By Katherine Khaw
Amid its uncertain beginning, one cafe emerges to be a special place of comfort, refreshing of souls, and warm fellowship.
A few months before the COVID-19 pandemic rocked our world, a humble and quaint café was established in the storefront of a local PJ church. Recently, I had the chance to learn more about their story. Let us peer into their rollercoaster journey throughout these unprecedented times via a conversation with Mike Yong, a key entrepreneur of The Well Gallery Café.
Origins Of The Well
In 2019, an opportunity was extended by the landlord of the aforementioned storefront to build up the café space at PJEFC. As the prospective partners had prior experience in the F&B industry, a leap was taken with the hope of establishing a space that would connect the church with the community.
Additionally, the story of Jesus’s encounter with the Samaritan woman by the well (John 4:1-42) was a deciding factor for the café’s name. It was impressed upon one of the partners during a quiet time that the lady who came to draw from the well that sweltering noon met with Jesus and experienced God’s truth. It is hoped that the café could likewise be such a significant landmark for patrons to fellowship, to quench one’s appetite, and to exchange thoughts.
With that, The Well Gallery Café (also known simply as The Well) was established in October 2019.
The Well Gallery Café & Staff
Troubled Waters
Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic would soon upend countless businesses, including The Well. With the enactment of the MCO (Movement Control Order) in mid-March 2020, the partners had to look into rearranging their existing strategic plans and financial positions. It was not a favourable time as they had just finished setting up the area and some issues also emerged among the partners.
“With not a whole lot of running capital left after renovation works, we were struggling to pull through every month,” Mike stated. “Due to the lockdown, we had to revisit our development stage for the cafe.”
This development stage included the menu development, outlet appearance and design, furniture purchase, hiring plans, and many other matters. Challenges came about due to the dwindling capital and instigation by others that turned the partners against each other, instead of for each other. It was a struggle to gather strength and confidence for uncertain tomorrows and it felt at times like placing one’s foot into unsettled territory. Would unknown factors bite back?
Lull In The Storm
Yet even then, God has been faithful to Mike Yong and the team at The Well. One of God’s promises that stood out to Mike daily came from Psalm 34:1-4 –
“I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
New possibilities were on the horizon and there were blessings from God. Essentially, while they were facing the challenges incurred by the pandemic, an outpouring of support would come from the church and its community. For instance, many church members and their contacts lent their helping hands by ordering takeaway and requesting deliveries from the cafe.
Patrons made their way to the café to purchase remaining perishable goods off the shelves. Not only that, the church leaders have been praying for the business and the involved partners. Advice and encouragement were conveyed – some offered business ideas while others gave insight into the economic situation, which enabled The Well to embrace and incorporate the necessary steps to revitalise the business after the first lockdown period.
A Ripple In The Tide
Entering into the CMCO (Conditional Movement Control Order) in early May 2020, Mike was encouraged once more by the leaders and pastor to utilise the café space for ministry work. As the team sought to accomplish the mission of service at The Well, Mike discovered that he was able to play a role during these trying times.
He met with business persons that had been fighting for survival due to zero income, due to their businesses inadvertently being classified as non-essential services during the MCO. Even as the CMCO had lessened restrictions, it did not mean that these businesses could revert to their normal income flow. In fact, most of them did not generate the income they used to have.
It was during the moments of fellowship, the support of a listening ear, and an expressed prayer that The Well has become a place of God’s refuge, hope, and love.
Future Aspirations And Advice For Budding Entrepreneurs
More doors in God’s timing will open in the time to come. While there is no perfect insight for the road that lies ahead, Mike understands that he and the team had learned immensely throughout this season.
With regards to future entrepreneurs who desire to start up their businesses, especially in dire economic times, Mike offered the following advice:
“… To take the leap of faith, do it, do your due diligence well enough to speak with enough people about your plans and idea. Do not be discouraged if you hit a wall.”
One first has to be a dreamer and a visionary: to be a painter who visualises the big picture in their heads and brings it to fruition. The Well is a beloved dream transformed into a working reality, continuously shaped with discipline and grit.
Mike and the team have grown this café in service of God and the community, with thoughtfulness in their artistic coffees, well-made desserts, and creative main dishes. By God’s grace and favour, their intent, hard work, and warm spirit in this business will surely flourish and minister to many hearts among us.
About Katherine Khaw
Katherine is a relentless pursuer of knowledge. She strives toward it by reading extensively and engaging in online courses. Quiet morning walks and gardening are the simple joys in her life. Her inspiration is found within the love for stargazing and reaching into the lives of others. She aspires to love deeply and patiently; to be more than mere dust.
