LETTER FROM THE editor
Free Indeed
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This executive order declared that all slaves would, from that time forward, be set free. This was truly life-changing good news for those who were enslaved. However, because word didn’ t spread as quickly as it does today, there was a problem. All slaves had been set free, but they didn’ t know they were free. So although they were free, they were still living as slaves. The problem was they didn’ t know the truth.
There is freedom in knowing the truth. Freedom from uncertainty, doubt, confusion. And there is freedom from slavery to sin for those who know and believe in God’ s truth. John 8:31-32 says,“ So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him,‘ If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’”( ESV).
As members of the Christian retail industry, we have the privilege of sharing the greatest life-changing truth with the world. People today are seeking answers, and Christian retail is equipped with the resources and opportunities to respond. Our industry is seeing record-breaking sales for Bibles, Christian fiction and children’ s books. It’ s clear that in a world filled with competing voices and uncertainty about whom to trust, many are searching for truth and hope.
The articles in this edition of CRA Today will help you discover how to use the tools available today to effectively share the truth of God’ s Word with others.
Find out why Christian fiction continues to sell, and how you can ensure it sells in your store, in the article“ Stories Sell.”
In“ Curators of Truth,” see how third generation store owner Rodney Makrill helps seekers find the Bible they’ re looking for with three definitive questions.
Learn how to transform your store from a retail space to a gathering place this summer with in-store experiences and ideas to boost sales and clear out dead inventory.
And be encouraged with personal stories and practical insights that explore the theme of freedom, independence and the many benefits they bring.
These topics, along with others, will be discussed in greater depth during CPE’ s Industry Update and breakout sessions. If you haven’ t registered yet, be sure to register today for this truly historic event. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we’ ll pay tribute to our religious freedoms and shared mission— to spread God’ s life-changing truth.
Sincerely,
Andrea Stock
EDITOR: Andrea Stock CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Mike Solava ADVERTISING: Christy Dollins ACCOUNTING: Jen Decker
BOARD MEMBERS: Jon Curtiss Christy Dollins Les Jones Dennis Lovvorn Rachel Savage
Karen Bilbrey Kim Burns Elisa Dale Ryan Dale Tim Davis Vicki Geist Les Jones Cheryl Kerwin Heide Kuhlman
CONTRIBUTORS Rodney Makrill Brian McKay Tim Morgan Rachel Savage Mindy Uitermarkt
Danelle Vanderzyden
Karen Welch Sarah Wontorcik
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