Book Displays
WOW! What a busy time we have had lately! And to think that it is nearly "Big Camp" time again. We started out with the Grey Nomads Camp in May, which was a big learning experience! So different to Big Camp. We actually had time to have a chat with people. We were set-up in the Camp Store, as we didn't need the space for a smaller camp and we sold a few essentials eg. bread and milk as well as our own stock, of course.
In June (long weekend) we were up at Coffs Harbour for a book display on Saturday night. Coffs Plant Church joined us for the evening too. So we had a very enjoyable time with good sales.
When we are packing for a display we ask God to help us choose what people want and invariably it works out that way. We had almost finished packing on the Wednesday evening at 9.00pm, all the boxes were full but I had an impression to take a certain set of kid's books and a young family bought them and were extremely happy. The other set sold at Wauchope the following weekend.
The next day we were going to another book display at Dorrigo. However it had been raining rather heavily and we were unsure whether we would get through. Prayed again of course and asked several people. Got through with no trouble at all. The waterfalls were beautiful and fast flowing and the trip was uneventful even though we went through heavy cloud. Arrived at Dorrigo Church at 12.00 noon, where we met up with Graham and Lydia Chesher, who we have known for many years.
Well here it goes again, unpacking in the rain. GREAT! That is the very worst part of book displays. Otherwise we have a very enjoyable time meeting old acquaintances and making new ones.
DORRIGO, you say! They only have 6 or 7 members! Going all the way and doing all that work in the rain and cold for a few people! Aha, but Graham had advertised in the local paper and sent notices out to the other churches in the area. Still had no idea if any of them would come or not. All set up, and then they started "dribbling" in. As we didn't know the church members, Lydia and Graham kept us informed as to who was who. Seven church members! Yes, but thirteen people from the community as well. God really Blessed us all and we had many satisfied customers. One lady even asked when we were coming again.
By 5.00pm we were packed up and on our way. Many thanks to those who helped as it was packed in record time. Still raining and very cold, we decided we would head straight home - a 6 hour drive and down the mountain. No worries with God on our side! We arrived home a around 11.00pm. Took Monday off as our Sunday.
We left all the stock in the trailer as we had 'another' display at Wauchope on the following Sunday. Wauchope, we could do that in a day. We were scheduled to be there at 1.00pm and we were. Catherine Howe was a very pleased to see us. We met at the Seniors Citizens Hall in Wauchope and she had invited other churches as well. Unpacking the trailer again! Well Allan did that with the trolley as there was a ramp. Meanwhile Catherine and Julie set the tables up and put the plastic crates in place.
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Beautiful day - no rain. People seemed to come from nowhere! Probably 50 plus people turned up. Mostly from Wauchope, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven and a few from the community. You want friendly people, try Wauchope. Several young people were there selling food eg. Salad and patties, sausage rolls etc and drinks. They were raising money to go to the Solomon Islands for a "working holiday" repairing and painting clinics.
We were most impressed as they put so much effort into it and raised about $262.00. The hall was booked till 6.00pm and people stayed right till the last. And again, willing helpers! Thank you, you all were wonderful. Many people went away very happy with their purchases and hopefully with a song in their hearts.
It's not just about sales but more importantly about people. Happy people! Loving people! People with Jesus on their hearts. Buying Tracts to give away or to leave at Dr's Surgeries or on public transport. We never know, do we, what such a small gesture can do. Wouldn't it be wonderful to get to heaven and see that someone was there because of a tract?
God Bless
Julie & Allan