FIVE QUESTIONS

JOSH AND ELLEN MCGINTY AGAPE JAVA

Josh and Ellen McGinty have seen much of the world, but are happy to live and share the comforts of a quality coffee house with the good people of Liberty Hill. 3610 Ranch Rd 1869 • Open 7am-6pm • agapejava.com

How does Texas measure up to the places you’ve visited?

We are both from Texas; and there is nothing anywhere in the world like the special pride of independence and fighting spirit here. I think the word that describes it best is ‘neighborly.’ Texans have a wonderful attitude about helping people; in fact, during these last few months, people have regularly come in to donate as many as 100 coffees that we are happy to deliver to health care workers, day care centers, and first responders. We love being a part of that.

Do you have any bucket list places you’d still like to visit?

Right now we are looking forward to a ski and a beach vacation. We had to cancel a few trips this year, but travel has always been important. We went to the Grand Canyon for our honeymoon and it’s been a priority ever since. Our HUGE desire is to attend an F1 race in Monaco!

What is special about Agapé Java?

Above all, everything here is about showing God’s love to every person who comes through the door, no matter their look or their mood. We are not affiliated with a church; we’re just a place where you feel welcome and loved, and can enjoy a quiet moment. I probably know a hundred customers by name and it’s wonderful to see people come in and, rather than sit at a table and read, they reach out and become friends. It’s all about relationships. The coffee is special because we were coffee haters for much of our lives, until we were on a trip to Austria and the Lufthansa folks showed us how coffee is done right. We were hooked at that point. Ellen went to a barista school and an academy course in San Diego. Later, we purchased her family home and turned it into a place we can share with coffee lovers. We also have plenty of comfort food and we are here for wine and tea lovers as well; Ellen even sets up a special High Tea at Christmas, complete with five sets of fine china.

Is there anything better than a comfortable chair, warm coffee, and a moment of meditation?

Actually, yes. Our backyard has a wonderful canopy of 300-year-old oak trees and we often invite people to spend time “under the oaks” listen to live music, bring their kids to play, or just enjoy the peace of the moment in a beautiful spot.

Do you have plans to share Agapé Java?

We share a great desire to visit other places and replicate the feel of our coffee house in local small churches. Many churches have cafés, but the coffee seems to be incidental. We think it’s possible to have both—an amazing and comfortable place where you can come for great coffee and stay for the Bible study. There’s no reason the coffee and the comfy chairs shouldn’t add to your overall enjoyment and desire to be there.