Retailers received a message of encouragement and inspiration as the International Christian Retail Show launched opening night with its annual Worship Him! event, featuring well-known speakers and music artists who inspired retailers to focus on God and their mission.

Randy Frazee, senior pastor of Oak Hill Church in San Antonio and a Zondervan author told several-hundred retailers and exhibitors gathered at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center the heartwarming story of his son David, who was born missing his left hand. Frazee shared how worried he was when his son was born that David would have a hard time in life because of his deformity. Instead, David grew up to be a high-school football star, receive black belts in karate and today is an attorney.

“You are significant,” Frazee said. “You are a somebody because you are related to the ultimate Somebody. So say this: My worth comes from my position in Christ, not my performance.”

Award-winning gospel artist Tasha Cobbs kicked off the evening with several worship songs, such as “Break Every Chain.” Other musical performances during the night included a never-recorded song by country artist Lee Greenwood, “He Would Be King,” as well as a sand art demonstration by Joe Castillo as Greenwood sang his patriotic anthem, “God Bless the U.S.A.” Australia’s Planetshakers rounded out the evening’s musical performances with several songs such as “Nothing Is Impossible,” getting retailers to their feet in worship.

During the evening, ushers collected an offering for Orlando Children's Church, a ministry led by Peter O’Driscoll, who told the audience the ministry buses in hundreds of children every Saturday morning for free breakfast and children’s church. CBA also handed out several annual awards during the night. Living Room Bookstore of Bastrop, Texas, received the Ministry in Action award; Nancy Ford of Words of Wisdom in Swansea, Illinois, received the Jim Carlson Spirit of Excellence award; Capitol Christian Distribution received the Industry Champion award; and contemporary Christian music pioneer Billy Ray Hearn was given the Legacy award in memoriam for his impact on the Christian music industry.

Youth speaker Bob Lenz, who travels the country speaking in public schools, ended the evening, asking the crowd to stand and lift their hands if they were willing to say to God that they would not quit but would continue to pursue their call “in a land of giants.” The entire room stood as Lenz pronounced a fiery closing charge.

“I pray that this is business, yes, but BAM—Business as Ministry,” Lenz prayed. “We will expect a miracle. We will not stop until every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

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