Dear Friends of Faith & Life,
2021–What a year! We all have faced pandemics, shortages, supply-chain issues, extreme temperatures and weather events, social and political unrest, and a collection of other difficult things. But, it has also been a year of building community, coming together, adaptation, creativity, learning to appreciate the little things in life, and a constant reminder that ultimately our hope is found only in God. Faith & Life Bookstore has been privileged to walk beside you, our customers through the ups and downs of the past couple of years, and we believe we have come through stronger on the other side.
This past year we have been honored to sell over 1200 Bibles, many of these to people purchasing their very first Bible! Our staff has prayed with you and for you, laughed with you, cried with you, listened to your joys and struggles, and been blessed to call so many of you friends. For many we provided a “safe” place to shop when the world seemed a scary place to be.
We continue to come alongside individuals and encourage them to live an extraordinary life of faith on an everyday basis, and we desire to partner with churches to give them the tools they need to help their congregations grow in their walk with God. As we move into 2022 we look forward to reaching more people with the love of Jesus by continuing our mission of connecting people with the resources needed to equip and inspire a life of faith.
The good news? This has been one of our best years ever. We have seen new customers like never before, our website is slowly gaining orders, and sales are good. Our ministry is reaching farther, and it is definitely rewarding, but it’s hard work. Keeping an independent bookstore alive and well in this era of online shopping has become increasingly difficult– we are one of the only Christian bookstores left in our state!
In 2020 we launched “Friends of Faith & Life,” an annual membership opportunity with benefits for each level of participation. If you believe in the ministry of the store and are able, we welcome you to join us.
Paperback Level–$50-$99
Hardcover Level–$100-$249
Series Level–$250-$499
Bookshelf Level–$500+
Entire Bookcase Level–ask about special options
The bottom line is–we still need you. We have felt so much support in the last year, and we are so grateful. We still need your support in shopping local when you could go elsewhere; we still need you telling your friends about us and giving out referrals; we still need you asking your churches to support us by giving us the opportunity to serve them; we definitely still need your prayers; we need your encouragement and your presence. And now we are asking–if you are able–to support us by becoming a “Friend of Faith & Life”.
With your help, we promise to continue doing our best to provide you with the best possible service, fair prices, lots of great shopping options, and the most care. We promise to provide you with a peaceful atmosphere filled with laughter and kindness and smiles. And we promise to continue to love everyone who walks through with the love of Christ that we’ve been given–and to trust that God will help us lead you all to the right book or gift for the right person at just the right time. It’s about God. It always has been and it always will be.
Bethany Martin, Manager
On behalf of the Faith & Life Board of Directors
Lois & Joe Friesen DeWayne & Betty Pauls
Milton Claassen J.L. & Bethany Martin
**Faith and Life, Inc is a 501-C3 corporation. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
