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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nShe said, \u201cFrom the time I graduated college, I had been wandering into different passions and professions, attempting to find my purpose.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coffey\u2019s earliest college experience was at the University of Tennessee, where she was a Lady Volunteer basketball manager. Her time at Rocky Top sharpened her leadership skills, and she completed an entrepreneurship degree at Belmont University while working with various nonprofits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She co-founded Kagavu with Adam Feldbruegge, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that equips and educates people to live sustainable lives, providing basic necessities, education, and medical support in the Kagavu village in Uganda. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An avid athlete, Coffey pursued endurance racing, competing in numerous 70.3 Ironman events and qualifying for the world championship in New Zealand. When an injury sidelined her athletic aspirations, she discovered a new calling. For over five years, Coffey has devoted herself to daily Bible study, sharing her insights through journaling, social media, podcasting, and now, a published book titled \u201cThe Word Account: A Poetic Devotion.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout her diverse experiences, Coffey\u2019s faith has continued to guide her to use her talents to uplift and inspire others. Most recently, she offers encouragement and rest to others at her Petersburg coffee shop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRight before I opened Good Shepherd Coffee, I had been out West guiding hiking and biking trips, and when I came back home, I prayed that the Lord would give me a reason to stay in Petersburg. I drove through town and saw that the coffee shop was up for sale, so I spent the next month praying about it,\u201d Coffey recalled. \u201cI graduated with a degree in entrepreneurship and had worked in the food service industry since graduating, so I knew that it was something I was passionate about. I stepped out in faith, and the Lord opened every door.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n But before He opened the coffee shop\u2019s door, He closed others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI would not be where I am today without my injury and my recovery period. It was over a year and a half of hardship and deep depression. I was so lost, but the Lord slowed me down and taught me so much during that time. I realized I was following my own pursuits without including Him in the process. He brought me home.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Her recovery time taught her the gifts to be found in slowing down, quickly connecting her to the idea of a \u201cthird place.\u201d Where better to slow down than a coffee shop? It\u2019s her latest mission field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Coffey said, \u201cAs dramatic as it might sound, making people coffee is a ministry. It\u2019s an avenue to talk with people, serve them, and make them feel loved and cared for. I\u2019ve made dear friends, prayed with hurting people, and hugged grieving parents. I enjoy being a familiar face that people feel like they can share their life with. It\u2019s an honor.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n At the heart of it all is community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy ultimate prayer for Good Shepherd is that it would be a gathering place. I think the sky is the limit for events, gatherings, and community partnerships. I am here for whatever the town and people desire.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n To others still searching for their purpose and passion, Coffey offers, \u201cLook around and look within. Slow down, pay attention to your surroundings, and look at people as individual gifts from God. Then, look within and spend time with the Lord. Pursue your passions and use the unique gifts that He has given you. Don\u2019t wait around for other people or for the right time; now is the right time, and you are the right person.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stop by Good Shepherd Coffee House anytime. You\u2019re welcome to make it your \u201cthird place.\u201d GN <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" At first glance, it\u2019s a small coffee shop in a revitalized rural community, its tall glass windows and stone foundation reminding you of a greenhouse. Flower-topped tables and conversation nooks invite a pause from the world outside, and the aroma of ground coffee beans and fresh baked goods envelops you. Sure, you can grab your […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":23515,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23513","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cover"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/fayetteville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/12\/2-3-1024x683.png\")
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