Underground Think-Tank

Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory. Proverbs 11:14

I have a confession to make. Some recent Monday Messages have not come soley from me. There were others involved.

I’ve recently been initiated into a secret society which meets every week in an underground think-tank. There is no address or sign outside, just an open door behind an unamed building on an unmentioned street.

So now that I’ve sparked some curiosity (even worry), let me explain…

This think-tank is nothing more than Charlie’s Basement Cafe. The venue’s namesake is a British/Indian entrepreneur who took his business underground after rising rent costs forced him to close his street-front shop. After a 1 year hiatus, Charlie phoned one of his old devoted customers, telling him to come down under for tea and toast. One call is all it took for news to spread and get the place packed out by Monday morning.

Yes, Charlie does make a mean cup of tea for 50p (not to mention an amazing triple-decker tuna melt), but that’s not what really brought everyone back. The real secret lies in one word – community.

There is an inexplicable exchange that takes place down our underground think-tank. It’s where care-takers*, parking police, old veterans and even the odd American missionary can laugh, share stories and discuss world events with our many different accents. All this to the aroma of Charlie’s early morning curry** preperations.

It is in these peculiar mornings where many ideas pop up that I would’ve never thought of myself. God has shown me much about learning from others experiences and perspectives. These experiences help me to share my views in a way that will connect better with more people in the long run.

Jesus was a master of this stuff during his life on earth. He loved to open hearts with his open ears and then plant a gospel seed into understood soil.

Do you feel mentally compressed, locked up inside a one-track train of thought? There is so much to discover in the old stories and fresh perspectives of others. Just ask and listen (take notes even). And if you ever come ’round Camden Town, we can initiate you into our think-tank with a strong cup of tea and some curry on toast. But until then…

Where will you find some true community this week?

Yours Truly,
The Scribbler and the Editor
www.freedomhouse.org.uk

*Care-taker = Janitor
** Yes, you read correct. Spicy-hot curry @ 9am. Charlie talked me into trying it once. Not bad;)