ICRS

A significant piece of the transition in which Katha and I find ourselves has to do with a recently published children’s book, Jump Ship Jonah, that I wrote and our wonderfully talented daughter-in-law, Rachel, illustrated.

As  part of the marketing process, my publishing consultant recommended attending this year’s International Christian Retailer’s Show (ICRS) in Cincinnati. The conference is happening this week, so…here we are!

It has been an incredible experience. A few thousand people from the world of Christian retail (Christian bookstore owners, suppliers, publishers, authors) gather for a week of planning their stock for the coming year. It has been a great encouragement to hear testimonies of God’s goodness from among these people. For the most part they are men and women with business vocations that stem from being ministry minded. It really is a “family” of varied backgrounds coming together as one in Christ. I have been impressed.

Last night we had a time of worship to sort of kick off the week. Included in the worship-leading were Keith and Kristyn Getty. They brought their band from Ireland which was a great mix of fiddles, bagpipe, penny-whistle type flute and Keith at the keys. It was a powerful moment before the Lord when we all sang “In Christ Alone” which was written by this devoted couple.

Last night’s sermon was brought by Chris Hill, pastor of The Potter’s House in Denver. His message was on The Cave of Abdullam in which King David hid from Saul and in which God built a mighty army. The focus was on God’s ability to surround us with the most unlikely people who He will use to give us victory in times of trouble.

We praise God for letting us come to this gathering of believers and participate in this work of the Kingdom!