10 July 2014 by Adeline Lum CM-
On 1st of July, Life Tree cafe officially opens in Taman Connaught (near the South Wing of UCSI), welcoming a stream of students and young working adults who are looking for a cozy and comfortable place to sip aromatic coffee, chocolate, tea, and enjoy a delectable array of muffins and cakes, at affordable prices.
Patrons immediately feel a sense of warmth when they step into Life Tree.
Soft lighting fills the room and the lounge area has a wood-panel feature wall, wooden furniture, fabric-covered sofas and bean bags that make the place really warm and cozy. The café also has an inner room with a small library, serving as a quiet reading area. This inner room can be closed off from the main lounge for private meetings.
“I love the coffee smell here and the wooden décor! It feels very cozy and comfortable like home. I would say this is definitely a place I would come in the future to study,” said 18-year-old Teik Wei, a first-time visitor in Life Tree.
Financial consultant Vivien Chong agreed by quipping, “I have been here four times already before this and I think it gives a cozy and homely feeling. Every time I come, I bring new friends here because the café is so cozy and comfortable, so as you chat with your friend, it feels like your house.”
Peter Tan, co-director of Life Tree with Winson Phuah, shared how Life Tree is designed to offer a safe and conducive place for young people to socialize and build lifelong friendships.
“Like a tree, we name this place Life Tree because it’s like a big shade, providing people a place to come to rest from the heat of the day. Here, we can talk about light-hearted things to serious topics like the deep meaning of God,” said Peter.
Dahrmen B. Nair, a team leader for ALPHA course in UCSI, shared how they enjoyed having ALPHA meet-ups here with the college students.
“Before this, we had been doing ALPHA in the university, but Life Tree provides an opportunity to learn in a more comfortable and attractive environment unlike being in a classroom, “ said Dahrmen.
Built with the social business concept, the profit made at Life Tree will be directed back to the community through community events, development programs, and also training opportunities for their staffs to increase their competency level.
“As a business, it needs to be self-financing and maintained at a high standard. We want to make a positive difference in this community; it is a place that welcomes everyone no matter what background they come from.
“Some of us are more experienced in our professions. So, we want to encourage the young people and impart to them our experiences here at Life Coffee. For example, in the near future, we plan to hold financial literacy program, entrepreneurship programs, some practical soft skill enhancement programs to help the young adults be better prepared when they join the marketplace” said Peter Tan.
Winson Phuah added, “The heart of Life Tree is young people. We want to know more about them. We want to know their past, present, and their future dream. We want to see life through coffee.”
When asked about Life Tree’s passion for people especially the young, Winson explained, “We love the young people because they are our future. Also, personally, it is God’s calling for me to reach out to them.”
Spinning off the original idea of building a youth centre, Life Tree Coffee is managed under the leadership of Business and Professional Ministries to provide a safe and conducive place for young people to socialize, learn, and grow in the love of God. And yes, the love of God welcomes everyone regardless of background, race, and religion.
Visit LIFE TREE COFFEE at
https://www.facebook.com/lifetreecoffee/timeline
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Thank you very much for the info. I will share with the others about tree life coffee ministry.
Want to complain this tree life cafe, the staff lady who is in charge ask the customer to void their membership. just want to know what kind of christian is this