A new Christian bookstore that is a joint venture between Tyndale House Publishers and South Africa-based Christian Publishing Company (CPC) held a grand opening celebration Nov. 6 in Wheaton, Ill.

Located in an existing shopping center, the 5,000-square-foot Johnsen & Taylor Bookstore is named in honor of Chris Johnsen, managing director of CPC and founder of Christian Art Gifts of South Africa, and Kenneth and Margaret Taylor—founders of Carol Stream, Ill.-based Tyndale House.

The special event drew pastors; local authors; Margaret Taylor, wife of Kenneth Taylor; VeggieTales co-creator Phil Vischer; CBA board member Cliff Goins; and representatives from various Christian organizations—including Wheaton College, Habitat for Humanity and Crossway.

Mark Taylor, president and CEO of Tyndale House, spoke about the need for a Christian bookstore in the community. Wheaton had needed a full-service Christian bookstore since John's Christian Store closed several years ago, he said. "I'm delighted that our community now has this wonderful resource."

Tyndale was recognized with CBA's Channel Champion Award for its support of Christian stores at June's International Christian Retail Show in St. Louis.

CPC is comprised of Christian Art Gifts and CUM Books—the acronym for Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy Books. The company, with its full name in Afrikaans, 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. 

 Johan Wessels, a native of South Africa who managed the LifeWay Christian Store in Chicago since June 2007, now serves as Johnsen & Taylor Bookstore's manager.

Click here for more information on Johnsen & Taylor Bookstore.

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