There are more coffee shops per capita in Albania than anywhere in the world, but one offers more than just a good brew. The Bridge offers hope and community.
In Albania, the unfortunate reality is that many citizens feel hopeless about their country and its economic prospects; anger and aggression run high; mistrust in the government and with one another runs rampant. These deep-rooted challenges need a soul-reaching solution.
“We felt convicted to open a coffee shop to try stepping into that space more purposefully, creating a version of what everybody already knows how to engage with,” says Caleb, GEM worker and co-founder of The Bridge.
This isn’t your typical café
“We’re trying to emulate what Scripture says in Matthew 25:42-46. And so, we bake things and offer them for free, along with a glass of water. We have shoes and clothes for people who might express a need. We actively talk and listen to stories. Almost every interaction ends up pulling back the curtain, because those who come in are inquisitive, asking, ‘Why? What are you doing? What is this about?’”
Lives being transformed
Daryna – This unique environment is what drew in Daryna, a Ukrainian woman struggling with depression. Since she began spending time in The Bridge, she has shifted from calling herself an agnostic to professing that she is seeking to know more about God.
Although the café is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the afternoons and evenings remain open for community events—Bible studies, English classes, game nights—activities that help bring value or cultivate community.
Asim – Asim, who rode his bike around the neighbourhood, appeared at first to be homeless. He had gone through hard times. When he came into The Bridge, the team gave him food and water, and as he spent time with them, he often wept and shared with them the pain in his life.
GEM workers spoke to him of Jesus and read Scripture to him. Hungry for comfort and truth, Asim, who could not read, soaked it in, repeating and remembering what he learned.
Steven – An American man, formerly in the military, walked by The Bridge drunk one day. Steven was deep into drugs and alcohol and feeling suicidal. The team reached out and began building a relationship with him.
Desperate, Steven was more than ready to consider the Gospel. He soon confessed faith in Jesus and was baptised.
Although he still struggles, he is learning to live in the light and turn to God in repentance, rather than seek solace in addiction.
A growing community shaped by the Gospel
“We are trying to build a community of people who are committed to the way of Jesus, who, over the course of time, are exposed to it and are invited into it, and taught how to walk in His ways and experience life with Him.”
Source: Greater Europe Mission (GEM)
