Xelda Ministries was born with the help of a donation from the estate of Xelda Ditmer, the grandmother of HOH’s founder, Michael Wawrzewski. She was passionate about sharing the good news about Christ and inspired Mike to take his first mission trip.
After her death, Mike decided that the best way to honor her memory was to start a branch of Hospitals of Hope that would be focused on building relationships and sharing Christ’s love through friendship. The original plan was to start a coffee shop in the city of Cochabamba, but, due to complications with finding the right personnel and a good location, it has now been moved to the hospital, where it can be a more integral part of our volunteers’ ministry and where it can better serve our staff and patients.
We have been serving coffee in the hospital for nearly three weeks now, and it has proved to be a great way to get to know those we interact with on a daily basis. It provides a welcoming environment, rather than a cold, sterile waiting area. Patients often take the opportunity to chat with us about their lives, sharing a bit about their hopes and fears. Sometimes they choose to just sit quietly, reading the Bibles on the center of each table.
We’ve got great plans for the future of the café, as well. In the next few weeks, we’re planning an English class that will meet in the café area, and we’re also hoping to bring in live music, as we’ve got some volunteers coming who play the guitar.
If you’re ever in the area, feel free to stop by for a cappuccino and a chat. We’d love to see you!
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