Monday, October 26, 2009

I am sad.....

One of a Christian Bookstores near my place is having a discount sale up to 50% off regular price. It is good for customers but I am so sad that the store is closing at the end of this month. I asked the sale person and he said that more people are buying books on internet and their sale has declined. They have no other way except close the store.

I am so sad that Christian bookstores are closing, shrinking, and vanishing in our communities. When I was in Daly City, California, I used to go to Western Christian Bookstore closed to our house and I really enjoyed reading and buying books there. I was so sad that store closed and vanished. My family moved to Union City and found another huge Christian bookstore at Hayward with all kinds of Christian books and religious supplies. Many times I have purchased books, gifts, and music from there for myself and also for our church. I was so sad that store closed and vanished again.


I am a book lover since I was very young. Bookstores and library at Mogok, my hometown in Myanmar, knew me well as regular customer. My room turned as library with my favorite books. I was so sad that there was no Christian bookstore there. I prayed to God for having Christian bookstores for the hungry readers in the communities. It was like falling into treasurer chests when I came to USA and found Christian bookstores everywhere. I said WOW! And praise the Lord.


Now I am sad, one of another nearest Christian bookstore at Newark is closing on October 30 of this year. I am sad not for myself only, but for Christian community. Christian bookstores should be existed among us as Christian witness. I believe that they are not doing only for business but also doing great ministries to spread the word of God.


Berean Christian bookstore in San Jose, which is about half an hour drive from my home, is the largest Christian bookstore I have ever visited. I used to go there because I get 10% clergy discount. I am sad because the store is shrinking. I am sad to see empty shelves, reduced items, less books, and empty spaces. I also go to LifeWay Christian bookstore at Mills Valley where I get 20% clergy discount.


“Men are what they read,” was one of my favorite wisdom quotes and I am following it by choosing, purchasing and reading good books especially spiritual books It impact a lot on my life and also in my ministries. I am glad that there are many online Christian bookstores, audio books, video books, electronic book, books on applications, and so on. But I do not want Christian bookstores vanish from our communities. I am praying for all Christian bookstores to stand strong and continue to serve effective ministries of Jesus Christ. Remember it in your prayer if you are also a Christian books lover.