Swedish coffeehouse takes off the chill
by Ann Graham Price

RAD member Gina Marner, center, hang out with friends at Grottan. Photo: Ryan Miller

The first thing you notice when you walk into Grottan (Swedish for “the cave”) is that it’s not dark and dank like so many subterranean youth coffee shops. It’s clean and quite warm, thanks to a blazing fire stoked by RAD (Reaching and Discipling) team leader Jon Linn.

There are Scripture verses on the walls, embedded among painted footprints and a variety of trompe l’oeil faux finishes. The Bible texts are a subtle part of the overall décor.

“We will never hide our faith or purpose,” said Anna-Lena Andersson, a member of Jokkmokk Free Church. “But there’s no pressure to believe.”

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Andersson began frequenting Grottan when it first opened in the early 1980s, and she was among the first Christian converts as a result of it. Currently, she leads the Sunday youth Bible studies, and shares preaching duties with several others at the church. She also helps provide leadership at Grottan.

"Grottan has a special place in my heart,” Andersson said. “I would like to see the kids of Jokkmokk know the Lord.”

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