Since moving to Chanute and serving at the FireEscape, one of the issues I have had to deal with most is the question, "Why isn't the Coffeehouse open more often?" We recently sent out a survey in which people were asked what they liked/disliked most about the FireEscape. The most common response to what people "would change about the FireEscape" was that it needed to be open more often. It is nearly a daily occurrence that somebody wanders up to the front door and tries to come in. They often peek inside looking for signs of life, even though they have to gaze past our open hours, which are posted on the window. I also receive calls from people asking if and when we are open. I have to explain to them that we are actually not a coffeeshop but rather a youth ministry that just so happens to have "Coffeehouse" in our name.

After 18 years, we are pleased to announce that the FireEscape Coffeehouse will now be open to the general public. We will no longer be a coffeeshop that is only open on the weekends, but we are starting small by only opening two days a week. We will be open Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Come and meet up with friends for coffee, host a Bible study or business meeting, or just come and enjoy a cup by yourself. And I promise to spare you the painful coffee puns such as "Better latte than never" or "I know you've bean waiting for this" or even "Come and give alms for the pour" (actually, I thought that one was clever).

Keep in mind that we are still a non-profit, youth ministry. Our mission has been and will continue to be to influence the youth and college-aged students of the area. Rather than opening a business for profit, we are gifting our community with reasonably priced drinks and a place to meet with people. We are still a ministry in that we want to create an environment where conversations about Jesus can happen. So we encourage groups to come in and have Bible studies. We also want people to know what we do at the FireEscape. Being open to the public will give us a chance to get to the people in our community.

This is something we believe that the Lord wants us to do. We are confident that He will supply the resources and helpers to keep the doors open as long as He sees fit to do so. That being said, if you are interested in helping out, even for an hour or two, please call us at 620-431-5815 or email us at fireescape.chanute@gmail.com.

Non-profit organizations thrive on volunteers. More specifically, para-church ministries (a ministry alongside a church) is not under the umbrella of a local church and relies even more on volunteers. Whereas a business sells products and services to pay its employees and a local church receives tithes and offerings to fund its outreach, a faith-based non-profit ministry, such as the FireEscape Coffeehouse, relies on private donations and generosity to fund its mission. Trying to keep the ministry afloat is much like trying to keep your head above water while chains of utility bills and building repairs threaten to submerge you.

That being said, the one catalyst that has continually kept us from going under has been the providential hand of the Lord. The FireEscape Coffeehouse was brought into existence by the Lord and he has continued to be the single most sustaining agent of its existence. However, the Lord has a reputation of meeting the needs of this ministry using generous hearts. Finances and resources to keep this place open did not just fall from the sky or appear from thin air. The Lord has placed on people's hearts the burden of giving time, money, and resources to the ministry that He has at the FireEscape Coffeehouse.

Before there can be a volunteer revolution, there must be a volunteer resolution. Someone must stand up and commit to carrying on the ministry at the FireEscape Coffeehouse. That may take many different forms. Maybe that means committing to spend three hours once a week (or every other week) investing in the next generation of youth for Jesus. Maybe that means giving a one-time or recurring gift to the ministry so that we can open our doors one of the 52 weekends this year. Maybe that means that you volunteer at concerts and other events by serving behind the scenes.

God uses people of all walks of life to carry out His ministry. Seek the Lord as to what He wants you to do. He has commanded us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The FireEscape Coffeehouse is a place where that can happen and is happening on a weekly basis. We exist to be a resource for the church community to connect with the youth of Chanute. We do not replace regular church involvement. We are a bridge between disciple-makers and would-be disciples. Think about it. Pray about it. Let us work together to impact lives for Christ for God's Kingdom.

For more information about volunteering, visit our website.

This week marks the beginning point of what seems to me one long holiday stretching from Thanksgiving to just after Christmas. The entire month of December is constant celebration for something. We celebrate many things: family reunions, giving gifts, advent, the birth of Jesus, peppermint everything, lots of food, the thought of snow (but not actual snow), and Christmas music. By the end of the season we are about tired of everything, but it takes about a week or so before we experience the Christmas blues and start planning for next year.

There is much to celebrate at Christmas time, but let’s be honest: Christmas would not be Christmas without gifts. Take away the giving and getting of presents, and you will have a lot less cheerful people. We love to give and receive gifts, not because we need more stuff, but because giving in itself is a gift. It is a great joy to receive gifts, especially as a kid, but I have found that it’s an even greater joy to give them. It gives us a glimpse into God’s own love for us that He gave the greatest gift of Himself to us, Jesus Christ. This should be the motivation of our giving: Jesus Christ. What better gift is there to give?

So what does this have to do with the FireEscape Coffeehouse? We naturally want to give to a meaningful cause or to bless the people and places that have blessed us. For many of you, the FireEscape is that cause, person, or place that has blessed and continues to bless. Consider partnering with us in continuing to impact the lives of youth today by giving to the FireEscape. There are many ways to give. Here are a few:
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1. Commit to volunteer on a Friday or Saturday night for a few times a month to invest in the life of a youth. You may not be able to impact them all, but you can impact one.
2. Commit to volunteer time or talents that you may have that could increase the effectiveness of the FireEscape Coffeehouse. We are always in need of skills such as administration, cleaning, construction, graphic design, cooking, marketing, and many more. Even if you think that you don’t have any talents but have a heart to serve, we can use you.
3. Give a one-time gift to the FireEscape Coffeehouse. Any amount you can give is a blessing.
4. Pledge a monthly gift for continued, regular support of the FireEscape Coffeehouse.
5. Give a meaningful gift for a specific need. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on your generous support for every need. We are always in need of material things that help keep the ministry afloat. These material needs do not necessarily have to be brand new. Maybe you have some like new or gently used things around the house. If you are unsure whether or not we can use something, just give us a call or email us. You can either buy the gift or send money designated for a specific item and we will honor your request. Here are some meaningful gifts in which you can give to the FireEscape Coffeehouse:
   

Copy paper
Printer cartridges
Concerts
Disposable coffee cups
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Bedding (for apartment)
Towels and washcloths
Couches or chairs
End tables
Board games
Pool table
Coffee syrups
Light fixtures
Cleaning Supplies

Consider giving a meaningful gift to the FireEscape Coffeehouse this year. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization so all gifts are tax deductible. Thank you for your generosity over the years, and Lord-willing we will continue together to impact the youth of today.

Hello, FireEscape friends! Let me introduce myself. My name is Matthew Parks. I am the new guy at the FireEscape. There has been much debate as to what my official title will be. Administrator is what I will be doing, but I think that "New Guy" better describes my situation. Whatever the case may be, I am excited to be a part of this ministry. I am writing this blog as an introduction but also to start the conversation between the collaborators of the FireEscape and myself. I want to eventually get to know you all, though it might take some time.

Here is a little bit about my life. I have been and will always be from Missouri, so don't even try to convert me to be a Jayhawk or Wildcat. Sarcasm aside, Kansas is now my home, but this will be the first time I have lived anywhere outside of Missouri in 28 years. I grew up in a small village (a say village because the population was about 30 people in the actual "city" limits), graduated from public school with 13 people, and went to college at MSSU in Joplin. It was there that I met and married my wife, Amelia, a native of Kansas.

After graduating from MSSU with a degree in Psychology, I managed a homeless shelter in Joplin for a year during which the EF-5 tornado hit. My wife, 7 months pregnant with our first child, and I were fortunate not have not lost everything. Needless to say, it was a humbling experience. A year later I started full-time as the Youth and Worship Pastor at a church in Carthage where I have been until now.

I have been working with youth and college-aged students for many years. While at MSSU I was heavily involved in leadership teams at the Baptist Student Union leading worship and Bible studies. I loved the college experience. I am one of those people who would be a lifetime student, if it didn't cost so much. I am currently working on a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to sharpen up skills to be able to better minister to students of upcoming generations.

Besides a love for learning, I thoroughly enjoy drinking coffee, devouring books, leading a worship band, teaching the Bible, making disciples, discussing theology, watching bogus action movies, playing guitar, weightlifting, one-on-one conversations, and spending time with my three precious princesses: Josie, Priscilla, and Clara, and their fitness-loving, coffee-drinking, blog-writing, friendship-focused, stay-at home-Mamma.

My desire is that the FireEscape Coffeehouse will continue to be a place where young Christian adults will be challenged to live out a deeper faith in Jesus Christ and where those who are searching for hope and purpose will hear Jesus' message and find meaning in Him. Making disciples that follow passionately after Jesus is my goal, and I eagerly invite anyone who is willing to join Christians everywhere in this great yet challenging journey. I believe that God is doing great things in Chanute, Kansas, and He is going to use people like you and me to do it. Are you ready? I know I am. Let's expand His kingdom together for His glory.

If you are interested in helping out in any way, let us know. Whether it be building relationships with students, planning events, cleaning up, or making lattes, we would love for you to be involved. Give us a call at 620-431-5815 or shoot us an email at fireescape.chanute@gmail.com.