THE COALITION
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2// The Coalition
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Meet me at The Suburban Water Street is lit with the rising morn-
Excelsior needs to under-
ing sun. The few people walking down the
stand these aspects of Ex-
sidewalks have no real mission in mind,
celsior to really thrive in the
besides maybe grabbing their morning
small-town market.
In Excelsior, there’s always going to be a nod towards his-
cup of joe from Dunn Brothers or a crois-
As the town shifts in
sant from La Patisserie. They are there to
focus, store owners know
it starting to get
enjoy the town, not to cross things off of
when it is their time to
upgraded.
a to-do list.
leave. They close up shop
-Betty Sorensen
The details of the town often go un-
and leave the space for
noticed, but those details are precisely
someone else to give birth
what makes Excelsior unique. A success-
to a dream.
ful store or restaurant owner in a town like
4// The Coalition
tory, but I do see
“[In Excelsior], there’s always going to
be a nod towards history, but I do see it starting to get upgraded,” said Betty Sorensen of the Excelsior Chamber of Commerce.
Ever upward. Founded in 1853, Excelsior, meaning “ever upward,” quickly grew into a tourism Mecca. By the 1870s, the small town boasted luxury hotels and steamboats. Soon, downtowners living in Minneapolis built summer homes and cottages along the shores of Lake Minnetonka.
Exclesior has grown and changed throughout the years, but has always kept its root in attracting tourists.
Few made Excelsior their year-long home, in the early years. It was a summer
WHO IS EXCELSIOR?
town, a place for people to get away from the bustle of city life and it was only a trol-
POPULATION: 2,230
ley-car ride away.
FEMALES: 1,150
In 1925, the opening of the Excelsior
MALES: 1,180
Amusement Park only heightened Excelsi-
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD
or’s tourism draw. Leisure was the focus
INCOME: $54,492
of the town during the mid-20th century.
54TH HIGHEST AVERAGE INCOME OF 876
Whether people were listening to the Roll-
MINNESOTA CITIES
ing Stones at the amusement park or boat-
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and mass production, a town built around one main street with no franchise shops or restaurants is really an oddity. This though As the food industry grows in Excelsior, one major restaurant niche has not been filled in town, and it took one family’s failed venture to find and fill the gaping hole.
little
town,
historical-
ly-driven, is not frozen in time. For its namesake, Excelsior is con-
ing on Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior was a
stantly changing and growing “ever up-
place of respite, a haven.
ward.” The focus of the town has changed
After the closing of the amusement park and many local hotels, in the mid-to-
and shifted as it responds to those consuming.
late 1900s, Excelsior turned vastly more
Only a decade back, Excelsior was
residential than it had been in years past.
thought of as an antiquer’s treasure trove
Lake homes became family homes and
with many little locally-owned antique
people were there to stay.
shops. Then it shifted to women’s fashion.
While Excelsior remains a destination
In the height of this time, Thursday nights
for some, it is not the draw of tourism
during the summer women swarmed
and attractions as much as the lure of a
Main Street for Ladies’ Night to see the
quaint historic town that draws people in.
stores present their latest looks in a fash-
In the midst of a world of
ion show.
6// The Coalition
skyscrapers
The past couple of years have brought
has not been filled in town, and it took one
a whole new shift for the town as foodies
family’s failed venture to find and fill the
and restaurateurs begin to take over Main
gaping hole.
Street. “There’s always going to be change...
A sports bar.
but no matter how we keep reinventing
In the shadow of a failed attempt on
ourselves, we keep getting better and bet-
a Food Network game show, the ladies of
ter as we go,” said Sorensen.
a local Excelsior family decided to take
Channeling the desires and needs of the 2,000 some residents, places like Yu-
a leap and try something that had never been done in the history of Excelsior.
mi’s Sushi, Lago Tacos, Jake O’Connor’s
With their blonde hair and high heels,
and more have provided interesting and
mother-daughter trio, Ashley, Cindy and
different food experiences for locals and
Kelsey decided they were going to open
visitors alike.
a restaurant. As life-long Excelsior resi-
While classics like Maynard’s and Bay-
dents, the family was well-familiar with
side remain, these more niche restaurants
the area and the demographic, because
have settled at the heart of the town, and
frankly, they are the demographic.
have been well-received by restaurant-goers. And the critics agree. Yumi’s alone
Once the idea was birthed, the next order of business was to find a location.
has been voted for “Best Sushi” in the
After a manufacturer moved out of
Twin Cities by many including Citysearch,
an old warehouse building just across the
TripAdvisor and Urbanspoon.
street from the library, the Bersets knew
However as the food industry grows
they had to swoop in. They saw the space
in Excelsior, one major restaurant niche
and fell in love. The large-planked wood
//7
floors were perfect and set a great vibe,
ups ask community members to back
and from seeing the space they new it had
their projects financially. The account was
to be a sports bar.
set up in early-July and received the full
“When we went inside, its just amazing inside, with hardwood floors and wood ceilings,” said Cindy
$25,000 needed to start the company on August 17th. While the tradition of big screen televi-
In addition to the space being perfect
sions lining the walls will stand, The Sub-
for a sports bar, it is not something Ex-
urban will be far from the typical sports
celsior has seen before.
bar. Boasting unique burgers and locally
There’s tacos, sushi, Irish
crafted beer, this sports bar will be one
fare, coffee, pizza but no
that is uniquely Excelsior.
We understand the consumers, because we are the consumers.
sports bar.
“We understand the consumers, be-
“There’s really a gap
cause we are the consumers,” said Ash-
taste in a suburban
in the market. There’s
ley Berset. “Our focus is urban taste in a
location, and just
no actual sports bars.
suburban location, and just being more
being more cre-
There’s restaurants with
creative with the food.”
ative with food.
TVs but no sports bars,”
-Ashley Berset
Cindy said.
Our focus is urban
A process.
Next up was finding
While still actively involved in the
capitol to get the project rolling. The ladies
preparation process, the ladies are work-
decided that this venture was one they
ing in test kitchens, talking with vendors
could get the whole town interested in—
and overseeing the building process.
make it a community affair. They went to
And with building well underway, the
the website kickstarter.com, where start-
Bersets are beginning to experience the
8// The Coalition
reward of their hard work. Residents are
were rude to us. So that was difficult,”
constantly coming up to them sharing
said Ashley.
feedback regarding their progress, praise
Now with the project well under-
for their initiative and even hinting at their
way, full financial backing and a whole
own ideas for the menu.
community of support, the ladies have
Even during the time spent at Dunn
not had this problem.
Brothers, two men approached the ladies to talk about the bar.
The food.
“This is the future of Excelsior! Come
There will be burgers, there will be
on! I feel the energy! When are you open-
pizza. But The Suburban won’t serve its
ing?” one of the men asked. And according
customers just an ordinary burger with
to Cindy, that was not an isolated event.
cheese, said Ashley Berset.
“We run into that all the time… Everyone knows. They just can’t wait,” she said. However, according to Ashley, this has not always been the case. In the beginning, before Cindy was involved, when it was just Ashley and Kelsey, some people had a hard time taking them seriously. People saw two college-aged girls and didn’t think they would actually be able to get the job done.
“We had a few people who we ar-
en’t working with any more because they
Still actively involved in the preparation process, the ladies are working in test kitchens, talking with vendors and overseeing the building process.
//9
“There will be things you wouldn’t think of putting on a burger,” she said. Some sample items from their prelim-
or Brewery, Tonka Beer and Steel Toe, all from western suburbs of Minneapolis.
The beef for the burgers will be
inary menu include, a “Little Italy” burg-
brought in from a small farm in Wiscon-
er with mozzarella, marinara, pepperoni
sin. It is used at a lot of restaurants in
and basil or the “Picnic Burger” with BBQ
downtown and uptown, and according to
sauce, coleslaw and potato chips.
Ashley, it’s amazing.
While the classics will still be avail-
“No one is using it out in the west-
able, the ladies say they are excited about
ern suburbs. They are so excited to start
the more creative options on the menu.
branching out,” said Cindy.
In addition to creativity, the Bersets
The trio came up with most of the
are being mindful as they make menu
menu and gave the ideas to a chef who
choices. Dietary needs are being taken
has been in charge of putting them in ac-
into strong consideration, with gluten-free
tion and improving them.
pizza options, plenty of salads and even potentially a Paleo-approved burger for the CrossFit people who share the complex. They are also being conscientious of who the food is coming from. They have
The future.
The ladies have big plans and big
dreams, for both the Suburban and the town of Excelsior.
They hope to open their big, black
tried to stick with vendors that are as lo-
front doors in early January, in time for
cal as possible, in order to ensure fresh
the Olympics and the Super bowl, both of
food and to boost local economies. This
which will be times when the community
includes local beer, such as Lucid, Excelsi-
can come together, cheer on their teams
10// The Coalition
and celebrate the new hot spot in town.
events and doing catering.
In the future, they would love to have
It is clear to see the excitement and
outdoor seating for the summer if the
passion behind this project. The ladies
space allows, and have even thought about
have a vested interest in the well-being of
the possibility of roof-top seating and bar.
the town and the community that is a part
Ultimately, they hope The Suburban
of if.
will bring more business to Excelsior as
“Just the whole interaction with the
whole, specifically to the less-foot trav-
community has been amazing. This town
elled are where they are at.
is great. People here are super sweet and
“We want everyone to do well,” said Cindy. The ladies said they are excited to work with the new CrossFit box and travel agency in their complex as well, hosting
really nice,” said Cindy.
The Suburban is now open: 342 Third St. Excelsior, MN 55331 952.283.1663
//11
Behind the scenes of a mega-ministry My first experience at Trout Lake Camps
oldest camp, The Point; the
was as a camper in second grade. The coun-
camp for junior high camp-
I arrived not
selors were celebrities, my fellow campers
ers, Timber Ridge; and their
knowing what to
were friends and I was a wide-eyed consumer
newest project, Wildwoods.
expect, but left
of the fun-focused ministerial tool that is as
Jon Wicklund is the Ex-
popular as ever. I arrived not knowing what to
ecutive Director of
expect, but left mind-blown.
Lake Camps and oversees
Trout Lake Camps has ministered to over
Trout
mind-blown. -Jared Nelson
everything from the finances
200,000 people since 1947 on 180 acres of
to many of the day-to-day operations of the
land north of Brainerd, Minn. The camp is
camp.
owned by approximately 230 churches in
Trout’s mission is “To engage children, youth
association with the Minnesota Iowa Baptist
and adults with the life-changing message of
Conference. Within Trout Lake Camps is the
Jesus Christ by creating unique camp com-
12// The Coalition
munities and learning experiences in which our words, our service and our personal relationships capture and communicate the essence of the gospel.” Over 25,000 people have made a significant spiritual decision at Trout Lake Camps, solidifying their tagline that Trout is “a meeting place with God.” Although attendance at Christian camps
Students worship during a senior high camp.
across the country has risen from 5.1 million
straightforward, prosaic manner. He isn’t al-
in 1989 to over 8.5 million today, uncertain
ways a contributor of the newest and fresh-
economic times have caused camps of under
est ideas, but he brings a perspective to
150 beds to struggle in providing the ameni-
accomplish the vision. Wicklund possesses
ties that young people have come to expect.
ambition. He’s an expansion enthusiast, an
How are large camps like Trout bucking that
improvement aficionado and an eternal op-
trend? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the
timist. Wicklund thrives in networking and con-
leaders, the mission, the staff and the future plans for Trout Lake Camps.
nectivity. He surrounds himself with an assortment of people that are alike in ambition
Jon Wicklund
but differ in skills. Wicklund doesn’t have a
Jon Wicklund is not an idea guy. He is
“team,” so to speak; but he uses every inter-
rarely the most creative person in the room,
action as a chance to consolidate viewpoints
but his background in biology provides him
and absorb the concepts and theories of oth-
with a concrete understanding
ers.
of the world around him. He speaks in a
He is an implementer. Wicklund’s abili-
//13
and Wick will connect us with how to make those things happen, whether its finances or what the building is actually going to look like and all those kind of things.” Jon Wicklund is not an idea guy. He is rarely the most creative person in the room, but his background in biology provides him with a concrete under-
ties aren’t employed in the dreaming portion but in the doing portion. Not to say he doesn’t have dreams for his projects, but he capitalizes when it comes to the doing portion. He contributes to the dreaming process and then follows through to make sure the grandiose ideas and brainstorms aren’t left on the meeting room whiteboard but are laid out into a reasonable processes and projects. He is a finisher. He is a consolidator. “Jon is a great people-person,” James Rock, program director at Trout Lake said. “At camp, we take our imaginations and we dream up huge, amazing, awesome things
14// The Coalition
Wicklund’s
camp-
ing experience began long before he took the
title of executive director, as he has been attending camp for as long as he remembers, and the week at Trout Lake was the highlight of every summer. He dedicated his life to Christ sitting in chapel as a 10-year-old. Camp was a summer destination for Wicklund every year throughout his teen years, and when he enrolled at Bethel University after high school, he took a position on the summer staff. A self-proclaimed “bio-nerd,” Wicklund enjoyed his biology classes and entertained the option of medical school upon gradu-
ation from Bethel, following in his father’s
prospects for the future. An optimist by na-
footsteps and becoming a doctor. However,
ture, he saw what the future could hold and
Wicklund felt he couldn’t forfeit his camp
was excited to take on the challenges that
connections and pursue a medical degree
lied ahead. Modesty resonated as Wicklund
after graduation, so he approached the Trout
discussed the role he took when he first be-
Lake administrators with a proposed intern-
came director.
ship where four college students would work
“I’ve always been a huge fan of this
on-site for 15 months. His proposition was
place,” Wicklund said. “I’m a glass half-full
rejected, and he was denied the job as pro-
guy and I don’t sit there and dwell on the
gram director, so it was back to school for
negative. I’m going to take a look at the prob-
the young Wicklund.
lem and say, ‘here’s how we’re going to fix it.’
A master’s of divinity and a master’s of business degree strengthened Wicklund’s
I tried to provide clarity for the direction that we were going.”
gifts for management, and he decided to
As Camp Director, Wicklund is responsi-
pursue a career in ministry in which he could
ble for all of Trout Lake’s finances, meaning
employ those talents. The camp director
he works with partners and donors as well as
position at Trout Lake Camp had recently
selecting staff for key positions. While Wick-
become available and in 2004, Wicklund
lund doesn’t often have the chance to directly
applied and got the job. He was back in his
interact with campers; he does get to invest
comfort zone, helping people have fun and
in the key summer leaders, mentoring them
sharing the gospel at camp.
to make sure that they align with Trout both
Despite the increase in responsibility,
spiritually and missionally. There are just un-
Wicklund couldn’t have been happier with
der 150 full-time summer staff members,
the condition of the camp at the time and its
and Wicklund and Rock make it their goal to
//15
see that the staff grow by creating a culture
three,” Rock said. “My job is essentially the
and setting up systems and programs
operations director. I am in charge of every-
James Rock
thing that happens on the grounds. I oversee
Rock’s road to camp is similar to Wick-
the people that are overseeing the different
lund’s, as camps of the Christian variety
departments.” Described by Wicklund as the
have been a part of his life for as long as he
quarterback for the team at the Trout Lake
can remember. He attended Bair Lake Bible
site, Rock is in charge of making sure all
Camp in his home state of Michigan, where
things are running smooth at camp.
There are just under 150 fulltime summer staff
he eventually worked on
Rock cites his own positive camping ex-
staff and met his future
perience as a youth as the chief component
wife.
for successful camp leadership. “I love camp.
After a brief stint in the
Its the only thing I knew as a kid,” Rock said.
Wicklund and Rock
business world, Rock re-
“I went to church very occasionally, but camp
make it their goal
turned to the outdoors and
is what got to me year-to-year, and I love pro-
to see that the staff
became the program direc-
viding that for kids.”
grow by creating a
tor and cook at Gull Lake
Wicklund said that 20 percent of Trout’s
culture and setting
Camp. He finished school
campers don’t come from a church back-
up systems and
with a seminary and under-
ground, so it’s crucial that their leaders are
programs.
graduate degree at which
committed to the ministry portion of their
point he saw an ad for the
job. No matter what a child may be going
program director job at Trout Lake Camp fif-
through, Wicklund and Rock make it their
teen years ago.
goal to give each kid a positive experience
members, and
“I was the program director at Trout for 12 years and have been the director for
16// The Coalition
and the love of God. “You’ve got to love the mission,” Wick-
lund said. “If you don’t love reaching kids
all different reasons,” Rock said. “That’s why
for Christ, I would check if doing camping is
you do this.”
right for you.”
The Mission
“They come from different backgrounds,
Trout’s mission doesn’t differ from the
some want to grow in their faith while oth-
mission of any other church or religious or-
ers have never heard of Jesus,” Rock add-
ganization, but the camp setting allows that
ed. ”Others come from family issues and all
mission to be accomplished in a unique way.
sorts of stuff that they’re hurting from.” Camp serving as a safe haven in the turmoil of life hits close to home for Rock, as that is how he initially was drawn to camp. “I was at camp the week my parents got a divorce and it had a huge impact on my life with the people that came alongside me and helped me understand what was going on,” he said. “I could never give back enough to the camp and the staff members to repay what camp gave me.” Each year serves as a new opportunity to help kids grow in their faith, and that keeps
Wicklund said that 20 percent of Trout’s campers don’t come from a church background, so it’s crucial that their leaders are committed to the ministry portion of their job.
Wicklund and Rock passionate and motivatThe cabin experience is what separates
ed. “Being able to see God’s hand move in
Christian camps like Trout from other forms
the heart’s of kids in all different ways for
of ministry. Campers are able to develop re-
//17
about basic discipleship; the ABCs of follow-
SPIRITUAL DECISIONS AT TROUT LAKE CAMP IN 2013:
ing Jesus.”
312 said, “Yes I want to follow Jesus.” 522 said, “I want to recommit my life to
ter in a number of ways, as to reach as many
Jesus.”
579 siad, “I understand my eternal security now.”
33 said, “I want to be in full-time ministry.”
264 made another significant spiritual decision.
While the gospel they communicate is basic, Trout’s staff are encouraged to minis-
students as possible with Christ’s message. “In the cabin community, its our words, our service, and our relationships that communicate the basics of the gospel,” Wicklund said. In recent years, Trout is finding success with a slightly different expression of the camping experience, what Wicklund calls “traveling day camps.” The day-camps began in 2007 as a way to use their staff more efficiently during the weeks when attendance
lationships in the cabin with kids their own
was down and employees weren’t as much
age and be taught by college-age staff mem-
of an on-site necessity.
bers whose passion is youth ministry.
“When churches are tired of running va-
“We keep campers safe, we help the
cation bible school, they outsource all of that
campers have fun and we make sure they
to us,” Wicklund said. “The churches loved
hear the gospel message,” Rock said. “I love
not having to recruit volunteers. Our stu-
that we stress a basic biblical understanding
dents bring their energy and they do a great
and it’s not super detailed and heavy. It’s all
job.” What began with about 150 students in
18// The Coalition
2007 has grown to Trout Lake Day Camps
indicated a decision to follow Jesus.” Hunter
working with over 600 in over 15 camps each
said. “If the Church is going to continue to
summer. The day camps continue to grow as
grow in America and the rest of the world, I
Trout assists churches in fulfilling their mis-
believe Christian camping is going to play a
sion.
major role.”
Gregg Hunter oversees about 1,000 camps as the head of the Christian Camping
The Staff
and Conference Association, and he has seen
Although the summer programs are
first-hand how Christian camps have assist-
designed for the campers, Trout’s mission
ed the church in youth ministry.
statement is simple. “To engage kids, teens
“Some CCCA member camps report
and adults with the message of Christ.” As a
that between 33 and 40 percent of camp-
part of this mission, there is an undeniable
ers make a first-time decision to follow Jesus
impact that a summer at camp has on the
Christ when at camp. Others report that over
volunteers and summer staff. Trout employs
the course of a summer six-in-10 campers
about 150 full-time summer staff, most-
//19
to be able to communicate that to a kid, both verbally and with actions,” Wicklund said. Other than a faith background, Wicklund says that they’re looking for people with a variety of experiences that can fill the many roles that are needed at Trout. Everything from worship leaders to lifeguards to horse handlers There isn’t a specific type of person that Trout’s recruiters are looking for on their trips, as they’re primarily concerned with one aspect in a potential employee: a love of Christ.
are needed to help things run smoothly. Why would someone sacrifice
ly college students from Minnesota and its neighboring states. “Most of our staff are from Bethel and
their summer to live in a cabin with few amenities for little-to-no pay? According to Wicklund, it’s a no brainer.
University of Northwestern – St. Paul, but
“If a college student wants to be involved
we also go all throughout the Midwest to find
in something that has eternal impact,” he
good people,” Wicklund said. There isn’t a
said, “there’s nothing better than working at
specific type of person that Trout’s recruit-
summer camp. You’re not going to find this
ers are looking for on their trips, as they’re
impact in a business situation or another
primarily concerned with one aspect in a po-
internship.” Working at camp allows college
tential employee: a love of Christ.
students to have substantial freedom in a
“You have to love Christ and you have
20// The Coalition
significant role.
“We give you quite a bit of responsibility
gospel,” Rock said. ““Its kind of like doing a
as a college student,” Wicklund said. “You’ve
mission trip where you never leave the state.”
got the safety of kids in your hands as well as the ministry and leadership side to deal
The Future
with. Besides that, you walk away with a ton
Trout belongs to a group called the
of practical skills working at camp.” Camp
Christian Camp and Conference Association,
gives young people a chance to see the be-
which consists of about a thousand camps
hind the scenes work that goes into ministry.
across the nation. The association meets an-
“People think that working at camp is
nually and Wicklund and the Trout staff pro-
the most glorious day ever day, one after
vide leadership at the meetings in discussing
another, but there’s still conflict and life still
trends and the happenings in the Christian
happens,” Rock said. “One of the cool things
camping industry.
about being on staff is you get to see the good side and the bad side of ministry.”
In the past, certain churches would have relationships with camps and the majority
Wicklund and Rock both started as
of youth from that church would attend that
campers and worked their way up through
camp year after year. That loyalty is is being
the hierarchy of staff. They take away the
challenged with the rise of consumerism,
experiences of working with others for the
so camps have been forced to market them-
Lord, creating relationships and memories
selves in order to attract campers while still
that will last a lifetime.
staying true to their biblical principles.
“You take all the personalities of the
In addition to the lack of loyalty, smaller
people involved and create this team that’s
camps around the country are having trouble
trying to keep the campers safe, make sure
because their operational costs are increas-
they have fun, and make sure they hear the
ing while cash flow is remaining stagnant
//21
Although it is still early in the process for the Wildwoods camp, Wicklund and Rock have a vision and a plan in place for how their new
and they can’t adapt to
elementary-age campers.
the rising fixed costs.
Although it is still early in the process
Despite the trouble for
for the Wildwoods camp, Wicklund and Rock
many camps, Trout has
have a vision and a plan in place for how
been able to weather
their new camp will be a successful minis-
the economic storm.
terial tool for years to come. Wicklund says
“The national trend
he’s fortunate that the land was made avail-
successful ministe-
is that the fast-mov-
able and the structure of Trout’s hierarchy al-
rial tool for years to
ing organizations are
lowed him to seize the opportunity that was
come
doing well,” Wicklund
presented.
camp will be a
said. “The camps that
“A year ago, a guy was sitting there paint-
can make the necessary changes to respond
ing one of our buildings and he said, ‘hey
to the market demands are doing great but
my mom wants to sell her 100 acres that’s
if you have an organization and you can’t get
connected to your property,’” Wicklund said.
stuff passed, it’s tough to make it.”
Without hesitation, Wicklund had aspirations
Wicklund only reports to one person,
for a new camp.
Dan Carlson, Executive Minister of the Min-
“Three months later we had an appraisal
nesota-Iowa Baptist Conference (the parent
that turned into a price,” Wicklund said. “A
organization that owns Trout Lake Camps). If
month after that we had a woman that was
he were responsible for reporting to a board
willing to write a check for the whole thing
of some kind, Wicklund says, they would be
and in the span of six months the property
falling behind in the camping world. This is
was ours.” Now that the property has been
evident in Trout Lake’s most recent project,
acquired, Wicklund and Rock are able to
a new camp called Wildwoods that will serve
open their minds to new ideas for the project.
22// The Coalition
“Right now we’re dreaming about it,”
that the Trout Lake staff have confidence
Rock said. “We have the property, we’ve got
moving into the future. They’ve found a sys-
meetings with the township to approval for
tem that works and have good people in
what we’re going to build and how we’re go-
powerful positions to ensure progression and
ing to build it.” What makes the Wildwoods
avoid complacency. It’s a microcosm of the
project unique is that its construction is be-
leadership that is routine for Wicklund. He
ing done entirely by volunteer workers. What
identifies an opportunity, dreams of the pos-
Trout loses in expediency they gain in financ-
sibilities, aspires to a vision, moves quickly
es, as Wicklund estimates they’ve saved over
and makes it happen.
$700,000 using volunteers in the past and plan to continue the trend with Wildwoods.
“We feel very positive about where we’re at,” Wicklund said. “Fundraising is going well,
Wildwoods is also a prime example of
attendance is going up and we’re dialed into
what differentiates Trout from other camps
our mission. We feel like we’re positioned in
across the country. Everything from the ta-
a great spot.”
bles in the dining center to the bathrooms is designed for first through third graders. “We get to hone in on what that age
Want to learn more about Trout Lake
group wants and needs,” Rock said. “It will
Camps?
feel like the kids are entering a Disney movie
troutlakecamps.org
in which they’re one of the main characters. We’re trying to figure out how many ways we can make it feel like they’re in the middle of a story.” Wildwoods is just one of many reasons
//23
When Hope takes hold As I pulled into Maple Hill Estates,
small rectangular boxes that the residents
a mobile home community in Corcoran
called home. Some homes were painted
Minnesota, I was struck by its attempt to
neatly and carefully maintained, while oth-
mimic a suburban neighborhood. My ex-
ers remained run down, giving the trailer
pectation of what a trailer park looked like
park the reputation and connotation that
did not line up with what was before me.
has perpetuated its kind throughout the
It had paved streets, backyards, and even
years. The juxtaposition of the comfort-
various attempts at landscaping. However,
able yet run-down community threw me off,
the streets were starkly named “A Street”,
and made me unable to peg the park with
“B Street”, “C Street” and so on, the yards
one simple conclusion.
were strewn with dirty toys and rusted
All this ran through my head as I pulled
furniture, and the wild “gardens” were, in
into a parking spot by the playground. I
reality, patches weeds growing next to the
noticed a group of kids up ahead playing
24// The Coalition
soccer in the field, screaming and laughing gleefully, reveling in the small community they created. It was obvious that they were hovering by the Hope House, which is the headquarters for the nonprofit organization, MobileHope. They played in the fields behind it, the playground next to it, and the parking lot in front of it, but never strayed too far into the streets of the trailer park. You could tell that the Hope House was their safe place— a symbol of belonging to a community. And to a kid who’s only wish is to belong somewhere, this reality was monumental.
Maple Hill Estates is a mobile home community that has been around for years, but hasn’t been noticed until about the last 20.
What is MobileHope? MobileHope is a nonprofit organization
there for over ten years. Some would say
created by Jill and Brian Dejewski. It is a
that Maple Hill Estates has gone through a
ministry that works with the residents of
metamorphosis over the past 10 years.
Maple Hill Estates, and has been incredibly influential in producing positive change at
A History of the Park
the park. MobileHope has transformed the
Maple Hill Estates is a mobile home
face of this park for the better, according
community that has been around for years,
to the residents— half of whom have lived
but hasn’t been noticed until about the last
//25
Taco Tuesday: Taco Tuesday in the trailer park is a success, but it hasn’t always been that way. When they started picking up free donations from Chipotle for the residents every Tuesday night, a surprising amount of people refused the handout. They didn’t want to be pitied, even though the reality of the matter was that many of these families do find it difficult to provide food at times. After brainstorming how they could make the residents feel like they were working for their food while still allowing them to afford it, they started charging a dollar per person. The attendance skyrocketed. “These people have pride, just like the rest of us,” said Brian Dejewski. “Knowing they paid even a small amount for their meal allows them to retain what little pride they have left, knowing they could provide for their children.”
Sports Practice: Many of the kids at the trailer park love sports. However, they’re parents often don’t want to invest in the equipment necessary to start learning a sport, if they aren’t sure their child will want to stick with it. More than that, some of the kids don’t have the confidence to try. That’s why volunteers have started holding sports “practice” in the summer, whether it is for basketball, soccer, or lacrosse. Sophie Moore is the leader of the lacrosse practices, teaching the kids the fundamentals of the game. Here, they can fall in love with a sport, and build up their confidence all in one. That way, by the time they sign up for the sport in school, they know what they’re in for, and know what there abilities are. The fact that they have a blast doesn’t hurt either.
20. In 1991, Beth McConn, school nurse and member of Wayzata Evangelical Free Church started observing the kids from the trailer park, recognizing their need for care, both physically and emotionally. She engaged these kids as much as she could for two years, until 1993 when she began a mini-VBS during the summer, to help reach out to the kids in the mobile park home. This went on for 4 years until she approached Jill Dejewski, the middle school youth pastor at WEFC, asking for help with the VBS. This ministry flourished, and the students began to stay on-site during this week, turning it into a bible-based sleep away camp for kids, known as AWOL. Wooddale church joined in, and the camp grew in leaps and bounds. This opened up doors for other opportunities, such as bringing some mobile home kids to church for Adventure club, and an on-site bible study for the Maple Hill women. In 2009, YWAM began an after-school homework help program for the
26// The Coalition
students after school, to help and encour-
dents, and integrate the trailer park with
age them in their academics.
the church community.
The next summer, the decision was made to be more intentional with long-
What has MobileHope done?
term ministry goals at Maple Hill Estates.
MobileHope has had an amazing im-
This summer was monumental, and was
pact on the community in this park. Their
dubbed Summer 2 Serve by those involved
attempts to bring the people together
and in the trailer park. “The Cube”, a small
have worked, whether it was Taco Tues-
building on site, was leased for a year, and
day, homework help, bible studies, knitting
served as a temporary gathering place for
clubs, or other community-building experi-
the ministry work. When the lease was up,
ences.
they purchased a doublewide unit next to
Jill and Brian have played a pivotal role
the park, with the hope that they would
in this. They were the ones to recognize
continue to grow relationships with the
the needs of this park and do something
residents there. They named the building
about it.
“Hope House”, and it currently serves as
When the residents of the park were
a community center-type location for the
asked to take a survey of what Maple Hill
people there.
Estates needs, the overwhelming response
From the summer of 2010 through the
was community programs. The Dejewski’s
present, they’ve formed leadership teams,
took this need to heart, and got to work.
which consist of residents, WEFC mem-
The diverse community needed something
bers, nonprofits, and Rockford teachers.
to unify them, and the programs that Mo-
They’ve continued programs and started
bileHope set up did just that.
programs and events that help the resi-
At first, residents were hesitant to at-
//27
tend the programs and events that were being provided.
As Sophie Moore walked in to the
However, over time, Jill
Starbucks we agreed to meet at, my first
and Brian got to know them. Slowly but
thought was that she didn’t seem like the
surely they earned the respect of the resi-
kind of girl who typically liked to spend
dents, as they dedicated their lives to this
her free time hanging out with young kids
ministry.
at a trailer park. Her long dark hair was perfectly styled around her face, and her outfit seemed like something off the pages of a magazine. However, the second she opened her mouth to talk about the residents at the trailer park, her genuine love for the people there started to shined through. It was exciting and refreshing to hear a young girl talk so passionately about something as meaningful
Sophie Moore is Mobile Hope’s first intern. She is pioneering the position and learning about what it takes to break into a community from the outside.
as the work she does for the people at Maple Hill Estates. As she told the story of experiences
Sophie Moore MobileHope’s first ever intern: the
there, I sat back, sipped my coffee, and took it all in.
girl who is pioneering this position, and
After 7 years of on and off volun-
testing the waters to see what it’s like to
teering at the park, Sophie reconnected
work your way into the trailer park com-
with Jill, a key organizer of events at the
munity from the outside.
trailer park, who had decided to start a
28// The Coalition
Sophie Moore worked on various tasks that got her connected with residents and working toward bettering the community as a whole.
non-profit organization known as Mobile-
and overseeing/ coordinating the volun-
Hope, on site. Jill decided to hire Sophie
teers, picking up weekly donations, tak-
on as an intern of MobileHope, despite
ing surveys of needs in the community,
the fact that this was a leap of faith on
interviewing residents about their hopes
Jill’s part. The previous intern they hired
for the Community Center that they’re
had walked out on the job after a week,
expecting to build in the spring, leading
claiming it was “too hard”.
sports practices for interested students
However, Sophie was excited for the
(such as lacrosse, once a week), organiz-
challenge, and promptly started to put in
ing the bulletin boards, and orchestrat-
30 hours a week. Her tasks were varied,
ing “night games” for the kids, with the
and seemingly random at times, but defi-
hope of keeping them out of trouble on
nitely a challenge. Among her duties were
those warm summer nights. Her job was
facilitating and organizing Taco Tuesday
a hodge-podge of random tasks, but it
//29
kept her in the community, and able to
an out of their lives like it’s nothing. They
start getting to know the residents on a
stay for a while, and then leave when it’s
deeper level.
no longer convenient or easy to be a part
This wasn’t easy, however, and it took
of their lives. If she wanted them to let
her a lot of time, along with some life les-
her in, she needed to prove to them that
sons learned, to gain the trust and affec-
she was going to be there for them- not
tion of the residents.
just for a week or two at a time.
2) Find the Balance Between AuBreaking In
thority and Friendship
Being on the outside looking in
The kids at a trailer park definite-
was a new and interesting experience
ly need a friend, but at the end of the
for Sophie, and she had to learn some
day, they mostly need a mentor. Know-
lessons if she wanted to work her way
ing they have someone who is looking out
into a community that had, in general, a
for them goes a long way. Sophie wanted
very “us against the world” attitude, and
to be able to be a role model for these
didn’t like letting outsiders into their in-
girls, but at times it was hard to keep a
ner circle of trust. Through observation
grasp on her authority, because the kids
and involvement, she learned the 3 keys
were used to walking all over people. She
to getting people to open up to her.
needed to learn that while she was sim-
1) Consistency is Key
ply hanging out with them and painting
Sophie realized that first and fore-
nails together, she could also speak truth
most, to gain their trust, she needed to
into their lives about very real and rele-
earn it with time. These people, the kids
vant topics in their lives, such as bullying
especially, are used to people walking in
or substance abuse.
30// The Coalition
3) Be there during the hard times Sophie opened up about the tragedy that shook the community of Maple Hill— Henry, a 1-year-old Hispanic boy, was run over by a car that summer in the trailer park, and died instantly. She said it was a dark time in the community, but their bonds became stronger because of it. She had to be there emotionally for many of the kids, and this allowed her to truly become a part of the community. For these kids, being open about feelings and emotional sensitivity is frowned upon, so getting them to open up is sometimes a feat. However, when they do, it brings you to a whole new level with them, and they begin to share parts of their lives with you that you never thought they would. Overall, getting to work with the people of this community was eye opening for Sophie. She went into it feeling like she would be an improvement to their lives, when in reality, they were just as much as an improvement to hers. They
Henry, a 1-year-old Hispanic boy, was run over by a car that summer in the trailer park, and died instantly. Moore said it was a dark time in the community, but their bonds became stronger because of it.
taught her life lessons that only someone with the insight of a dissimilar culture could share, and she grew in her knowledge of the diverse people in the world, and how everyone works differently. “I can’t tell you how amazing it’s been to work with a population, who as a whole, is rough around the edges and didn’t seem to like me half the time,” Sophie said, laughing to herself. “It has been an incredibly growing experience, and has been humbling and empowering at the same time.”
//31
What’s in your backpack? In the summer of 2013, eight journal-
campus dining center every day. If 8 col-
ism students who traveled to Ghana on a
lege students’ backpacks have $25,000
school trip had eight laptops, five iPhones,
worth of necessities, try the cost of 2,800
two cameras and two backpacks stolen.
backpacks.
All this added up to over $25,000 worth
After doing the math here, if all stu-
of electronics and valuables, gone. That’s
dents at Bethel University carried around
years of memories, pictures, projects, and
roughly $3,100 worth in books, laptops,
money invested, simply gone.
phones, wallets, etc., the hallway outside
Meanwhile, back in St. Paul, 2,800 Bethel University students leave their backpacks unattended for hours outside the
32// The Coalition
the dining center would cost $8.8 million at any given time. The Chief of Campus Security and
Most common items in a Bethel student’s backpack: Textbooks - $300 Notebooks - $60 Folders - $20 Computer - $1200 Cord/charger - $80 Headphones - $20 Mittens - $10 Bible - $30 Keys - $140
Water bottle - $15 iPhone - $300 Planner - $10 Pens/pencils - $5 Glasses - $150 Wallet - $100+ Chapstick & Ibuprofen: $5 (Prices based on average cost of replacement. Actual values may vary)
Safety Andrew Luchsinger is confident in
reported to Security and Safety last year,
the theft prevention of 2,800 backpacks.
but Luchsinger assumes there have been
There is a strictly enforced rule that no
several unreported thefts too.
backpacks or large bags are to be brought
In an attempt to reduce burglaries
inside the dining center at any time; this is
of
to reduce the amount of tableware stolen
and Safety have placed a student securi-
from the inside. Even though thousands of
ty guard outside the dining center and a
dollars worth of trays, plates, forks, cups
new video camera by the exit. As an extra
and bowls get stolen anyway, students are
order of precaution, a security guard is
to keep their backpacks outside to “avoid
often also posted at a table in the grill in
any temptation to steal.” Good thing the
normal clothes. Despite their most valiant
silverware will be safe.
efforts, students still complain that anyone
unsuspecting
knapsacks,
Security
Despite attempts to keep theft to a
can walk by, pick up any old backpack and
minimum here on campus, there seems
claim it as their own. With luck, there will
to be a problem with stolen backpacks
be up to $4,000 in there.
left unattended outside the dining center
The average students backpack con-
while their owners are sitting cluelessly
tains things like a computer, textbooks,
inside eating. Two backpack thefts were
phone, wallet, keys, as well as homework,
//33
memories, and special keepsakes. Along
throughout the day. One gets the sense
with having expensive things stolen, a lot
that her backpack’s contents differ from
of potential other dangers can come from
day to day. Though some things remain
having a computer stolen, like access to
consistent.
email, Facebook, and personal accounts, maybe even bank accounts.
“Chapstick, my ID card, a journal, and a pen. Wherever I go. Even on walks. I am an internal processor, and a writing processer, and I’m addicted to chapstick,” she explains on the edge of her seat. “I also carry a water bottle, even to church and formal events!” She doesn’t take it for granted that we have clean water, and likes to have a constant reminder of that blessing. Talking about her passions excites her, and she lights up as she
Christina Hibbard Christina Hibbard, a junior Reconciliation Studies and Teaching English as a Second Language major, is quite selfaware, carrying around things that she knows she will need. These things are not just pens and notebooks; they are snacks, mittens, and little things that she has intentions of giving away or using
34// The Coalition
explains the meaning of everything she schleps. Because of the long walk home, she carries mittens, and her journal, pen and NIV Bible for detours and nature walks. “I carry these with me so I can read and reflect throughout the day,” she says, throwing them down on the table next to her.
She pulls out folders, a computer and
but she explains that she is not very pro-
a charger, a planner and lots of paper. “I
tective of her belongings. Her most mon-
don’t use notebooks, I just use scrap pa-
etarily valuable item is her computer, but
per and recycling and I keep them in my
she would argue that each and every thing
folders. I like to recycle.” She goes on to
she carries has value to her. Nothing goes
explain her planner, and how she keeps
unnoticed, and even if she doesn’t re-
checklists for everything she has to do.
member the purpose, she trusts herself
No belongings are meaningless in
that it had purpose at some time.
this backpack: printed photos of girls she mentors, Kleenex, cough drops and Ibuprofen for her and anyone else’s possible sickness, glasses to see the board, peanuts as a midafternoon snack, and a twin cities regional trails map that she’s been meaning to give to a friend. And no belonging goes without a story: she picked up these two pens on the road the other day because she was almost out,
Tyler Girrard
she got this pin in middle school from
Tyler Girard is a senior Health and
her teacher, she got this keychain from
Physical Education major with a back-
a friend who went to Malaysia. She has a
pack to match his “senior slide” attitude.
special pencil that she uses for tests that
This is the same backpack he’s had for
says “magic pencil” on it in Spanish.
nearly 7 years now, and it shows. He is
Christina is thankful for what she has,
also very efficient with his backpack
//35
space; one would think it was empty
empty appearance, this backpack does
just looking at it. He is proponent of a
have quite a lot of secrets inside.
lightweight load, but my guess is this is
His wallet is its own affair: he pulls
the first time he’s emptied his backpack
out a wallet overflowing with business
since his sophomore year of high school.
cards, empty gift cards, and his three
The most expensive thing he carries
debit cards. He pulls out an Olive Garden
is a Samsung laptop. He doesn’t carry
gift card from 2008, commenting that
textbooks, and only carries one notebook
he’s never been there and doesn’t plan
for all his classes. “That way I’m not wor-
on it. “I have… about $8 in here. That’s
ried about ‘oh my goodness I grabbed the
pretty standard, there’s never any more
wrong notebook,’ I just fit all my papers
than $20,” he explains, launching into a
and notes in there.” You get the sense
monologue about being a poor college
that he doesn’t like to carry anything
student.
that’s not absolutely essential.
Tyler holds that if his wallet were sto-
Once he moves to the smaller pockets
len, that would freak him out more than
of his backpack, this judgment is proved
any other theft. “I literally carry my life in
wrong. He pulls out a dirty pair of socks,
this thing. They would have access to ev-
making a side comment about using
erything you own and who you are. Every-
them for a workout Friday: “4 days ago,
thing else is replaceable, but your wallet
right? Maybe.” A spoon from yesterday’s
isn’t!”
yogurt also comes out, unwashed. A pen
Despite the poor shape of his back-
he doesn’t recognize gets thrown to the
pack, it has worked for him through this
floor. The phrase “I don’t know why that’s
stretch of his life. He insists: “He’s stay-
in there” gets thrown around. Despite the
ing.” Though Tyler barely carries anything
36// The Coalition
around anymore, he is loyal to what has
he explains. “It’s nice and lightweight. I
carried his belongings all this time.
like having a Bible with me, it’s always nice to read from a book and not an iPhone.” Despite the first impression of the importance of timeless objects, the following items all start to have a pattern to them. This designer, this brand, this many years warranty: he is a branded person, as he will readily admit. But he takes care of his belongings like they were his children.
Ian Frei
His belongings include: two Apple
Ian Frei, a junior Physics Education
dongles, a Sharpie Marker, Pentel Hi-Poly-
major, carries quite a few things in his
mer Eraser, three Ticonderoga #2 pen-
Alite Designs backpack. He takes things
cils, a sharpener, blue and black fountain
out one by one, explaining their purpose
pens with extra ink, among many other
as he places them into neat categories
things. “Everything has its place,” he ex-
arranged on the table.
plains as he lays things out neatly, always
The very first thing he pulls out is a maroon, pocket-sized New Testament
returning his hands to his lap after placing his things perfectly for display.
with Psalms and Proverbs, with an in-
Some of his more expensive items in-
scription on the front: “A Scout is Rever-
clude a TI83 Plus (which he refers to as
ent.” “I got it at Philmont Scout Ranch,”
a ‘she’ and has called ‘baby’), and REI
//37
thermos (for black coffee in the morning
Despite the expense of all his belong-
and Tevana earl gray crème in the eve-
ings, he insists that he cares for them
ning), Beyer Dynamic Headphones (“they
well. Any gripe about his ‘materialism’
are extremely comfortable and have in-
offends him. “Everything I buy is an in-
credibly accurate sound reproduction”)
vestment. I want to get as much life out
an iPhone 5s (with the newest operating
of things as I can.” He guesses the con-
system loaded before it even came out),
tents of his backpack would add up to
a coach cardholder and money holder
about $3,000 dollars, but he advises that
(“I’ve had them for 7 years”), and a 15’
this information not be published as an
MacBook Pro.
extra precaution.
38// The Coalition
YWAM: the good, bad and ugly It all began with a vision to reach ev-
ren led a mission trip
ery continent with the gospel. Loren Cun-
to Hawaii. This only
It all began with a
ningham was 20 years old at the time and
increased his excite-
vision to reach every
still a student in college. He describes his
ment for the vision
vision as seeing a map of the world and
he previously had for
he could see the oceans crashing into the
young missionaries.
shore when suddenly the scene he was en-
By the end of 1960, he had started his or-
visioning began to change. Cunningham
ganization Youth With A Mission, or more
saw young people flooding the continents
commonly known as YWAM.
and they were speaking about Jesus. Four years later after graduation, Lo-
continent with the gospel.
In 1969, thirty-six students were gathered together in Switzerland for the first
//39
evangelizing training of YWAM. That next
YWAM celebrated their 50th anniversa-
year, YWAM bought a hotel in Lausanne,
ry in 2010. There are now more than 1,000
Switzerland to use as a permanent base
locations and over 18,000 people on staff
that had classrooms for teaching as well
with thousands of students flowing in and
as housing for the students. Since then,
out of YWAM’s DTS (Discipleship Training
YWAM has expanded with many other bas-
School) and Outreach Program as well.
es as well as helping to start several oth-
Recently two students, Abigail Sawtell
er ministries including King’s Kids, Mercy
and Katie Van Sickle, from Bethel Universi-
Ships, the University of Nations, and Fron-
ty went through the YWAM program. Both
tier Missions.
had very different experiences and yet were able to grow in their relationship with Christ.
Abigail Sawtell Abigail Sawtell, a Minnesota native but now living in Geneva, Illinois, was a high school senior when she first began feeling unsettled about her post graduate plans to attend Bethel University, the school where both of her parents and one of her sisters had attended. She began to look for other possibilities and stumbled upon the YWAM program. Abigail Sawtell, from Minnesota, had a disjointed and completely unpositive experience with YWAM, and eventually ended her term early, due to multiple complications.
40// The Coalition
Sawtell had been previous-
ly planning to attend Bethel as a Biblical
and Theological Studies major so YWAM
had been in contact with Sawtell’s parents
seemed like a great opportunity as well.
and answered all of their questions, were
“I had always had a passion for the
not at the base when they arrived. Sawtell
country of Africa and I felt very called to go
said they were aware the leaders wouldn’t
there as I began looking more into YWAM,”
be there right away but what they weren’t
Sawtell stated. She originally tried to reg-
expecting is that they
ister for a base in Kenya but when plans
might not show their
He was a landscaper,
fell through, she started looking at anoth-
faces at all.
and just really didn’t
er YWAM base in Swaziland, Africa. This
the rest of the staff,
base in Swaziland caught Sawtell’s interest
and
as well because she wanted to be leaving
found out that the fam-
for Africa when her friends left in the fall
ily running the base
for college.
decided they weren’t
Sawtell,
students
soon
know – his intentions were good, but he didn’t really know how to lead. It was really difficult to be there just with how the
She was accepted into the program
coming back to run
along with another girl from her church.
the base at all because
At first, Sawtell was uneasy about knowing
they were moving per-
someone on trip because she hoped this
manently to the United
would be a time of independent growth in
States, which put this
her relationship with Christ. This friend-
base in the hands of a
ship, however, ended up being a saving
“22 year old guy who had no education.”
grace while away from home.
leadership was and the support we were given there was very limited.”
Sawtell further explained, “He was a
Once in Swaziland, it became clear
landscaper, and just really didn’t know –
that there were more problems then were
his intentions were good, but he didn’t re-
ever let on. The leaders of the base, who
ally know how to lead. It was really difficult
//41
to be there just with how the leadership
concerned for her safety as she would be
was and the support we were given there
heading out into Africa for missions with
was very limited.”
a young, first time female leader for the
In Swaziland, spiritual gifts are heavily
second half of YWAM. Upon returning in
sought after as they are the way that peo-
December, Sawtell was left at home alone
ple think the Holy Spirit moves through.
as both her parents worked and all of her
Coming from a more conservative back-
other friends were away at college.
ground, this was an uncomfortable feeling
“I was left alone with my thoughts and
for Sawtell. Not only had she never wit-
that was a dangerous place for awhile. I
nessed people speaking in tongues before
felt like I completely lost my identity,” Saw-
from growing up in a conservative church,
tell said. This was the place where Sawtell
but now it was being done in a charismatic,
says God found her. No matter how bad-
and even forceful, way. She said that she
ly Sawtell wanted to hide, God was calling
felt pressured to speak in tongues because
her back to desire him. It was a long pro-
her leaders were claiming if she couldn’t,
cess but Sawtell gradually began to lean on
then clearly the Holy Spirit wasn’t work in-
Christ for her strength once again.
side of her. She then began to associate
“I wouldn’t want to go back through
her uncomfortable feelings with God and it
that whole experience again but I would be-
caused her to fall away from him.
cause of what I learned. It’s awesome for
After three months being a part of the
me to see how God can take something so
DTS in Swaziland, Sawtell and her parents
incredibly horrible and so hurtful and turn
made the decision that it would be best
it into something that has built me up and
for her to come home and not complete
strengthened me in every possible way,”
the YWAM program.
Sawtell finished.
42// The Coalition
Her parents were
“Most people choose to go to the base in Hawaii if they decide to stay in the States but for me, it was more about what could I learn rather than the location of where I was learning these things at,” Van Sickle commented. Going to India as a part of her outreach Katie VanSickles, from Arden Hills, Minn. had a positive experience with YWAM, as it helped in shaping and growing her as a person.
Katie Van Sickle Katie Van Sickle wasn’t sure if she even
program felt like a joke. There were several different places she could have gone for her outreach including Turkey and Amsterdam, so India seemed like the last place Van Sickle would have been called to go.
wanted to go to college after she graduated
“I had never asked God where he want-
from high school. Van Sickle was attend-
ed me to go so when I finally began praying,
ing Sunshine Music Festival the summer of
it was very clear that God was like, ‘you’re
2011 before her senior year of high school
going to India.’ I wanted to argue with him
when a booth for YWAM caught her eye.
and say things like, ‘C’mon, God you know
For her, YWAM seemed like the perfect op-
me’ but he was definitely pushing me to-
portunity for growth and to give her a direc-
wards India.
tion with what to do in her life.
While over in India, Van Sickle got
Van Sickle left for her DTS in June
placed in unique situations. She was one
2012. She chose to attend the first part of
out of three girls that got picked to go into
the program in Denver, Colorado because
the red-light district of India, where wom-
she still wanted to stay in the United States.
en are a part of the sex slave trade or are
//43
having to sell their bodies because it is the
going after college and decided after com-
only way for them to make money.
ing back that she would go to school there.
While it was the hardest part of her outreach, Van Sickle also noted that it was
While a little uneasy at first, she said that the school had been a blessing on her life.
her favorite part because it gave her new
Van Sickle is currently majoring in
insight on a lifestyle
business with an emphasis in marketing
“YWAM gave me
that she struggled to
and entrepreneurship. After witnessing the
direction. We each
previously understand.
business of the brothels, Van Sickle be-
have a story. And
She also noted that
came compassionate for the women, men,
she wasn’t much of a
and children; the women because they felt
“kid-person” but God
this was their only option to make money,
used this opportunity
the men because they were so trapped in
to change her heart.
this mindset, and the children because
I got the chance to change my view on so many things including the whole Christian faith really,” -Katie Van Sickle
“After all,” she stated, “who can say they got to help run a day-
care in a brothel in India?”
they had no choice and no other place to go. Since she had a shift in her mindset, Van Sickle hopes to own an internation-
After completion of the YWAM pro-
al boutique after graduation. She wants
gram, Van Sickle felt God calling her to
her stores to sell products made by wom-
attend college in the United States. A na-
en who have been freed from the lifestyle
tive from Arden Hills, Minnesota, Van Sick-
of prostitution. This would help them to
le was no stranger to the small Christian
become self-sustaining through other and
University of Bethel University. It was the
healthier types of work. She has already
only place she had looked into previously
been in contact with several other stores in
44// The Coalition
four different countries that she would be
ing the whole Christian faith really,” Van
able to partner with.
Sickle concluded.
“YWAM gave me direction. We each have a story.
And I got the chance to
change my view on so many things includ-
To learn more about Katie and Abigail’s experiences follow this link: ABIGAIL AND KATIE’S VIDEOS
//45
Coffee for a cause Even though it may seem like it, coffee
The world of coffee is a
shops are not always about making the big
complex one, with its multi-
money through corporate businesses such
ple waves, corporations and
as Starbucks and Caribou. There are coffee
focuses. The first coffee hous-
shops everywhere that are working to do
es began to spring up in the
bigger for their
something bigger for their community. These
late 1600’s according to his-
community.
coffee shops have a cause and are part of
torian Tom Standage. During
a global trend called social entrepreneur-
the time period according to
ship. The trend of coffee shops has risen
Standage, people began to drink coffee be-
immensely as of late. Coffee shops have be-
cause people who drank coffee instead of
come popular among students using them
alcohol started there days off alert and stim-
to study, families using them for quality time
ulated and the quality and quantity of their
and businesses using them to hold meetings.
work improved. People began to meet in cof-
46// The Coalition
There are coffee shops everywhere that are working to do something
fee shops to not just pick up their cup of Joe but also to exchange ideas, discuss poetry, philosophy and political science. Coffee began to be the drink of the Enlightenment in Europe. Though since the 1600s the quality and culture of coffee has largely changed. Coffee shops have begun to use their coffee as
J. Artuthrs is a store that has the goal of giving back to those for whom they opened in the first place.
a way to raise funds for other causes. Many coffee shops around the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have followed this trend of “Coffee for a cause”.
rector of Operations, Bethany Mammenga. J. Arthur’s coffee is a store that has the goal of giving back to those for whom they
City Kid Java, J. Arthur’s and Fresh-
opened in the first place. J. Arthur’s began
Grounds are examples of places that have
as a coffee shop solely for the purpose of be-
followed this trend. City Kid Java is a coffee
ing a social place for the residents of ACR
provider that was started in 2002 by Urban
homes. A couple of years ago the coffee
Ventures, a nonprofit in Minneapolis that do-
shop opened up to the public.
nates 100 percent of its profits to fund pro-
“J. Arthur’s is a welcoming environment
grams for kids in Minneapolis, different from
for ACR residents, [we are able to] serve and
other coffee shops that may merely “give
accommodate the ACR residents and we al-
back” in Minnesota.
ways have ACR staff on hand,” said Garrett
“CityKid Java donates 100 percent of
Zaffke, the General Manager of J. Arthur’s.
profits to kids in Minneapolis, with the goal
The selling of a product can help to
of ending poverty in Minneapolis,” stated Di-
raise money for good causes, but as Fresh-
//47
Grounds coffee has seen it can also do other
Starbucks in the morning, but it has become
things for the community. This coffee shop
a trend for them to take the path less taken
is a non-profit social venture that according
and stop at a social entrepreneurship coffee
to FreshGrounds is a training program for
shop that has an underlying cause.
young people exiting foster care and other out-of-home
place-
ment systems to help them
gain
employ-
ment skills and experience. 100 percent of the profits gained at FreshGrounds go back into
sustaining
When J Arthur’s decided to go public it made the decision to strive to become a third wave coffee shop that served high quality coffee locally. In the coffee industry there are three waves of coffee.
the
training program.
J. Arthur’s
“I love to go to FreshGrounds for coffee,
The ambiance is inviting, the smell is
because of it’s cozy atmosphere, but also
alluring, the people are exciting and the
because I love the mission that is behind it’s
coffee is calling. J Arthur’s coffee shop is
coffee shop,” stated Ashley Aamot, a regular
a privately owned store with a heart for
FreshGrounds attendee.
doing something positive for the commu-
When a student, businessman and on the
nity. Jay Arthur’s mission is to provide
go soccer mom needs a morning cup of cof-
people with the best quality cup of cof-
fee to get them through the day, they might
fee with the highest quality ingredients to
take the path most taken and drive through
bring them the most extraordinary coffee
48// The Coalition
experiences ever.
its goals.
General manager of J Arthur’s, Garret
A few years ago J Arthur’s decided to
Zaffke, has a strong belief that J Arthur’s
open its doors to the public. Even though
may be a small, privately owned shop but
the coffee shop is now open to the out-
that it has the ability to go up against the
side community, it is still a welcoming en-
corporate names.
vironment for ACR residents. The shop is
“As a coffee shop that is not corpo-
able to serve and accommodate the ACR
rate and we are not really branded in that
residents and there is always ACR staff
sense we have been having a unique chal-
on hand.
lenge trying to get our name out there
When J Arthur’s decided to go public
and get people to know who we are and
it made the decision to strive to become
what we are all about, especially in the
a third wave coffee shop that served high
world of coffee,” said Zaffke.
quality coffee locally. In the coffee indus-
J Arthur’s used to be a meeting, con-
try there are three waves of coffee.
ference and break area for the workers of
“There are different waves of coffee…
ACR homes. Throughout the years ACR
the first wave coffee is going to be the
homes came up with the idea of turning
stuff that you buy in a grocery store, kind
it into a social place for the residents of
of a novice or general coffee. Then you
the homes. At this point the coffee was
get into second wave which is going to be
allegedly horrible and the shop was only
where they understand a little bit more
for the residents and the staff. ACR’s goal
about beans, and they understand a little
is to help its residents to be accepted
bit more about coffee, so it will be a lit-
and seen as part of society, so the pri-
tle bit higher quality… so that’s going to
vate coffee shop wasn’t actually meeting
be your Starbucks, Dunn Bros, and Cari-
//49
bous. They are going to have really sweat
or a really hip trendy place for old people.
drinks, decadent dessert drinks. They
According to Zaffke this makes it hard to
are not mainly focused on the coffee. The
reach the masses.
third is going to be like your Dogwood
Within J Arthur’s is a homey, relaxing
Espresso, places like that where they
environment. According to Zaffke people
treat beans as fine wine. Coffee is very
go there and end up spending their entire
sacred to them. Putting a lot of sugar or
day there.
cream in their coffee is like sacrilegious” Zaffke said. J Arthur’s finds itself having the third wave desire for quality and the knowledge
One avid J Arthur’s coffee drinker, Kelsey Norton, states that she feels as though J Arthur’s is a comfortable place to be.
that comes along with the coffee, but
“J Arthur’s is delicious and the atmo-
they actually consider themselves to be
sphere is warm and inviting, especially
more of a bridge store between second
when they have local singers/songwrit-
and third waves.
ers,” Norton said.
“We try to meet both areas because
Even though J Arthur’s seems as
we want to be able to accommodate dif-
though they have it all put together, it
ferent types of people and to become
struggles with the same things that any
a gathering/meeting place for people”
small business struggles with. They have
commented Zaffke.
to do more things on their own because
The coffee shop experiences a huge
they are not affiliated with a corporation.
range of demographics. One of their
Zaffke claims that they have to be stingy
main focuses is a goal to not just be a
at times, it is not a gold mine field, but
really hip trendy place for young people,
they believe that they have enough of a
50// The Coalition
niche of coffee snobs that will keep re-
is necessary to manage a small privately
turning to their store.
owned coffee shop.
“We are unique enough with what we
From the eyes of his costumers, Zaf-
do and conscientious enough about our
fke could be viewed as an everyday baris-
coffee to be able to compete with Caribou
ta with no interest in his work other than
and Starbucks,” Zaffke said
the money that he will be making at the end of the day, but Zaffke sees his job in
Garrett Zaffke With the stress of a day’s work in his eyes and the smell of coffee on his
an entirely different light. Zaffke loves the opportunity that working at a coffee shop gives him to educate people.
breath, Garrett Zaffke greats yet anoth-
“People are uneducated a lot of the
er costumer with warm and welcoming
time about coffee and about what the
words as they order their daily espresso
world of coffee is” Zaffke said.
from him. Zaffke is the general manag-
Zaffke believes that people consider
er of J Arthur’s coffee shop in Roseville,
coffee just as something that comes out
Minn.
of the coffee maker. They don’t under-
Zaffke was brought in as general
stand the process behind it. Coffee grows
manger of J Arthur’s in January of 2013.
a plant, and people think that is so weird.
He was hired because the store was hav-
The education part of his job is why Zaf-
ing financial problems and was in dire
fke enjoys working at J Arthur’s so much
need of someone with a strong business
he said.
background. The previous manager was
“People ask, what are coffee cherries?
as Zaffke put it, “very good at coffee” but
That is actually the coffee itself,” stated
didn’t have the business knowledge that
Zaffke.
//51
As general manager, Zaffke has con-
fine wine… We see ourselves as a bridge
trol over much of the product manage-
store somewhere in between a second
ment, which fits right in with his charac-
and a third wave,” Zaffke explained.
ter as he claims himself to be a foodie.
Zaffke wants J Arthur’s to be a place
“I am very much in control of prod-
that can accommodate not only the ACR
uct management, so kind of shopping
Home residents, not only the young gen-
around, looking for the newest thing…
eration and not only older people, but ev-
It’s a lot of taste testing which I really
eryone. ACR homes provides residential
enjoy,” Zaffke said.
support services for people with physi-
With an inquisitive look and a slight
cal and/or developmental disabilities, as
smile, Zaffke can catch the attention of
well as care for the elderly. Zaffke strives
any foodie out there who is looking to
for J Arthur’s to be more of a gathering/
learn more about coffee. His passion
meeting place for people, especially stu-
stems from many years in the business
dents.
and is shown through his work and his
“We have a huge range of demo-
livelihood. He claims that he loves J Ar-
graphics that we actually reach out to,”
thur’s so much because of it’s ability to
Zaffke commented.
accommodate multiple types of people.
Before taking on the role of general
“There are three waves of coffee. The
manager of J Arthur’s, Zaffke worked at a
first is going to be the stuff you buy in a
Caribou Coffee. This particular store hap-
grocery store… The second wave is go-
pened to be the second busiest one in the
ing to be more like Starbucks, Dunn Bros
metro area and the third busiest in the
and Caribou… The third wave is going to
state. He said he felt as though he was
be coffee shops where they treat beans as
always pushing people in and out of the
52// The Coalition
door. This is the opposite of how he feels at J Arthur’s. The character of the coffee shop is reflected through Zaffke’s expressions and the atmosphere that he releases into a room. J Arthur’s is a coffee shop that supports a good cause, bringing ACR residents into society to socialize. The coffee shop was started as a social place for the residents and staff of ACR homes. Later though, after looking at what could be done to increase the social inclusion of these members of society,
When you buy CityKid Java, you’re putting your money where your values are, according to the organization’s mission statement.
J Arthur’s decided to open up its doors to the public.
City Kid Java
Zaffke is in love with his job, not be-
Coffee for a cause is a very broad
cause he makes a ton of money, because
statement, but for CityKid Java it has a
as he states there is not much money in
very impactful meaning. CityKid Java is a
what he does, but because he loves to
producer of coffee that donates 100 per-
educate people and make them feel at
cent of its funds to kids in Minneapolis.
home at J Arthur’s.
“When you buy CityKid Java, you’re putting your money where your values
//53
are” stated CityKid Java in its mission
and churches. The business was created
statement.
to help Urban Venture’s social programs
CityKid Java fuels mentoring and ed-
become more self-sustaining.
ucation programs, athletic teams, camps
According to the company itself, the
and youth leadership experiences for
idea of CityKid Java, is to sell premium,
children in the Twin Cities. According
100 percent Arabican coffee and have
to Mammanga the nonprofit produces
100 percent of the profits go to Urban
high-quality
According to CityKid Java, Minneapolis schools’ graduation rate ranks 45th among the nation’s 50 largest cities. 35 percent of youth go unsupervised after school, ranking Minnesota at 49th in
coffee that can compete the
big-name
coffee
“Good Coffee for a Good Cause,” is the statement that CityKid Java says about itself.
chains.
CityKid Java’s partnership with Urban
Java
Ventures is one that comes down to the
brew has won
roots of its mission. Urban Ventures is
6 out of 6 taste
the companies non-profit partner whose
tests
mission is to help local residents and
CityKid
against
big-name
the nation.
with
Ventures youth program.
cof-
fee chains.
businesses improve themselves in ways that make the community livable, sustain-
Urban Ventures, a nonprofit in south
able and safe. The funds for CityKid Java
Minneapolis, started CityKid Java in
focus mainly on the kids programs of Ur-
2002.
ban Ventures including: Urban Stars, The
Since then, CityKid Java has
grown to a $1 million annual revenue
Learning Lab and The Hub.
company, with coffee sales throughout
Coffee isn’t always just about being a
Minnesota through retailers, distributors
morning pick me up, for CityKid Java it is
54// The Coalition
all about raising funds for kids who need
as an alternative to the classic Caribou
the help of those who are more fortunate
brew. Students find this to be a great op-
than themselves.
portunity to use there money wisely.
According to CityKid Java, Minneap-
“I like to buy my coffee from CityKid
olis schools’ graduation rate ranks 45th
Java because I feel like I am helping to
among the nations 50 largest cities. 35
support a cause that is really making a
percent of youth go unsupervised after
difference in the lives of kids around the
school, ranking Minnesota at 49th in the
Twin Cities,” Andi Tauer, a sophomore at
nation.
Bethel University said.
“These kids are on the fence between
“CityKid Java is special because 100
a world of pimps and gangs on one side,
percent of profits fund programs in Min-
and on the other, the positive opportuni-
neapolis, different from other coffee com-
ties we provide,” Stated Mark-Peter Lund-
panies with a “give back” in Minnesota,”
quist, Vice President of Urban Ventures.
stated Bethany Mammenga, the Director
The kids in the Urban Ventures pro-
of Operations at CityKid Java.
grams are actively involved in operation CityKid Java. These kids attend sales meetings, do samplings at grocery stores and help with other special events.
J. Arthur’s Coffee 2441 Rice St. Roseville, MN
The white coffee mugs can be seen all around campus, and at the Grille stu-
City Kid Java
dents can use there flex money to sup-
3024 4th Ave. S.
port this cause. CityKid Java has had an
Minneapolis, MN
impact on Bethel Campus as it is offered
//55