By Jessica Diamond
For more than a decade, Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company, with a location at 352 S Atlanta St. in Roswell, has been serving the needs of the community in innumerable ways, both locally and abroad. Founder Jonathan Golden is a pastor, a professional and personal life coach, a social entrepreneur, a business owner, and a man on a mission to “do good.” Recently, Golden added the title of author to his growing list of accomplishments with the 2016 release of his book Be You. Do Good. Having the Guts to Pursue What Makes You Come Alive. Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company, or LOTH, began as a passion project driven by Golden’s desire to help the genocide-ravaged communities of Rwanda revitalize their economy and heal the wounds of the past. LOTH was not his first professional endeavor, or even his first “calling.” It will also not be his last. Among the many lessons he has gleaned from his experiences, Golden now advises others to both follow their passions and remain open to the possibility that a person’s calling can shift and change over time. What started as a simple desire to “do good” for a community in need grew into a multimillion dollar coffee empire that provides more than 2,500 Rwandan coffee farmers with living wages. Golden insists that it does not take extraordinary ability to impact the world, but rather extraordinary passion, faith, and trust. Though much of his time is spent nurturing and maintaining the company he built, Golden is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to reach broader audiences and serve greater needs. Be You. Do Good. is a clear and concise collection of Golden’s findings in his personal journey to real-
Jonathan Golden, author of Be You. Do Good.
ize his own true purpose. The twelve adventures included are laced with nuggets of internationally collected wisdom and ancient biblical principals intended to aid countless others in recognizing and realizing their own passions. As a pastor, Golden draws much of his motivation and inspiration from his Christian faith. His message, however, is intended for a universal audience. Golden connects with those who may look to his book for help by first acknowledging some of the bumps along the way and the moments of doubt. “The road has not been easy, safe, certain, or straight,” Golden writes. “I had years when I didn’t know if we were going to make it. Along the way, I’ve kept track of the adventure. This book is the result, and I’m confident it can help you.” Golden’s book is a reflection of the culture he has worked to create within the walls of his coffee houses. His ultimate goal is to create spaces in which people of different backgrounds and beliefs can come together to not only discuss world changing ideas, but to put them into action. His vision is to isolate that motivating ingredient that inspires real, tangible change and encourage his patrons and readers to take that courageous first step toward doing good. For more on LOTH visit www.landofathousandhills.com. ❍
9 MARCH 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
WHAT MAKES YOU COME ALIVE? ARTS (