Sam grew up on the mission field in Bolivia, where he saw his parents take risks to present the gospel and saw the gospel transform lives.

Abbie graduated from the Oberlin music conservatory and understands the pressures and struggles students face.

They are committed to an intentional, incarnational, co-vocational ministry that invests in and serves the Oberlin community, both as an outworking of the gospel and as an invitation to discover more about the God who has come to know, redeem, and restore them.

They look at the Lord’s table and ask: Who is missing? Where do we find them? How can we serve them? How can we show them Jesus?

Haven Brewing is the first micro-brewery in town, providing an employment opportunity, a gathering place, food by Abbie, beer by Sam, non-alcoholic options, board games, and a family-friendly respite.

Sam’s goal is to be a co-vocational church planter, with Haven’s revenue eventually helping support his family and Sparrow Church.

Co-vocational ministry is, by design, one where the church planter also works in the community he serves. This is a long-term strategy that builds trust and connection with those outside the church.

Haven is a commitment to Oberlin, a platform to build relationships and goodwill, and an opportunity to display the difference authentic Christian faith makes in the business place.

Phase I is about embedding long-term in Oberlin: learning the values and rhythms of the community, building relational connections through the restaurant, engaging people with the gospel, and gathering for worship and hospitality in the home.

Phase II is about Sam stepping away from his current job so the Fosters can invest more fully in the sustainability of the restaurant, follow up with the contacts they’ve made, find a publicly accessible location for worship, and plant a church on the foundation already being built.

This effort will require the support of the larger Christian community through prayer and financial giving.