GENTRY — Whether saint or sinner, or simultaneously saint and sinner, a coffee house featuring not only good coffee but also music, lectures, Bible studies and testimonials is opening in Gentry just for you.
Called Rebecca's Beat and located in the west end of the Subway building on Rebecca Street, thenew Gentry meeting place is a new business with a focus on offering help and guidance to those who have lost their way in life and to those who just need a bit of fellowship and encouragement.
The coffee house is the vision of L.D. and Sue Ryan, who purchased the building so they could serve good coffee and food, provide a venue for local musicians and bear witness to their faith in Jesus as the hope of the world.
"It's not really a church," L.D. said, "but it's a ministry to those who may not feel comfortable coming to church," he said.
L.D. said he was prompted to buy the building and open up a coffee shop as a result of Acts 20:28, which directs Christian pastors and ministers to watchover and feed the flock of Jesus Christ which He purchased with His own blood.
"At my age, I'm tired of beating on doors," L.D. said. "I wanted to find a way for people to come to me."
The Ryans hope to provide both physical and spiritual nourishment to their patrons.
Rebecca's Beat will offer a variety of coffees and pastries, ice creamand soups. It will host local music, informal speakers and lectures. Open WiFi is available. Bible studies are planned on Monday nights, from 7 to 9 p.m.
"My deepest desire isto create an atmosphere where people come to enjoy an evening out with friends and strangers. This means that the programming must appeal to saint and sinner alike," L.D. wrote in a flyer promoting the new coffee shop.
"Naturally, refreshments are available, just like many coffee houses today, but there is something else here that is critical. The Holy Spirit must feel welcome. Rebecca's Beat will become a mixture of the secular and the spiritual but it must create such an environment that no one feels threatened. Jesus went to parties andHis condemnation was directed more at the religious people than the sinners," he wrote.
The Ryans are hoping that area musicians will come out and share the stage, providing entertainment for guests but also developing their talents and gaining experience and exposure as performers. Randy Steele, a featured musician and entertainer, plans to perform there on a regular basis.
"If you are a solo musician, come play one night a week or month for tips," L.D. wrote. "If you have a band, bring the band ... If you're an entertainer, talk to us. If you have an art program, join us sometime. If you have a skit you can put on, come to Gentry. If you have some interesting program on marriage, home repair, child issues, energy, see us. If you think you're funny, come make us laugh."
The coffee shop will also be available to host special events, such as weddings, receptions and family gatherings, the Ryans said.
L.D., who holds a PhD in agricultural engineering and was a professor for many years at Western Michigan University, is also president of Safety Engineering Resources in Siloam Springs. His company provides product safety consulting and expert witness testimony and opinions in civil cases related to product engineering and design, accidents and safety issues.
He also has designed a supplemental solar heating unit for use in homes and businesses and has aportable unit on display behind the coffee shop.
Rebecca's Beat is scheduled to open on Saturday nights from 7 to 10 p.m., beginning Feb. 18. TheRyans plan to add to their hours of operation as soon as possible, making their coffee house a gathering place for people whenever they would like to come outand spend time there.
For more information on Rebecca's Beat, or to schedule a performance or event at the coffee shop, call the Ryans at 957-5528.
My deepest desire is to create an atmosphere where people come to enjoy an evening out with friends and strangers.
This means that the programming must appeal to saint and sinner alike.
- L.D. Ryan
News, Pages 2 on 02/15/2012