Bridge Books - a new Christian shop opens in Exeter

While St Leonard’s church has a bookstall, it is not a substitute for a shop selling a wide range of Christian books and resources. In the light of this it was very worrying when Exeter’s two Christian retail outlets both closed within a short period. Thankfully a new shop called Bridge Books, selling Christian resources, has now opened on Okehampton Street, just over the river near the Exe Bridges Retail Park. Richard Scott caught up with Christine Lorimer who set up the shop with her husband Barry, and John and Margaret Robertson.

I gather that running a shop like this is a totally new venture for you, how did you get into it?

When we moved back to Exeter last year we were sad to discover that Wesley Owen had closed. It was shocking to us that, as SPCK faltered, this important city would be left without a Christian book shop. In conversation with a couple who have had a life time's experience in the Christian book trade, we began to prayerfully consider “putting our money where our mouth was”.

Can you explain how you obviously feel the Lord’s hand was at work in setting up the shop?

The lease on a shop at 3 Okehampton Street came up for renewal, and the council looked favourably on our bid. However, we were shocked to be advised that it would cost up to £70000 to fit the shop and were left wondering what to do. Then we were offered the fittings free! They are the shelves that had been removed from the Wesley Owen shop, and they fit as if they had been made for our space! Doors then started to open so fast that we were almost falling over into each new step of the development. For example, publishers have been generous in their initial terms, enabling us to stock the shelves.

How have things gone in the weeks since you opened to business?

We have found that many have been as excited as we are, and I’m pleased to say that customers have already included a number of people from St Leonards. We have been delighted to be appointed agents for the evangelical relief charity Tearfund, selling Tearcraft goods to support their wonderful work. We are having a special event on Saturday 4th October, when David Harris has kindly agreed to do a reading at a dedication for the shop at 2pm. We will be having visiting authors signing books, a children’s colouring competition and and special offers on the day.

What is your vision for the shop?

We give God the glory for bringing us this far, and we pray using words Paul wrote to the Philippians that the shop will “shine like stars in the universe as (it) hold(s) out the word of life.” Our vision is to be a light to Exeter, and to serve the growth and development of local Christians and their churches by providing a wide selection of Christian literature, music, cards and gifts.

• www.bridgebookshop.co.uk/

• In addition to Exeter's Christian Bookshop, Bridge Books, there is an excellent web-based provider of Christian books and resources that is appropriately called The Good Book Company.  - www.thegoodbook.co.uk

Book reviews

By Faith and Failure David Harley, a member of our congregation, has just written a new book on the life of Abraham. The aim of the book is to help people look at the remarkable faith and dogged perseverance of this man but also to see how his moments of weakness when his faith wavered and he brought trouble to other people and embarrassment to his family. The book is an easy read and accessible to everyone. It looks at each chapter in the life of Abraham, showing how we can apply his experience to our own lives. At the end of each chapter is a short article looking at issues like: “Did these events really happen?” “What is the meaning of a covenant?” and “What is the significance of dreams?” Ajith Fernando, national director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka, writes: “This book beautifully uses the story of Abraham to explain what the life of faith is like. Newer believers will find the book to be an excellent guide to discipleship. Mature Christians will be richly edified by reading this, just as I was.” In his foreword, George Verwer, founder of Operation Mobilisation, comments: “ In these challenging days when we all need to grow and persevere in our Christian commitment, this book offers valuable insights into the life of faith.” The book is available from the church book stall or the Harleys – price £5.00

About the Author David worked in parish ministry in North London and as a missionary in Ethiopia and Asia. He lectured in the Old Testament at All Nations Christian Collegeand was principal from 1985 to 1993. Later he lived in Singapore and was appointed General Director of OMF International. Now retired, he still has an international preaching and teaching ministry. David and Rosemary live in Pennsylvania, Exeter. They have three children and five grandchildren.

Trial by Fire On August 23rd 1989 St Leonard's was badly damaged by a fire. John Skinner our minister at the time has written about the events and how they changed our church.  "A gripping account of a church fire, and how God used it to transform both the buildings and the people. With hindsight they could even say  "Thank God for the fire!" While the Church was refurbished we met in the deaf school  next door. Following the refurbishment a new church centre was built.  Everything was finally completed in July 1994 nearly five years after the fire.

About the Author John Skinner was Rector of St Leonard's, Exeter from 1984-98, having first started his ministry there as a curate and meeting his with Marilyn. In between he worked with Student Christian Unions (UCC F) based in London for six years before leading two churches at Guildford, Surrey. To his delight and suprise retirement has included extensive rural ministry in Devon, while still giving plenty of time for five grandchildren.