7 Stated Aims of Urban Centers of Influence
- “We want to bridge the gap . . .
between the church, as we know it, and the community.” — Andres Flores, of Epic Art House. - “I think this place is like a bridge . . . between the people of the city and the church.”— Anna-Marial, of Oasia Lifestyle Center, Debrecen, Hungary.
- “We want people to know that Seventh-day Adventists . . .
are the most compassionate, caring people they’ve ever met.”— Ryan Hablitzel, of Press Together juice bar in Ogden, Utah. - “We want this to be a place where the community says . . .
‘These people care, and they love.’” — Mark Finley of the Living Hope Center just south of Washington D.C. - “We want customers to use the shop as a place to take a break . . .
from life’s stress. They come in and talk. They get a hug and a hot drink, and they’re able to face the world again.” — Anne-May Müller of Happy Hand in Copenhagen - “I wanted to create a space for learning, sharing . . .
and ultimately to be a hub for the community to meet every day to grow together. So, I dreamed of a cafe and wellness hub that would house all that,” — Camila Skaf of Food Farmacy in Cardiff, Australia
- “The daily goal of store and center employees . . .
is to display Christianity.” — Lentil café in Yoshkar-Ola, Russia - "I just want everyone in this neighborhood, in this community, to meet Jesus . . .and to enjoy better health." — Dr. Manuel Alva of Treasure Hunt thrift store and Adelante Community Health near Chicago