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TOGETHER JULY – AUGUST 2022

FROM THE PUBLISHER Good News Stories We do sincerely acknowledge the faithful

The last few years have been tough for high street
work and commitment of all the Christian
retailers, and Christian bookshops have been
bookshops up and down the country. The
no exception, so it is good to have three articles
in this issue of the magazine featuring positive
owners, trustees, managers and volunteers
news stories from retailers. Sue Carpenter of
who not only put many hours into running
Footprints, Darlington, shares their story of
their local community. Let’s do all we can to
purchasing a former betting shop which has
been transformed from a derelict building into
encourage this part of our trade.
a state-of-the-art Christian bookshop (page the shops but seek to help and support
22). Still on the theme of re-purposing buildings For retailers, suppliers and authors you will
you will enjoy reading the article on the Oasis be pleased to know that dates have been
Bookshop, Lisnaskea, in Northern Ireland. Since booked for a CRT Retailers & Suppliers
2013, from the back of the shop they had been Retreat for 2023 which will take place at
running a foodbank which had outgrown the the Hayes Conference Centre, Alfreton,
premises. Thanks to the generosity of people Derbyshire on 6 & 7 September. Please
from across Ireland and beyond they have now do read pages 5 & 6 of the Trade News
been able to purchase a former public house section for more details on this year’s CRT
and have converted it into a foodbank centre and Awards and future plans for the Retailers &
drop-in café (page 25). Greater Things Bookshop, Suppliers Retreat.
Rugby, is celebrating serving the community for
fifty years; a true legacy of commitment as they Stephen J Briars
continue to be not only a bookshop but a place of Publisher & Managing Editor,
Steve Briars
welcome and support (page 14). Together Magazine

Praying With Our Eyes on God
REFLECTIONS A caring grandad climbed the stairs to say When life is fraught with difficulties, it’s hard to We don’t know what challenges will arrive this

week, what problems might land in our inbox,
goodnight to his young granddaughter. As he
find the right words…
what needy person might walk into our shop, but
approached her bedroom door, he could hear her
When life is complicated, it’s hard to know where
earnestly reciting the alphabet!
we do know that ‘God is our refuge and strength,
‘I’m saying my prayers,’ she explained, ‘but
46:1 (NLT). And, with God on our side and at our
I’m finding it difficult, so I’m just saying all the to start… always ready to help in times of trouble.’ Psalm
letters and then God will put them together in As I write these words, the list of prayer needs side, nothing is impossible.
the right order because He knows what I’m is long: the war in Ukraine, a shooting in a So, at the beginning of the day, let’s remember
thinking about.’ Texas school, the steep rise in the cost of living, Charles Spurgeon’s advice: ‘A day hemmed in
increase in retail rents, decrease in high street
Some days it’s difficult to pray. footfall, higher print costs and freight charges, prayer is less likely to unravel.’
When life is hectic, it’s hard to find the the aftermath of Covid and more. Thankfully, Lord, today is going to be a busy day.
right time… Oswald Chambers reminds us that, ‘We have to I have so much to do and so little time.
pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.’ Help me to discern
Recently, I edited a book of prayers, and these what is important and what can be left.
lines struck a chord: Help me to prioritise and not feel pressurised.
Help me to lean on Your strength today.
Lord Jesus,
Walk beside us when we feel lost. Lord, help me to put aside the
Give us peace when we are anxious. hurry and worry
Keep us company when we feel lonely. to spend a few restoring moments with You.
Comfort us when our hearts are breaking. Help me not to be so busy
Help us cope when life takes a difficult path. that I fail to see the needs of others.
Strengthen us when we are Help me to work at each task well and
laid low with grief. with enjoyment, so that this evening
Guide us when we don’t know I can say thank You
which way to turn. for a day that was rewarding and productive.
Dry our eyes when we are Amen
overwhelmed with tears.
For, because You became fully human, Judith Merrell is the Book Selection and
we know that You understand Publishing Manager at The Leprosy Mission
ISBN 9781909092501/Leprosy Mission/ our feelings now.
Judith Merrell/HB/£8.99 Shop. She is the compiler of ‘Classic Prayers’.
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