CBA Advance got underway with the opening celebration last night featuring the week's theme of “Reflect, Renew, Recommit.” The event was opened by CBA President Bill Anderson, who introduced Jim Powell, president and CEO of the Christian Trade Association International (CTAI), the international arm of CBA. An offering was taken to help train Christian bookstore workers in other countries.

The Crabb Family began the celebratory part of the program, singing two songs, including a new arrangement of the classic hymn “I'd Rather Have Jesus” from the group's upcoming project, Blur the Lines (Daywind).

Dale Burke, Harvest House author, followed with a reading of Psalm 23, comparing the peace expressed in the passage with Christians' often-chaotic lives. Burke used the story of Mary, Martha and Jesus to underscore that God's desire is for Christians to “develop the discipline of reflection.”

CBA Chairman Chris Childers gave his testimony of trials in the form of his family's health-encouraging others who are experiencing severe pain to find hope in the worst circumstances.

Author Mike MacIntosh (Victor) spoke on renewal, telling of his drug overdose, divorce and estrangement from his children years ago. Telling that God healed him “of brain damage,” MacIntosh said he and his wife had remarried, and now have six children. Part of a spiritual-care training force for crises, MacIntosh was called on after the 9/11 attacks and-with his team-trained 500 clergy in seven days to work with bereaved families at family centers. Following MacIntosh's testimony, Watermark played two songs, including “It Is Well With My Soul.”

Zondervan author Karen Kingsbury (One Tuesday Morning) spoke of recommitment, sharing how several important events in her life had taken place in Christian bookstores-including finding out her only brother had died suddenly, while she was at a book signing. The people in line to see her “gathered,” “prayed” and “ministered,” she said. She encouraged retailers to make their stores a place for community gatherings and ministry and, most importantly, to “never give up.”

A musical benediction from Hebrews was given by singer and songwriter Michael Card (Discovery House Music).

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