Best-selling author and Los Angeles pastor Erwin Raphael McManus challenged, encouraged and entertained approximately 350 retailers and other ICRS attendees Wednesday evening at the CBA-sponsored Soul Cravings event. The unique presentation included a team of hip-hop dancers, original skits and short films interspersed between points in McManus' message.

"Maybe that's what life is supposed to be about-us recognizing the deep cravings of our souls," McManus shared as he spoke about each person's cravings, desire for intimacy and meaning, and ultimate destiny in Christ. "And we need to listen and recognize that God is the only one who can meet those needs."

Retailers appreciated the event, and McManus's message definitely engaged a younger crowd.

"I thought it was fresh and new," said Barbara Miller of Captain's Quarters in Sandusky, Ohio.

"I personally feel that this is going to reach a whole new audience," agreed Missy Faulkner of Captain's Quarters. "I enjoy the arts, so I really enjoyed the dancing and skits in between each point."

The event opened with Curb Records recording artist Natalie Grant, the 2007 Gospel Music Awards Female Vocalist of the Year, introducing the audience to two new songs, "I Will Not Be Moved" and "In Better Hands" from her upcoming album, Relentless, which she followed with a stirring rendition of her recent hit “Held.”

Grant thanked retailers for partnering with her to put Christian music in the hands of consumers. "I have always felt like this was a calling, this opportunity to speak truth through music," she said.

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