Family Christian Stores

Before Christmas, I began calling our local branch of Family Christian Bookstore to see if I could show them the book.  Of course, Christmas is the busiest season for a Christian bookstore, and I realized that my timing was not likely "ideal."  

The store's manager (who I'll call "Dana") sounded open to the idea of a book signing in the future and indicated that there is another local author who has done signings there in the past. But she did ask me to call back after the new year.

When I called in January, the new year turned out to be a hectic time too, as the store sorted out their inventory for another season. I knew that I needed to just get in there and meet this manager face to face. With a copy of my book in hand.

I took a chance and stopped by a couple of weeks ago, but as Murphy's Law would have it, I chose the one day that Dana was off duty that week. 

On Tuesday, I decided to call and secure a "right time" to stop by this week, and Dana told me she'd be there from 11:00 a.m. until closing on Friday.  Sweet. Progress. 

There was no way that I wasn't making a trip to that store today.

I pulled into the parking lot and prayed to the Holy Spirit before I left my van. I walked into the store and shopped around a bit, while I attempted to size up the situation. I don't get out much, so I soak up every opportunity to browse when I have the chance. 

Finally, I felt the time was right to approach Dana, who (of course) was busy, but I didn't let that ruffle my feathers as I calmly introduced myself to her. Once she remembered who I was, Dana also remembered that I was supposed to bring her a copy of the book. I pulled it out of my purse and briefly told her our story.

I watched her facial expression totally change as she scanned the cover and listened to my synopsis. 

"You know...we have a heart for orphans and widows here," she said.

"I know," I replied, as I hung on, clinging for more.

I only knew because the last time I'd visited the store, I had inquired about their "James Fund" banners which hung throughout the store. That's when I learned that Family Christian announced, in November, that it has partnered with a group of Atlanta-based Christian businessmen.

Under the new ownership, Family Christian's pledge is to contribute 100% of its profits to ministries serving widows and orphans both in the U.S. and abroad. 

Isn't that amazing?  If that's not a perfect fit for Daniel's story, I don't know what is.

Dana kindly accepted the book and asked me if she could take a week or so to review it. She took time to make sure that With an Open Heart is in their system (Praise the Lord, it is) and we shared a few brief minutes to explore the possibilities of a book signing coordinated with an effort to promote adoption and orphan sponsorships through World Vision.

Can I tell you how satisfying and heartwarming it would be to participate in such an event? Can you even imagine?  It would obviously be, in Daniel's memory, quite meaningful.

Could you please take a minute to pray that Dana is touched by Daniel? And that her heart is open to our message of faith?  

Your prayers would truly mean the world to us:)