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May 31, 2024
FAITH, HOPE & LOVE
FAITH- To TRUST and BELIEVE in the UNSEEN.
HOPE- To LIVE in EXPECTATION of something BENEFICIAL for the FUTURE.
LOVE- To KNOW that you are SUPPORTED by those around you.
These are some of the most POETIC and POWERFUL words in the English language today, especially when we are walking through the great unknown! Sarah Gabriel, the NEW OWNER of the Parable Christian Bookstore located at 921 Rancho Parkway, Arroyo Grande, Ca. 93420 credits these very attributes for the peace she experienced while considering the purchase of the Parable Christian Bookstore just a few months ago. For 8 years the store has been successfully owned and operated by the Wilke family. At the announcement of Heather Wilke’s plan to sell the store, passing the baton onto someone new, Sarah, who had already been an established employee for 5 years, began praying that the perfect person would come along and take ownership. Anything less than that, and the store could possibly close its doors for good! Little did she know that SHE was predestined to be that perfect owner to take Heather’s place. Ephesians 3:20 was being lived out in her life. To her surprise God provided a way where there seemed to be no logical way for her to purchase the store. Sarah said that she is incredibly GRATEFUL for the LOVE and SUPPORT of her family, friends and the community who all encouraged her to embrace this new journey. Sarah believes that it was only made possible through her FAITH and HOPE in the plans that Jesus has for her life.
As of today, Parable Christian Bookstore in Arroyo Grande is the last of its kind in California. Sadly, between 2010 and 2020 over 1,000 Christian Bookstores have gone out of business due to an increase in online shopping and physical books being replaced with technology. Once again, we are reminded of the importance of SUPPORTING our LOCAL retail stores. Although Parable is a brick and mortar store in its physical structure, Sarah, a widowed Mother of 7 adult children, has always seen it as a ministry beautifully adorned as a retail store. The moment the doors open it becomes an opportunity to open the doors of spiritual conversations, prayer, support and encouragement for someone in our community. But no matter what draws you into the Parable Christian Bookstore, one thing is certain, Sarah’s wide selection of Bibles, Christian authored books, uplifting cards and inspirational gift items will surely bless your day!
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Sincerely,
Kim Wybenga
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