Coffee Break Ministry Transforms Lives Through Decades
The profound power of a simple invitation is something both Affie Duifhuis and Anneke Wikkerink know well.
Affie and Anneke have been friends and Global Coffee Break leaders in British Columbia for decades, and their group has been meeting for 41 years. Affie says word of mouth and simply asking women to join keeps their group thriving, with over 40 participants at present. Sometimes an invitation changes a life, as it did for Annette, they said.
When Annette joined Duncan (B.C.) CRC, it wasn’t long before Affie and Anneke invited her to join their Global Coffee Break (GCB) group. GCB is Resonate Global Mission’s small-group Bible study program, originally developed in the Christian Reformed Church and using Discover Your Bible studies to explore the Bible. Annette soon became an active member.
“Global Coffee Break became part of a new life for her,” said Affie. “She met Jesus and was so open about it.”
Annette’s life encountered change again when she was diagnosed with cancer. Estranged from her family when she entered hospice, Annette asked Affie and Anneke if they could be with her when she died.
“We said we would try,” said Affie, explaining that she was hesitant to make a promise they might not be able to keep.
One afternoon, the pair visited Annette, not realizing how momentous that decision would prove to be. “We were there, holding her hands and telling her that Jesus was waiting for her, when she took her last breath,” recalled Affie.
Annette’s funeral service took place at a GCB meeting, to which the congregation was invited. The special memorial became a cherished moment for Affie and Anneke, a beautiful close to a relationship forged at GCB, they said.
Not all GCB moments are as significant or weighty, they added, considering that they plan many social activities: dinners, Christmas celebrations, picnics, crafts, singing events, and other special gatherings.
“Incorporating social events is important,” says Anneke. “They are meant to be inclusive and fun, especially for the women who don’t go to church or who attend a different church. People like doing fun things!”
Anneke noted that Affie is particularly gifted at making everyone feel welcome and isn’t shy about talking to new people, which is part of her gift as a leader.
With over 40 women attending the Duncan CRC Global Coffee Break this year, the group has four leaders, and their goal is to apprentice younger leaders, who can grow into the role and build confidence as they go. “We learn by doing, so new leaders don’t need to be afraid—we all started not knowing much,” said Anneke.
Affie added: “God is always with us, and he will give us what we need.”
During the past GCB season the Duncan CRC group studied Ephesians, Philippians, and The Fruit of the Spirit in the Discover Your Bible series.
Eager to serve at age 79, Affie said she loves being part of the global mission of GCB. “I have been to Nicaragua on a mission trip, and I love knowing that GCB is there too,” she said. “It’s encouraging to be part of a global vision and to see that God is using GCB to introduce people to the Bible and Jesus.”
Affie and Anneke noted that leading GCB has been a rewarding mission, both meaningful and fun, leading to beautiful friendships, Bible knowledge, and leadership development. And at times there can be an element of surprise. “You never know the full impact of ministry work, and that’s okay,” said Affie. “Just rely on God—he is faithful and blesses us.”
Global Coffee Break is a ministry of Resonate within the Christian Reformed Church in North America, and the program is open to youth, women, and men from any denomination around the world. Learn more at resonateglobalmission.org/globalcoffeebreak.
