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NORTHROP -- As one of the top commodities in the world, coffee is enjoyed by countless people daily. But how many can say they have a really good cup that supports a worthy cause?
Dr. Tim Hamp of Fairmont and Paul Steinhaus, principal of Martin Luther High School in Northrop, are trying to make that statement true around here.
The idea came about in 2012 when Hamp was finishing a cup of coffee and thought, "This is most certainly brew," a play on the famous words by Martin Luther.
Hamp sat on the idea for many months before bringing it forward to his friend, Steinhaus, in the hope of supporting Martin Luther High School and the ministry.
In June, a roasterie brought nine different coffee flavors to Sweet Indeed Bakery in Madelia, where the initial taste-testing took place. Several people were there to help pick the best flavor combinations.
Near the end of July, "This is Most Certainly Brew" gourmet coffee made its debut.
"It's had a pretty good initial take-off," said Steinhaus, adding that they have already ordered several hundred pounds and have shipped orders across the United States.
There are four unique flavors: Pastor's Study Blend, a dark roast that is a blend of three beans, originating in Brazil; Bible Study Blend, a blend of two beans from Sumatra and Mexico, slightly sweet, medium roast; Church Basement Brew, a single bean, medium roast originating from Honduras; and Eternally Yours Blend, a decaf, medium Italian three-bean roast.
"We wanted a high-quality coffee. That was important to us," said Hamp, noting how the beans are roasted right here in Minnesota.
The coffee is being sold in 12-ounce bags for $10, but is also available in 5-pound bags.
Marge Thiesse, director of development at Martin Luther High School, designed the logo and labels for the bags.
This is Most Certainly Brew is being sold at Martin Luther High School, Good New Bookstore in Fairmont, Fairmont Chiropractic and Acupuncture, and in the church offices at St. Paul Lutheran-Fairmont, St. James Lutheran-Northrop, St. John's Lutheran-South Branch and St. Paul's Lutheran-Truman. Orders can be placed online at: www.thisismostcertainlybrew.com
Since the beginning, the plan has been that any income generated by the coffee will support Christian education.
"We have had other places reach out and offer to sell our coffee, but we really want to partner with people who want to support the ministry," Steinhaus noted.
They have partnered with other Lutheran schools in the Dakotas, Missouri and Nebraska that also are selling This is Most Certainly Brew, with proceeds helping those schools directly.
"We've looked at how to be creative in funding a ministry, and how to find new ways to fund instead of asking the same people for help," Steinhaus sad.
While This is Most Certainly Brew has only been around for several months, those involved are hopeful.
"It's nice to be able to help support the gospel and the spreading of the gospel," Hamp said. "We hope that this is a coffee that people will enjoy daily."
"Exactly. Have a cup of coffee and pray for us," added Steinhaus.