Sarasota Christian Store's Blog

Healing 4 Haiti CD

     We know you’ve been inundated with cries for help amidst all the recent earthquakes. Sometimes its hard to discern how, where and why to give. Sarasota Christian Store (aka Living Word) has chosen to respond to the needs of Haiti. You’re probably aware of the Chile and Turkey quakes, but Haiti is experiencing the most dire of circumstances. As a Christian, we believe there are three ways you can assist us in the healing of this island nation: Pray, Give, and/or Go!

     First, let us be clear that prayer works! There are countless Scriptures that back up this claim (Click HERE for examples). There are some wonderful books on prayer, such as this one and this one. Possibly the most famous prayer in history is referred to as the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).

     Second, we can give to help further God’s Kingdom. We’ve done a few things recently to make it easy for you to give to the Haiti relief efforts. Partnering with the missions organization, AIM, we’ve created a t-shirt (a portion of the profits go directly to AIM in Haiti- we’ve been able to raise about $800 so far!). Christian musicians haven’t let us down either- Michael W. Smith, Kari Jobe, Lincoln Brewster and many others have collaborated on an amazing project called Healing 4 Haiti. We will have them in the store in the next few days (and as you may have guessed, profits will be going to Haiti earthquake relief- $5.00 from each CD to be exact).

     Last, but certainly not least- you can GO! Evan Dawson (some of you know him as the ‘Music Guy’, others as the ‘Mission Guy’) is putting a team together for a mission trip to Haiti this summer. To learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, visit his ministry website HERE.

     Be blessed as you PRAY, GIVE, and/or GO!

     I hate the Atlanta airport nearly as much as I hate shopping at Wally World.  I pushed my way through the crowd, looking for a place to eat to minimize the drudgery of my 3 hour layover.  I asked for a booth somewhere in the corner so that I could do some work.  The only booths available were in the smoking section.  I frowned and asked for a table in non-smoking.  (I live in Florida, everywhere is non-smoking.)  The hostess looked over and found a booth between two single gentlemen diners.  I really did not want to sit there but I did.  The one on my left was friendly enough, but finished and left less than 2 minutes after I sat down.  The other was having cocktails.  He had work spread out in front of him.  Two cells phones, note pads, etc.  It looked as if he had a couple already.  I pulled out my laptop to finish the employee schedules that were already late, and the drinker begins asking questions about my net-book. I really did not want to talk, but I answered his many questions.  He then asked about my line of work, I stated I have a book store.  No detail, don’t want to talk, tired.  He asked what my niche was since there are so many; Barnes and Nobles, Borders etc.  I reluctantly said Christian. One because I did not want to be bothered and two I did not want him to think that I was judging him.  As usual the Lord made a “fool out of the wise”.  He kept asking and I kept answering, but the question that got me was “Do you believe that this is a calling, what you are supposed to do?  I powered down my laptop and had one of the most amazing conversations I had had in a long time.  Now, I saw how many drinks he had, and I kinda wondered what his story was but I did not care, until then.  My “line of work” is my passion.  I love the people that come into the Living Word.  Do I love all people?  I had looked past all the people that I passed in the airport.  I sighed as some stopped in mid traffic to determine where they were going, but I never saw the people.  Did I mention that I was reading, What Difference Do It Make?  For those who do not know it is a book written by a former homeless man and a wealthy art dealer who have made it their mission to live out their faith.  As I talked and poured out my passion for the Lord and the store, the Spirit took over the carnal.  When I looked up tears where running down his face.  We talked about the difference between religion and faith.  He asked if I considered preaching, I had not.  He asked if he could touch my hand.  He felt like he had met an angel. I told him that I am no angel, I just love people. I gave him a hug and my copy of What Difference Do It Make?

     My schedules are still late, ATL is still not my favorite airport and I have a million and 10 things on my mind, but I got the opportunity to be what Christ wants all of us to be for just one minute.  In a crowded restaurant with a bar and a smoking section.  When was the last time you where Christ to someone?