A Place Where Dreams Come True
It all began well before Covid at a drop-in centre for people in Ballee, Ballymena, but today, the Dream Café, situated at Green Pastures church, is on a much larger scale.
Overseen by Richard Hastings, a dedicated Community Pastor tasked with street outreach, the Dream Café is helping transform people's lives, and the sacrificial ministry has seen tremendous spiritual fruit since opening its doors to the homeless and needy.
For example, recently, three people who attend the café gave their hearts to the Lord at a Sunday morning service and are now being helped to rebuild their broken lives.
The café, which opens on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 am-2 pm and Monday evenings from 7-9 pm, offers more than just free food, tea, and coffee. It's a recreational facility nowadays with many people enjoying activities such as snooker and pool.
With no fewer than sixteen committed volunteers, the café can attract up to sixty people per session and even helps individuals with economic planning, including budget plans and financial advice. It has become a thriving and fruitful hub with branches running over the wall.
Explained Richard. "Last week was exceptional. We had babies as young as 2 weeks old and grandparents in the same room. There was such a family feel to it; everyone was welcome, whether you were a Christian or non-believer. I saw people in tears being prayed for by our team, while others in a stronger position enjoyed the recreational activities and great fellowship and craic."
The Dream Café was born from the Dream Centre at Ballee, and the goal of Richard and his team is to live up to the name by helping families experience their aspirations through God's kindness and leadership. Whether it is a cup of tea or coffee, a snack or hearty meal, there's a shoulder to cry on and help for people going through what has been described as the worst cost of living crisis in recent times.
Added Richard: "At a time when many people are genuinely struggling, the Dream Café is just the place. It's a non-judgmental, safe environment where people can express themselves and know they are loved and valued. The Dream Café wants to take people from the depths of despair to joy and peace by showing God's love first and then introducing people to the Saviour Jesus."
Another committed member of the Dream Café is Rozi Wilson, who helps with the catering. She joined the café in 2021 because of her increased love for God and people. Already with a background in hospitality, Rozi believes she is a natural fit at the café. "The dream café is all about hospitality, and this is scriptural because God's Word encourages the church to be hospitable like Jesus practiced it. It is not just a place to get fed; it is also somewhere to come and be accepted," says Rozi.
Green Pastures became a focal point for Rozi and her children, and now she is giving back to the community the help, support and love she received.
In these precarious days, the Dream Café at Green Pastures is genuinely a place where dreams come true, where people from all backgrounds are surrounded by care, laughter and the goodness of God and even leave with a full stomach. How good is that?
