I was watching a repeat of "Extreme Makeover" yesterday (I watch TV when I procrastinate) and saw an episode of a few years ago about two makeovers in My City. I wrote a post about it in February of 2010, and felt compelled to re-post today. Ty Pennington is an amazing person, and the concept of the show is so powerful, it brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it. I'm pleased to bring you this post once again.
Have you heard of Unknown Mami? She has a delightful blog where she shares photos of her city on Sundays. She invites the rest of us to link up with her and share some of our own city's photos. Click on the logo above to visit Mami's Sundays in My City!
I live in St. Louis, Missouri. Welcome to my City!
Not far from where I live, there is a small structure in the middle of a parking lot of a strip mall. This small, but powerful structure is a drive-through coffee, snack and lunch shop. Welcome to “More Than Coffee, Helping Challenged People One Cup at a Time.” With each cup of coffee, patrons receive printed scriptures that have been applied to the cup’s heat protector. This is one way the owner glorifies God. Please stop by the website here and say hello!
I was privileged to meet the owner of More Than Coffee, Sam Malek, and get a first hand look at the shop. Sam's kind demeanor and huge heart immediately drew me in. He is an extraordinary Christian man who lives by the ideals of paying it forward. After his overhead expenses are met, all of his proceeds are given to local charities. His volunteer employees are capable young men and women who are passionate about their work. Oh, and by the way, all of his employees have a physical or mental challenge. Sam trains his crew in many aspects of the business. They participate in food preparation, taking orders, working the cash register, and serving the public with a smile and genuine interest in their well being. These employees take this training with them when they move on to paying jobs as they join the workforce along with the rest of us.
Two years ago, More Than Coffee was visited by Ty and his crew from Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Prior to the visit, Sam’s establishment was very small and would not accommodate wheel chairs. It does now…and then some! Everything Sam needs to run his business is at his finger tips.
If you visit St. Louis, you simply must stop by for a cup of coffee. You will leave with a feeling of joy knowing that you just paid something forward. If you live in St. Louis… well…get a move on! Your patronage will be a blessing for so many of our local charities.
Thanks for stopping by my City!
