EAST NORTHPORT, USA - Henry Sanchez was reluctant to
restart his social life after his wife of 27 years, Barbara, died from breast
cancer last December.
His attitude changed after he found Samantha's "Li'l Bit of Heaven,"
a boutique-turned-Christian coffeehouse on Long Island. A warm hello from the
proprietor, Samantha Tetro, and a supportive environment have made him a
regular on Friday nights.
"I got this great big greeting when I came in the door," the
52-year-old Mr. Sanchez said. "She held my hand and we sat on the
couch."
Miss Tetro, who calls herself a messianic Jew - meaning a Jew who has accepted
Jesus Christ as his or her savior - opened the coffeehouse in 1994. Her goal
was to create a place where people could make new friends, find solace and
experience the love of God.
"I was watching the news, and the news was so horrible, I started to
grieve in my spirit," Miss Tetro recalled. "I shut the TV off and
cried out to God: 'What's wrong with this world? Can't there be a little heaven
on Earth?' And that's where the name came from."
Miss Tetro's friends encouraged her to pursue the project and helped her get
the donations she needed to open the coffeehouse in the clothing store she used
to run.
Inside, tables with inspirational Christian literature surround a stage. Framed
artwork with Scripture and Christian messages hang on the wall. Customers can
choose from a selection of pastries and drinks.
Though not affiliated with any church or religious organization, Li'l Bit of
Heaven resembles a full-service ministry. There are programs on bereavement and
for the divorced and single. The place also hosts a Glory on Wheels night for
the physically challenged and a night of fellowship for U.S. military veterans.
Miss Tetro offers video seminars and Bible workshops, and invites guest
speakers.
Miss Tetro, 44, estimates 30,000 people have come to the coffeehouse, including
some from as far away as Russia and Malaysia.
"It's kind of like the United Nations when you come in," Miss Tetro
said.
About 20 couples have met there and married, she says.
Christian coffeehouses became popular in the late 1960s and early '70s as part
of the "Jesus movement," during which some hippies began following
Christ.
The coffeehouses died out by the 1980s as people in the movement got older,
married and had less interest in organizing social gatherings. However, the
establishments have regained popularity as Christians seek innovative ways to
reach people. The Catholic Charismatic Center in Campbell, Calif., which lists
Christian coffeehouses on its Web site (www.garg.com/coffee), identifies at
least one in every state.
In National City, Calif., just outside San Diego, Betty McCoy and her husband
founded the Steamed Bean Coffee House seven years ago. The neighborhood had
some rough sections, and she said pimps and drug dealers were among her
customers. Some Christian musicians would not perform there because of the
area's reputation, but Miss McCoy persevered despite the challenges.
"God has kept us here," she said.
Now, her customers include some college students and a redevelopment project is
improving the neighborhood.
In Missouri, Don Sharp runs the Gathering Place coffeehouse, in Baden, a poor
section of northeast St. Louis. Mr. Sharp, pastor of the Church of God
Independent Holiness People, uses the coffeehouse to dispel misconceptions
about the area.
"People have a negative view of north St. Louis," Mr. Sharp
explained. "This allows them to come and see what we have here and take
that knowledge home with them."
Still, ministering to the neighborhood is a central goal.
Mr. Sharp's facility also has a day care center, clothing ministry and food
service. He even allows people who are struggling or in crisis to stay at his
home.
Many of the bands Mr. Sharp books are affiliated with Christian youth groups
that travel with the musicians to the coffeehouse gigs, staying in the
neighborhood for as long as a week doing service projects.
On Saturday night, while music is playing, volunteers set clothes outside the
Gathering Place for needy neighbors to pick through.
Miss Tetro's greatest satisfaction is when programs at Li'l Bit of Heaven help
people address their life problems. "I'm in awe," she said. "I
know God made something out of nothing."