Our goal has never been to simply sell coffee. We aim to create change and build a better world through high quality coffee beans. There are many layers to accomplishing this and our Catholic faith and personal commitment to love our neighbors is a core aspect of it, so here is the short story version of how we go about this.
Four years ago, I went on my first international mission trip and I’ll never forget the chaperone’s words: “This is one of the best gifts you will ever receive. The best thing about it is that it will take you a long time to fully unwrap it.” I can certainly say that while layers have come off, the opportunity to serve has most certainly become the gift that keeps giving. As time goes on, it becomes more and more clear to me that anyone could have done what I did abroad. Washing floors, doing strangers' laundry, playing with orphans. I was not there for the sake of what I could do for them, but for what they did for me. That, no one else could have done for me.
For Brad Fassbender, the gift of his mission trip to Nicaragua has also kept on giving, transforming his life in more than one way. This mission trip opened his eyes to an incredible vision. After seeing the struggles of coffee farmers in remote areas, and noticing that the industry tends to be harsh for those working on the bottom, Brad took on the task to do something.
From the desire and ache to do more, Guadalupe Roastery was born. Now, years later, this coffee company has been able to provide dignified work and educational opportunities for the community. Here are a few tips and insights from Brad,
JOHANNA DUNCAN: ANY ADVICE FOR ANYONE WHO WENT ON A MISSION TRIP AND CAME BACK WITH AN ACHE TO DO MORE?
Brad Fassbender: Yes, take this ache to Eucharistic Adoration. This ache is a calling to service in God's Kingdom. Over time, God will give you the idea that He wants you to fulfill for His Kingdom.
JD: WHAT IS THE LONG TERM GOAL AND PURPOSE OF GUADALUPE ROASTERY?
BF: Long term, we would like to repair our broken value system in the world that is entirely focused on money and not so much focused on God and people. I would like to see everyone in Guadalupe to invest into the community and the friendships we are forming around our coffee. We can't be friends with everyone involved in Guadalupe Roastery (the farmers, people in the company, contractors, and customers) but what we can do is invest into the relationships that are being developed. This also has been a tradition of Catholicism, relationship evangelization. Through these friendships, I would hope to see people sharing with each other what God is doing in their life.
JD: WHAT KEEPS GUADALUPE GOING?
BF: God put this into motion spiritually through a calling, we have our purpose to fulfill it. Now it's the demand of the marketplace––people want to drink Guadalupe.
JD: SO FAR, WHAT IS GUADALUPE’S PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?
BF: That our direct trade relationships in Nicaragua have been the cause for the beginnings of a school in the community that I first visited to shoot this film.
JD: IS THERE ANOTHER INDUSTRY IN WHICH YOU THINK A MISSION LIKE GUADALUPE ROASTERY’S IS URGENTLY NEEDED?
BF: Yes, definitely the dairy industry, and most other agriculture markets. The family farm has contributed so much to western civilization as it’s centered on the family and Church. In the future, I would like to start working on a brand for Guadalupe's creamery, as I live in Wisconsin (known as the Dairy State).
In order to have a successful mission trip, it is crucial to have a well disposed and intentional heart so that you may be able to see and receive the gift waiting for you. For many, the gifts given on such trips have become lifelong missions and for Brad, it turned into Guadalupe Roastery. What will it be for you?