Chapter Sixteen

Sixteen

The Next Morning

Grace Coffee House

“I can't believe it. I just can't believe it. You mean to tell me it'll take two weeks for you to get me the replacement parts for my espresso machine,” Demetrius said in frustration. “This is a brand new machine and I've got a brand new business to run! You've got to do better than that,” he said to the customer service representative.

“Yes, I know sir, I'm very sorry. But your machine is under warranty, so there will be no charge,” said the representative said trying to make the best of a potentially ugly situation. “I'll see what I can do about putting a rush on this, but honestly, given your location, it'll take at least a week.”

Demetrius usually didn't let things like this get to him, but for whatever reason when he discovered this problem while he was getting ready to open Grace Coffee House early Monday morning, he was genuinely upset. As he was concluding the call, Sheriff Byer walked in.

“Good morning, Sheriff,” Demetrius said without his usual joy. “How you doing this Monday morning?”

“About the same as always,” he replied. “Hey, I've heard good things about your coffee, so I thought I’d give it a try. Please don't tell Portia, she'll kill me if she hears I was in here!”

“No worries, sir. I'll never tell.” Demetrius said with a smile. “You can have anything you want, so long as it doesn't involve espresso. My brand new machine is down and I won't get replacement parts for at least a week. But I've just finished brewing an amazing pot of El Salvadoran beans. How does that sound?”

“Sure, anything is fine and has to be better than Portia's sludge,” he replied. “Say, I'm Sheriff Charles Byer, I guess you could say, I'm the law around here. You are?”

“Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't even introduce myself. I am Demetrius Grace. Formerly of Colorado Springs and one of your newest members of the Paine Harbor community,” he said reaching out his hand to greet Sheriff Byer.

“Nice to meet ya, boy!” he replied. “Too bad about your machine. Hey, I've got an idea.  Have you met Niels? I bet he could fix it for you and he works real cheap.”

“Niels?”

“Yeah, odd name, I know.” Sheriff Byer said with a smile taking his first sip of the steaming hot cup. “Wow! That's good. Really good.”

“Thank you Sheriff,” Demetrius said humbly.

“Call me Chuck. If this is typical of your coffee, we are going to be seeing a lot of each other, trust me. Niels is one of the oddest citizens of Paine Harbor. He doesn't talk much, but he's harmless. He lives in a beat up old fishermen's shack east of town, but he is a wiz at fixing stuff. How about I should run out there and see if he can take a look today?”

“Sure, I guess,” Demetrius said with uncertainty.

“Not to worry, boy. Old Chuck Byer wouldn't steer you wrong. Especially to a guy who makes such a darn fine cup of Joe. You know what? I'll finish this cup and go see if I can get Niels to come over right now. I want to try your espresso. I don't think I've ever had espresso before,” Sheriff Byer stated. “I’ll go get him and bring him back.”

Two Hours Later

The bell above the door to Grace Coffee House rang as an odd looking man, dressed in dirty coveralls and carrying a small toolbox timidly walked in. Niels avoids people most of the time, and genuinely prefers keeping his own company, but the need for income overcomes this preference and forces him to have at least minimal interactions with the people of Paine Harbor. With his tousled jet black hair sticking out at odd angles from his Paine Harbor Bait Company baseball cap, and the obvious evidence of having not shaved for several days Niels didn't exactly present himself as a people person.

Demetrius looked up from his cleaning and thought to himself, 'who is this odd character?' Just then, Niels spoke up with his heavy accent and said, “Niels,” while pointing to himself.

Demetrius did what most folks did and took over the conversation. “Welcome to Grace Coffee House. I'm Demetrius Grace,” he said enthusiastically while offering his right hand in greeting. Niels briefly looked at the outreached hand, and with a great deal of effort, reached out and offered his limp shake.

“Niels. Fix.” he stated.

“Yes, of course. Sheriff Byer told me about you. He says you are a genuine wiz at fixing mechanical things.” Demetrius said while shepherding Niels behind the counter and walking over to the broken espresso machine. “Let me show you. The machine won't build up any water pressure. And it's brand new! It’s only a few weeks old. Do you think you can fix it?”

Niels looked at the machine carefully, his mind assessing the inner parts of the machine and in a manner most people wouldn't ever be able to understand was beginning to determine a plan of attack to bring it back to working order. “Yes,” came his reply after a brief period. “Fix.”

“Thank you so much!” Demetrius said with a sense of relief. “Without this, I'm in trouble.”

Niels looked up at Demetrius. “Work,” he said in a dismissive way. He isn’t rude; he’s just focused and has a laser like ability to accomplish his goals. But distractions cause delays, and delays cause confusion, and Niels doesn't handle confusion well. Demetrius, wisely stepped away, grabbing a towel and began to clean the counters and tables.

Just then, the bell rang again, and Andi entered with her light-hearted step. “Hey, good morning, Deme!” she cried out in her amiable way. “I'm in need of a cup of your magic! What's good today?”

“Andi! I'm always glad when I see you at my door!” Demetrius said in gratitude as he realized he’d now have someone to talk with. “My espresso machine is being repaired right now, but this Honduran light roast is amazing. Filled with caramel and raspberry undertones with a light chocolate finish. I think you'll like it. Large or small mug?”

Andi looked at him incredulously. “You have small? What's the point? Large, of course.” she said laughingly. Demetrius got her joke and laughed himself, while reaching for one of his brand new logo mugs that had only arrived that morning. As he poured he glanced over to see Niels climbing under the counter with a wrench in hand. “I hope he knows what he's doing,” he thought to himself.

Andi had pulled up a chair at her favorite spot, facing the front door, but not far from the counter area. Demetrius grabbed the pot and walked over to her with two mugs in hand. “Hey, look at this,” Andi said excitedly seeing the new Grace Coffee House logo mugs, “What do you know about that? These are really cool, Demetrius! I like them!”

“Thanks, they just arrived this morning and you are the first to use them. I think they came out pretty nice. I'm going to use them for brewed and pour over coffees. I've got some others for the espresso drinks. And of course, I still have the paper cups for take out orders. But, I tell you, Andi, things are really coming together for me here at the Grace Coffee House.” Demetrius replied with excitement.

“They sure are. And I've noticed you are already developing a loyal clientele, myself included.” Andi smiled. “Demetrius, are you at all familiar with favor?”

Demetrius thought about this for a moment, while observing Andi take her first sip. He was really enjoying watching his customers as they learned to appreciate fine coffee. Her face lit up in recognition of just how good this cup was. “Ummm. This is something special. Reminds me of another time and place,” she said dreamily as if she'd be transported back in time to a place of fond remembrance.

 She inquired again of Demetrius if he knew about favor.

“Favor. Well, as in 'do me a favor'?” he replied with uncertainty.

“Not exactly. Let me put it a different way to you. I want you to think about how your life has changed since you made the decision to leave Colorado Springs and join your brother and Sandy in Paine Harbor. I know you've worked hard to open this shop, but, honestly, have you had any real opposition, any challenges which stopped you from accomplishing so much?”

He thought about this for a minute, quietly sipping his cup of the Honduran light roast while reflecting on the rapid amount of changes in his life over the recent months. “No, not really. In fact, if you think about it, every door has opened for me without too much trouble. Even Portia has been nothing but supportive of my coffee house, even though I am in competition with her diner. And, though I've only been open a brief time, I'm already seeing lots of repeat customers and new people every day. The only problem I've encountered, is my espresso machine breaking,” Demetrius said thoughtfully.

“Exactly.” Andi interrupted, “That's called favor.”

“Huh,” he said considering the implications, “Favor. I like that.”

“Hah! Yes, you should. Favor. It's God's gift to you. He wants to bless His people in all aspects of their lives,” she explained. “And it's for everyone. Some unbelievers suggest if you get something good, you are taking it away from someone else. But that's a lie. Sadly they see the world like a pie, where if you take too much, someone else is cheated of their share. But faith has as its focus an unlimited God who has access to unlimited resources. For you to live in favor doesn't harm anyone! In fact, it's good for you to be prospering in all aspects of life, because others will see it and wonder.”

“Wonder?” Demetrius asked.

“Yeah, wonder.” She continued, “They'll wonder, 'how did that guy get what he's got?' And you'll be able to tell them. You'll be able to explain how God loves you and has chosen to bless your life as you've sought Him. Favor is good. Favor demonstrates the goodness of God.”

Just then, a loud metal clanging sound rang out from underneath the espresso machine. Niels cried out in pain.  Demetrius and Andi rushed to see what had occurred. Fortunately, it wasn't serious. Niels had inadvertently smashed his little finger and in doing so, drew blood.

“Are you okay?” a concerned Demetrius called out.

Niels climbed out from his prone position holding his pinkie firmly in his opposite hand, trying to staunch the blood flow. “Here, let me look at that, I used to work in an Emergency Room, so I know a thing or two about first aid,” Demetrius explained while taking Niels' hand in his. Looking to Andi, he said, “Can you please get me the first aid kit? It's in the kitchen near the can opener.”

“It'll be okay, Niels. It doesn't need stitches. Just let me clean it up and bandage it.”

“Niels sorry to trouble you.” said a shook up Niels apologetically. “Please don't fire me.”

“Fire you?” said a surprised Demetrius. “Of course not! Accidents happen. Don't worry about it.”

Just then Andi handed the first aid kit to Demetrius, and within a couple of minutes Niels was sporting a new bandage on his pinkie finger. “There you go. Just don't get it wet for the next couple of days, you'll be as good as new.” Demetrius instructed. “Do you have any bandages at home?”

“No.”

Handing Niels a small handful, Demetrius said, “Take these. You’ll need to change your bandage at least twice a day!”

“Thank you. I’m good as new.” Niels repeated as he regained his composure.

Grace spoke up, “Demetrius, perhaps our new friend might enjoy a cup of your coffee?”

“Oh, of course. I'm so stupid!” said an embarrassed Demetrius. “Here, Niels, sit down. Take a break; I'll get you a cup. Do you take it black?”

Niels was extremely uncomfortable, being unfamiliar with this kind of attention and kindness being shown to him. Since he was a young child, Niels had been pretty much left to his own. “Uh, black. Yes.” he responded while allowing Andi to gently lead him to a couch.

“Sit here, honey,” she said tenderly. “Let's take a break.” Demetrius handed Niels the steaming hot mug. Still a bit uncertain, he took a small sip that was immediately followed with another, and still another and then large gulps of the hot coffee.

Demetrius smiled, as he rose to bring the pot over for a quick refill. “Sip it slowly, you’ll enjoy it more.”  The silence grew slightly awkward as the three sat together. Finally Demetrius asked, “Niels, how’s the repair coming along?”

Looking over the top of his cup, Niels thought about the question for a moment carefully choosing his words in reply. “Good. Almost done. Easy. You had a kink in the water line.”

“A kink?” Demetrius said in shock and a small degree of embarrassment, as Andi gave him a special little smile implying she’d seen his embarrassment.

“Yes. Kink. I was just tightening the line connectors to make sure there'd be no leaks. Kink fixed.” Niels replied with a small smile.

“Wow,” a starry eyed Demetrius replied. “A kink. Huh, who'd thunk it.”

“Yeah, who'd thunk it.” Niels parroted innocently.

Andi broke out in laugher. Demetrius caught the irony and began to laugh as well. Niels looked from side to side and realized for once he wasn't the butt of the joke, and began to join in the mirth. At this moment, something emerged within him he didn't know how to describe, but he liked it. He felt safe with these two people. Somehow he knew they were good people that he could trust. Being a man who trusted virtually no one, this was shocking. His face grew serious as he considered these thoughts that were running through his mind.

“Better get back to work.” Niels said suddenly, aware he’d be sitting idle for nearly 10 minutes.

“It’s okay, Niels.” Demetrius assured. “I’m enjoying getting to know you. Because I’m new in Paine Harbor, just talking with people is interesting.”

“Interesting? Me?” Niels replied somewhat confused. Most people avoided him, few would converse with him about anything except the odd jobs they’d hired him to do, so for someone to say he was ‘interesting’ really took him by surprise. Niels began to relax.

Over the next twenty minutes, Niels opened up to Demetrius and Andi telling them of his history, childhood, and how he came to Paine Harbor. 

“My father was a fisherman, but he was also a drunk. My mother died mysteriously when I was 7 years old. Then I became an inconvenience to my father, so I ended up in foster care. When I was 15 I went to court and became…” he paused while he searched for the right word. “Emancipated. Ever since then, I’ve been on my own.”

“That’s an incredible story, Niels.” Andi said with complete conviction. “You are one of the strongest and bravest people I’ve ever met!”

“Man, that’s the truth!” Chimed in Demetrius. “I am impressed.”

“May I tell you something I see in you, Niels?” Andi asked carefully. He nodded. “As strong as you are, I see there is a great deal of unresolved pain in your life. You’ve got leftover pain from your childhood, from people being rude to you and even from your mother’s tragic death. And this pain is holding you captive to the past. It’s like you are forever stuck in the place where you got hurt.”

Niels’ head tilted to one side in concentration. No one had ever spoken to him like this. In fact, people didn’t speak to him except when absolutely necessary. No one had ever cared enough to openly talk with him about such a difficult subject.  Silence filled Grace Coffee House as Niels gave careful consideration to Andi’s words.

Niels had been deeply wounded from his earliest memories. His father, a fisherman who loved the bottle more than his family, was loving and kind in his rare moments of sobriety, but was harsh and violent when drunk and Niels had been the favorite target of his rage. Niels' mother was a frightened and timid uneducated woman who became pregnant at the tender age of 14 years and was forced into marriage by her super religious father. Niels could look back at his mother with tenderness, realizing she had little power to make any real changes that would positively impact him. When she died mysteriously, Niels was thrown into a hurricane of hopelessness.

As one might imagine, trust didn't come easy for Niels. It was easier, and safer to keep to himself, and not be exposed to the potential of being hurt, yet again, at the hands of other people. And now, these two strangers were speaking directly to his pain.

“Niels, life doesn’t have to be this way. You can be healed.” Demetrius said. “Things can be different.”

“How?”

“Let the One who made you, heal you.”

“God?”

“Yes. Jesus said He wants all people to live life with great abundance. Brokenness, depression and sorrow are not abundant life, therefore He wants to heal you.” Demetrius said confidently. “He wants to touch your life and give you what you’ve longed for!”

Their eyes locked in a moment of truth. Deep within, at an unconscious level, and without even thinking about it, Niels believed him. He was telling the truth. In a moment of new faith, something sparked within him. Light was shining in places accustomed to utter darkness. Niels was frightened and elated simultaneously. “I believe,” he said quietly.

“It is possible, Niels,” Andi interrupted his thought processes again, “you've always dreamed and hoped for someone would treat you right, even when it didn't seem possible. But dear one, all things are possible to him who believes.”

She paused as if she were watching the wheels in Niels' mind spinning. Many people had foolishly believed he was ignorant and stupid, but in reality his mind was crystal clear and far sharper than anyone had ever given him credit for.

“And you are choosing to believe. Why? You've always wanted to. The One who loves you has been calling out your name in preparation for this day. He loves you, Niels. God loves you with a love that will transform your life in unimaginable ways. Embrace this love and you'll be freer than your wildest dreams.”

Andi went on to briefly and lovingly explain the gift of life Jesus had accomplished in his death and resurrection and how it was all part of God’s plan to bring all people into true freedom.

“Even Niels?”

“Yes,” she smiled. “Especially Niels.”

The silence filled Grace Coffee House as Niels pondered these words, while studying the intricacies of his shoestrings. In his inner self he was burning with anticipation and the unfamiliar feeling of hope was building. He looked up from his work boots and quietly said. “Yes. Niels want.”

With those simple words of faith, Niels was recreated into a new man. Gone was his guilt and shame, dismissed to the past was his sense of being a second-class citizen. In those simple words of faith, he encountered the Presence he didn't even have vocabulary to talk about.

Demetrius immediately noticed the change in his eyes. They were alive. His light blue eyes were ablaze. For the first time in his life, he knew and he was experiencing genuine goodness and pure love.

“Niels,” Demetrius spoke cautiously. “What's going on inside?”

“I've been set free,” he replied. “I'm not sure, but I somehow I know God really loves me, and that is all that matters. I am loved.”

He wept.

He wept for a good long time. Andi and Demetrius wisely allowed him to sob for as long as he needed. Miraculously, no one entered the Coffee House while this was going on, allowing Niels the freedom and the necessary time to do what he needed to do.

And then, the tears abated. He took a couple of the napkins which had been put in his hand by Andi, wiped his face, blew his nose and looked up with the largest smile of his life. First he looked at Andi, and then turned his head to Demetrius. It was then he spoke, “Andi, Demetrius, I am a new man. I will never be the same again. Ever.” They smiled in agreement. “But I have a question.”

“Yes. Go on,” Andi encouraged.

“What just happened to me?” he asked with 100% authenticity.

“Niels, you've met God. Jesus reached down and gave you a fresh start. It's called being 'born again' and you have been set free.” Demetrius said with a massive smile on his face.

“Really? Hmmm, Niels like.”

Andi got up from her chair and walked over to Niels saying, “There's more!”

“There is?” Niels said excitedly. “Well, whatever it is, I want it!”

“Then you shall,” she said placing her hands on the top of his head. “God wants to put His Holy Spirit right inside of you. Jesus died to take away your sin, so the Holy Spirit can live within you, empowering you to live as your were destined to!”

“But I’ll still be me?” he asked innocently.

She laughed gently. “Of yes, you are irreplaceable!”

“Okay. I want this Holy Spirit. What do I have to do?”

“May I pray for you?” Andi replied, when he nodded approval she began to pray, “Niels, be filled with Holy Spirit! Be full of Power! Be full of guidance! Be full of amazing gifts!”

As she prayed over him, Demetrius quietly interceded in the background. Later, Niels would describe this experience as being like he'd been transported into a new and beautiful place of incredible light, love and joy. Andi continued her prayers, and Niels began to receive the beautiful gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Initially, the only evidence was the look of absolute bliss on his face, but as the minutes went by, he began to shake underneath the power of God. To someone who didn't understand what God was doing, they might have been tempted to call 911 to report a person having an epileptic seizure. But in the shaking God was doing a deep cleansing work in Niels' deepest places, bringing the light of His love into that place and replacing the darkness, grief and heaviness with light, healing and incredible joy.

Quietly Niels began to speak words of praise and adoration in gratitude for what God was doing in his life, not in his native tongue of English, but in a heavenly sound of intimacy, mystery and power. As he looked up in confusion to Andi, she encouraged him to continue, and with this encouragement he was happy to do so! For nearly two hours, Niels sat in his seat in the Grace Coffee House in utter worship and praise to God in his heavenly language.

At some point in this exchange, the bell above the door rang announcing the arrival of Reverend Sharp. Demetrius, who had only heard bits and pieces of what had happened the day before at Paine Harbor Community Church, got up to greet him. “Welcome Reverend Sharp!”

“Please call me Axel,” he said with kindness. Sensing something important was going on he quietly asked Demetrius, “Am I interrupting? Should I leave?”

“No Rever... oops, Axel. Sorry, that's going take some getting used to. Please stay. What can I get you to drink?”

“Umm... whatever you think is good, Demetrius.” Axel replied honestly. “While you are making my drink, I need to make amends with you.” Demetrius looked up from the espresso machine in surprise. “Don't stop me. I need to do this, it is important. Do you remember the day we met? You were out there on the sidewalk looking through the windows?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Well, I was terrible that day. I was rude. I was negative and I didn't treat you with the love and respect you deserved. And I want to apologize to you in hopes you'll forgive me. It's important to me.” Axel said with sobriety and candor.

Demetrius was stunned and nearly speechless. He looked over at Andi, but saw she was busy with Niels. He was on his own. Looking across the counter as he handed Axel his latte.

“I'm stunned. I didn't expect this from you, forgive me for saying, I'm rather surprised. But, I'm also honored. The fact you thought so highly of me to come back weeks later and humble yourself is incredible. Thank you for doing so, and of course I forgive you!” He came around from behind the counter and embraced him in his arms. They sat together at the bar and continued their conversation.

Meanwhile Andi spoke words of instruction to Niels, “I want you to understand what has happened to you. These next few days are critically important to your term growth and maturity in Christ,” she encouraged. “Questions?”

“Yes, can Jesus heal my stomach?” Niels asked. For years he'd struggled with gastrointestinal problems, which of late had become increasingly painful.

“Of course, He can,” Andi replied.

“How?”

“Ask him to do it.”

“Just ask?”

“Do you believe He can and will heal you?”

“With all He has done for me already, I don't see why not,” he replied.

“Then ask,” she instructed.

Niels looked up at the ceiling, and simply said, “Jesus, please heal what's wrong with my stomach. Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“Okay, that's great.” Andi replied. “Now, how do you know when your stomach is acting up?”

“It hurts when I eat.”

“Have you eaten today?”

“No.”

Getting up and moving into the kitchen, she called back to Niels, “Hang on, I'll get you something.” A few minutes later she came out with a toasted bagel with cream cheese generously spread across it. “Here, eat this!” she instructed. Niels was only too happy to oblige.

“How quickly after eating does your stomach get upset?” she asked.

“Immediately,” he said while swallowing the last bite and wiping his face of a smear of cream cheese.

“Alright, then, how does it feel right now?” She asked as Demetrius and Axel walked over in curiosity.

“Right now?” Niels answered while looking down at his stomach as if he could see the food digesting inside. “Hmmm...”

Andi, Demetrius and Axel waited in expectation. Niels rubbed his belly, and looked at each of his new friends. “Hmmmm... well, to tell you the truth. It feels like I'd like another bagel! It feels great!”

The little group of four at Grace Coffee House began to shout for joy as they recognized the power of God at work.

Just then Sarah walked in to report for her late afternoon shift and called out in her newly enthusiastic voice, “Hey everyone! What's happening?” It was then the laughter really began.