Bringing Christian aura into a business

For the Brenneis family, it is important to have God involved in every aspect of their lives - from home to business.

That is the reason Jim and Dawn Brenneis recently had the Rev. Pat Propster bless the opening of Philadelphia Cheesesteak Co. on Basque Way in Carson City.

"God's in control of everything," said Jim, 47. "We wanted to involve Christ, whether it's a blessing or not."

The Brenneises also own the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Co. in Sparks. They opened it about one year ago. The Carson City location was an opportunity they couldn't pass up, so they purchased it and opened for business in August.

"We did this in Sparks, too," Jim said. "Being Christian and with the beliefs we have, we wanted to involve Him in the adventure we were about to partake in."

Running two businesses and home-schooling their children, Bradley, 8, and Bryce, 4, has been a challenge for the couple. But with a five-year plan and the help of friends and fellow parishioners, they feel their lives may be on an upswing.

"We live our life and believe by the verses we had Pastor Pat bless us with," said Dawn, 38. "Colossians 3:16-17 - 'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.'"

"It is the Scripture that fits Jim and Dawn's life," Propster said. "What Jim does in his life is to do for the glory of God."

This is why Jim felt it was important to have Propster bless the business and welcome the church to gather, eat, and pray. With 10 different styles of Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwiches offered, eating was an exciting part of the day.

"A traditional sandwich is slow-cooked beef on the grill," Jim said. "An authentic south Philly is with Cheez Whiz. A north Philly is with provolone cheese. One of our most popular is the No. 9, an ortega chili Philly."

It was the first business Propster has blessed.

"Be it a blessing or dedication of a business or a home, we're dedicating the area a sanctuary of the Lord," he said. "It is fun for the people you are doing it for because you know their dedication to God."

Christian music is played in the restaurant. Jim has noticed some people bowing their heads and praying before eating their meal; Dawn sees others talking among themselves and identifying the Christian musical artist.

"I think it's real neat, cool," Dawn said. "We also have prayer jars for customers to write a Scripture that touches their heart, and place it in."

Dawn's day begins by saying a prayer as she opens the shop door and gets the kitchen ready. She said when she forgets to pray, it makes a huge difference in the energy she feels in herself and the crowd.

"Our customers walk in and feel a comfort level," she said. "The music is a conversation piece and a customer keeper. I also like to think Jim and I are great (Christian) tools to our employees. I pray that God touch somebody through us each day."

"By dedicating their business to God, it provides for constant accountability," Propster said. "Quality control is to Christ first."

-- Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.