Christian retailers received a strong dose of encouragement last night from best-selling author and former pastor Randy Alcorn during the Worship Him service.

The well-attended event, which featured music from Jeremy Camp and The Museum, spotlighted an informal question-and-answer session between CBA Chair-elect George Thomsen and Alcorn-author of If God Is Good (Multnomah Books) and Heaven (Tyndale House Publishers).

Alcorn shared how a couple who owned a Christian store in Gresham, Ore., had a "very large role" in his life after he became a Christian as a teen.

"They had thousands of books, and I went to their store two to three times a week for years," he said. "They told me I could stay and read any book I wanted. This was before you could sit down and have coffee in a (Christian) bookstore.

"These bookstore owners introduced me to A.W. Tozer, C.S. Lewis and Francis Schaeffer, who discipled me (through their books), " Alcorn added. "These people tried guiding me to great, life-changing books, which set a trajectory for the rest of my life. I owe a great deal to the local Christian bookstore."

Alcorn also encouraged struggling Christian retailers from Rom. 8:28, which says, "All things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

"Romans 8:28 is as true as John 3:16," said Alcorn, who offered free-booklet copies of If God Is Good and Heaven from his Eternal Perspective Ministries-a nonprofit organization that teaches an eternal viewpoint and helps the needy. "It's God's promise that He will make all things good."

Tina Beyer, co-owner of Skia Christian store in Bentonville, Ark., said she was uplifted by Alcorn's comments-especially stocking books with a positive message about local churches. "It was a good reminder, especially in tough times, that we need to encourage one another," she said. "I felt he was very connected to Christian retailers."

A special offering was taken at the event-which drew many publishing and supplier representatives-to help sponsor Eastern European publishers and booksellers to be able to attend Christian Trade Association International's Marketsquare Europe in Romania, set for Oct. 1-2.

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