Tyndale House Publishers has announced plans to open a new Christian bookstore in Wheaton, Ill., in late October.

Johnsen & Taylor Bookstore is a joint venture by Carol Stream, Ill.-based Tyndale House with South Africa-based Christian Publishing Company (CPC), comprised of Christian Art Gifts and CUM Books. CUM Books is the acronym for Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy Books, the company's full name in Afrikaans.

Johnsen & Taylor is named in honor of Chris Johnsen, who founded Christian Art Gifts of South Africa and is owner of CPC, and Kenneth Taylor--founder of Tyndale House.

"I am deeply honored to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I thank God for this opportunity to serve in the community as we offer people life-changing materials," said Johan Wessels, Johnsen & Taylor Bookstore's manager.

CUM Books currently operates 41 bookstores in South Africa, while Lombard, Ill.-based Christian Art Gifts has grown to become a leading gift supplier since it was launched in 2003.

"As the folks at Tyndale initially shared our desire to see a store established in Wheaton with Chris and (his son) Kobus Johnsen, we were pleasantly surprised by Chris Johnsen's immediate reaction that we should partner together and make this dream come true," said Paul Mathews, executive vice president for Tyndale House. "Tyndale feels it is an honor and privilege to be serving with the Johnsen family in this new enterprise."

Heinrich Johnsen, another son of Chris Johnsen and president of Christian Art Gifts, added: "This is a wonderful opportunity to serve our local community through the ministry of a Christian bookstore."

Johnsen & Taylor Bookstore's board of directors will include Tyndale Chief Operating Officer Jeff Johnson and Paul Mathews as well as Chris, Heinrich and Kobus Johnsen.

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