including Ash Wednesday) was established at least as early as 325 AD by the First Council of Nicea (the same council that gave us the Nicean Creed).  It was, and remains, a 40-day period of prayer, repentance, and fasting to prepare believers for the celebration of Easter.

Honestly, we've not explored it much further since we began to ask the questions.  But one interesting resource that we've come across recently is To Seek and To Save by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson.  To Seek and To Save is a 40-day devotional for the
Lenten season that helps the reader to focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ ... which should really be the point of Lent anyway.

And it is the reason why Bishop Mychal is offering "Ashes to Go" this Wednesday.  30 years ago, Mychal was a heroine addict who experienced the life changing and life giving work of Christ.  He devoted his life to Jesus and to pursuing those on the margins of life and society.  He currently works with Knox Area Rescue Ministries spending his nights ministering to those who live on the streets.  When he sets up his station this Wednesday to offer "Ashes to Go" it is not to offer ritual penance that somehow earns merit or enables one to check a religious box.  Rather, Bishop Mychal is seeking an opportunity in the marketplace to share with others who may never darken a church's door that we "are dust and shall return to dust. (Genesis 3:15)  That "the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)  That "the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (Mark 1:15)  We pray that the outward ashes that folks receive will reflect the "sackcloth and ashes" of a contrite and repentant heart before a gracious Savior.  Please pray with us to this end!

In most cases, it's probably not advisable for missionaries who are soon to leave for the field to launch a new business.  But in our case, it was clearly the direction and an opportunity from God to do so.  In January, we and nine other partners, including Knoxville Leadership Foundation (a Christian non-profit), purchased the coffeehouse that my employer (Vienna Coffee) had decided to sell.  I had been managing the shop since September, and we and the partners saw the potential to operate a missional coffeehouse under the flag of a well respected local brand.  Please pray that the Lord would bless Vienna Coffee at The Regas Building as both a profitable enterprise and a platform for making disciples.  Please also pray that God provides the right person to take my place as manager ... I am still going to Greece!

Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church
Earlier this month we had the delight and privilege of participating in the annual Missions Festival at Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church (Fairhope, AL).  The weekend, packed with well attended events, was a clear demonstration of the congregation's commitment to global missions.  Arch & Carol Middleton opened up their home to us and couldn't have been more loving and hospitable ... they made us feel like family.  We look forward to a long and close relationship with the Middletons and with the Eastern Shore congregation!

Christ Covenant Church
Our home church, Christ Covenant Church (Knoxville, TN) hosted its own annual Missions Conference this past weekend, which we thoroughly enjoyed.  It's one of the highlights of the church calendar, and we have loved attending and participating over the years.  We honored to be a part of such missions-minded congregation!

The Kids' Schooling in Greece We're seeking to raise the funds for the kids' education (English-speaking school) through one-time gifts and additional monthly giving. If this is something that you would like to help with, we would love to speak with you in more detail.

Partnership Through Prayer & Giving
"as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." 2 Corinthians 1:11

We praise the Lord for providing partners like you! Here are several specific items for which we would greatly appreciate prayer.
- Greek visa application process
- Selection of housing and school(s) for the children (we're visiting Greece next month and hope to make decisions)
- Sale of our house here in Maryville
- Children's adjustment to leaving the US and living in Greece
Thank you for your prayers and generosity!

Marc and Denise Atchley
TEAM Greece