By Anna M. Martin
Wingate Triangle contributing writer
Across the street from Wingate University’s campus at the corner of Main and
Wilson streets next to Pizza Hut is a café called Java the Cup, a hot spot for students where cafe-goers can receive more than just a hot latte and a quiet table to study. With quaint seating, kind staff and uplifting worship music playing through the speakers, Java the Cup and the couple who brought it to life have become a safe place for students at Wingate seeking community.
Hugo SanMartano and his wife, Kris, opened shop in Wingate five years ago with
a mission to share the Gospel with every cup of coffee. But the decision to open amongst a campus of unknown college students was not an easy one.
“My biggest fear when we first opened was the students,” said Hugo SanMartano. “It worried me a little bit—how they would accept us, would they be rowdy, would they make a mess in my building?”
In five years, Java the Cup has run smoothly as a campus ministry, with no issues from any students.
“My worries in the beginning were quickly snuffed out because they are great
kids,” he said. “They’re a blessing.”
When the SanMartanos began attending Provision Church four years ago, a connection formed between the church and cafe. Provision has a large attendance rate of Wingate students, and Java the Cup has been the catalyst.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the SanMartanos and Provisions Pastor Cole Bohnsack set up the church’s first worship night at the cafe. Though attendance was low, spirits were high and the event has continued three times a year with an ever-growing number of students involved. Last week’s worship had more than 45 students, which poses a problem for the small building.
The SanMartanos and Bohnsack have been working on two ministry projects: increasing the number of cafe worship nights and a campus concert. The concert would feature live music from the three local churches: Lee Park, East Campus and Provision. Each pastor would present a small sermon and prayer, and food trucks would be provided. The idea is to get kids interested in church, an extension of the ministry Java the Cup has served to Wingate for the past five years.
“I feel like we can reach more kids,” said Hugo SanMartano said. “It might not be this semester, but maybe next semester.”
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