Around about May 2003 God seemed to be saying to me to open up a Christian Bookshop. I was not sure whether this was me or God speaking. God gave me John 17:3; Jos 1:8-9 and 2 Chron 16:9. I thought they were interesting Scripture. So I cherrished these Scriptures and started praying and also asked other committed praying Christians to pray to seek out whether this was from God or not. Interesting to note that while we were doing this, God was working behind the scenes (like he does all the time) and was placing people in the right place for the right time and preparing the position of the shop. God's timing is incredible. All through the process of setting up the shop, God was teaching me to trust and depend on Him and that He is true to His Word and His promises.

There was a lot of investigation work into Christian Bookshops and how to run a business and contacting Govt dept. etc before we even got past first base. But God being the chess player that he is had already placed a rep from a Qld company that I would need to deal with down in Wonthaggi of all places. The only rep for all of SA, Vic. and Tas. down in little old Wonthaggi. Totally and utterly amazing. If that was not God than nothing is. He has since left the company but he was there when we needed him to help us get established with other companies and was a great help in telling us where to get things from and how to set things up. This guy also knew the reps from other companies and had a word with them so we did not have many hassels in setting up accounts with the various companies and getting stock in. After much prayer and hard work (and tears by the way) the shop opened on 20th of October 2003 and it keeps on growing.

The shop is more than just a shop that sells Christian books and CD's etc. It is a place where people can come and have prayer and be supported during difficult times. A place where they can off load things and be encouraged to go out in service for God once again. A place where they can just sit, have a cuppa and experience the presence and peace of God. A place where they can work through issues. A place of love and laughter (perhaps this should be first) where they can be filled with the joy of the Lord and renew their strength.

Even though the shop may be small, God has shown me that it is not insignificant in His Kingdom. God calls us to be faithful and to keep on trusting Him. I have grown in my faith and continuously see others growing as well. God does not expect us to go it alone or do it by ourselves. The shop is a meeting place for folks to get together and see how God is working in other people's lives.

 -- Pat Jackson

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