When involved in any ministry, although you know it’s God’s work, it sometimes helps to take a look and see how God is using that ministry. For myself, in writing this article, it has been wonderful to take a closer look and ask, ‘How is the Lord using Bethany Books?’
Bethany Books is a Christian bookshop in Shotton, North Wales, and is part of Christ Church, Deeside’s ministry. I have been running it since March 2023, and I can honestly say that I have loved every single day that the Lord has given me there. The remit that I was given is that the shop is simply to be a witness on the High Street. When I first started, this could have been very daunting if there had not been so much to learn and remember! The shop sells books, stationery, gifts and cards as well as providing photocopying services. We serve teas and coffees and provide a friendly, relaxed space for people to come in, sit down and chat.
Learning to serve
Stepping into the shop is almost like entering another world where my focus is to serve him. The Lord is using Bethany Books to teach and shape me to better serve him. This is an ongoing process, and the running of the shop is his method. Meeting and greeting customers, chatting and building relationships are part of my role, which seemed, to me, to be simple enough. However, I soon learnt a valuable lesson: sharing my faith is a gentle task, not ‘an all guns blazing ‘ type of work! I alienated a customer in my early days, through my very forthright and enthusiastic correcting of their beliefs. Thankfully, the Lord showed me my error immediately, and over time, the customer has returned and even attends our church on occasion. I am thankful to the church for supporting me in completing Biblical Counselling UK’s modules on the Dynamics of Biblical Change and Helping Relations.
A place to serve
Each day, I have a different volunteer from the church to help. Some church members serve by visiting the shop frequently to sit and chat with the regulars. Having Christians and non-Christians sharing each other’s company gives an opportunity to show non-believers how we live our lives with a different focus. Familiar faces also help customers feel more at ease coming to the church. This includes the pastor who, as a volunteer in the shop, is able to be seen as an ordinary person, and not, hopefully, as a daunting figure!
The shop has also provided an opportunity for the youth of the church to volunteer during holidays. This has been so encouraging, as they have had the opportunity to chat with and serve many different people whilst practicing their conversational skills.
The shop is somewhere that we can ‘advertise’ the Lord’s wisdom through our window displays. The colourful illustrations and Bible verses attract much interest, as folk stop to admire the artwork. On one occasion, I printed a verse from James, about taming the tongue, and put it on display. Much discussion ensued, with one regular asking, ‘Does that mean no gossiping?’
People to serve
It is very exciting to see what each day will bring. Many people, from all walks of life, come through the doors, some on a very regular basis, others occasionally, and others maybe just once. Each customer is unique, and therefore, so is the relationship that we build with them. It is lovely to see how these relationships can lead to folk feeling comfortable enough to ask for help and advice. The group of regular customers grows all the time, and there is a definite sense of community building.
Having built a good rapport with a small group of regulars, I suggested a Christianity Explored course, which they enthusiastically agreed to. They all looked forward to our weekly gathering, and when the course finished, they all seemed to want more. For a time, some started attending church. Some continue to attend events at church, though attendance at services has dwindled.
One of the ladies eventually came to faith and was baptised. It was a wonderful encouragement! She said, ‘Stepping into Bethany Books was like finding a home, a true community. I have made wonderful friends who have become like family and who have gradually restored my faith in Christianity. My visits to the shop were truly life-changing.’
Another lady who always sat quietly by herself was placed on my heart. I felt drawn to building a relationship with her. Over several weeks, I was able to build up a relationship with her, and it turned out that we have very similar backgrounds. She was very curious about Christianity and is currently working through Christianity Explored with me and attending church regularly.
A Christian gentleman, who has suffered great loss and suffering in his life, told us that God brought him into the shop, and it has been a lifeline for him. We can support him through his troubles, and he appreciates our company. He has also been a great blessing to us. Having other Christians sitting and chatting with us gives a good opportunity for gossiping the gospel in a very natural way.
One of our regular customers recently encouraged me by saying that, ‘Christianity began with just a few disciples who were to be his witnesses, and Bethany Books is doing a superb job of witnessing to Jesus too.’ It is wonderful to see that the Lord is using Bethany Books to grow and continue his work in Deeside and the surrounding area through changing those of us who serve there and bringing new people into his kingdom.
I would like to conclude with some words of a poem, written by a late, dear sister, about the history of our church, which included the following about the bookshop:
Then came the shop with shelves installed,
Books, Bibles, cards for all who called,
His work continues still.
Now, tea and coffee are for sale,
And folk come in to share a tale
Of joy or woe,
And they are pointed to the one that they must know.
I feel this is a perfect summary of the work!
