After just over twenty three years with Bible Society and as I approach my 66th birthday I have decided it’s time to retire, capping off fifty years of working in the book trade in both retail and wholesale markets. This will become effective at the end of March when I will then take accumulated long service and annual leave.

Those twenty three years have been a really enjoyable time ensuring the widest possible distribution of the Word of God. In that time I have been very aware of the great respect in which Bible Society is held throughout the trade both from other wholesale distributors and the retailers who have ultimately sold our product, including those from the secular side of the industry. As I have done my calls with my travels covering nearly half of this great country it has been my privilege to have met and worked with an amazing range of fantastic people who are absolutely dedicated to the book industry. During the nearly fifteen years I served on the executive council of the Christian Booksellers Association of Australia as well was a time of sharing and serving with those who held the similar aims for the effective sale and distribution of Christian literature and product.

I warmly and sincerely thank you for your friendship, support and encouragement of the work of Bible Society as I have represented them and would urge you to continue this great work by supporting my successor, and wish you all the best for the future. May God continue to bless you as daily you seek to walk closer with Him.

Regards,

Chris Donaldson

NORTHERN TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
QUEENSLAND, WA, NT, NORTHERN NSW.
NATIONAL SCRIPTURES DIVISION
BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA

CODE OF ETHICS

To be read in conjunction with the Constitution and to be accepted by, and subscribed to, by all Association members.

The Christian Bookselling Association of Australia Incorporated is an association of those who are engaged in the publishing and distribution of Christian literature as defined in the Constitution of the Association. We believe that this is one of the most effective means of communicating God’s message and recognise that the Association is a vital link in bringing Christian literature to individuals, local Churches and the local community. We hereby determine to govern our individual businesses as follows:

1. To maintain ethical standards to the end that we will be more capable of serving our customers in a manner which will reflect credit on the association;

2. To recognise fully that ours is a community service and thus to provide necessary, proper and required services to our customers, and, in that respect to place service to the trade above individual gains;

3. To avoid the defamation of competitors by falsely imputing to them
dishonourable conduct or by other false representations which mislead customers and or suppliers and affect the business of competitors;

4. To avoid unethical practices prejudicial to the interests of members;

5. To avoid wilfully enticing away the employees of a competitor thus injuring or embarrassing them in their business;

6. To establish and maintain good relationships at all levels within the Association;

7. To support the Association, its policies and programmes and to participate in its activities.

As Wholesalers/Exhibitors indicate positively of their intention to attend, a listing of them will be added here for your information.
WATCH THIS SPACE !

Please remember the Membership year( 2011-12) ends on the 30th June.
SO, to take advantage of discounts and any other Membership considerations, please check your Membership status. Any questions, contact Albert who will lovingly discuss things.

Updated RENEWAL Forms

are also available on this Website. Please use them, or ask that a Current Form be emailed.

NOMINATIONS FOR COUNCIL Now is not too early to give prayerful thought to the Membership of your new Council, the elections of which take place at the AGM, during the Convention. Discuss with colleagues, offer them your support and encouragement, and if they are willing, complete a Nomination Form.
To be eligible, the Candidate must be a Financial Member ( staff of a Member Store/Supplier, or individual Member) and able to subscribe to the Code of Ethics, and be in good standing in the Community.
Contact info@cbaa.com.au for further information.

Dear friends,

Over the past 12 months, the Board of Directors and senior staff of CLC Australasia (Christian BookWorld) have undertaken a complete review and evaluation of its business model and practices. Considering the emerging purchasing trends with the internet, changes in technology (eBooks) and economic influences, it is now clear that for CLC to be sustainable and faithful to its mission statement, significant changes are necessary. A new missions model that is viable and workable involving Christian Literature in Australia is sought.

The consequence of this is that CLC will be closing its retail and wholesale presence in the different communities of Australia. The closure will be gradual, but we expect that the final bookshop will close in July this year. We are hoping that other interested parties will be able to acquire these bookshops and we value any input from interested parties.

CLC (Christian BookWorld) in Australia has always seen itself as a mission organisation that uses the printed page and other media to change people’s lives. CLC works with a local team, in a bookshop, that is sensitive to those God moments, to minister into someone’s life. The difficult side of this equation was to make sure the centres were financially viable to maintain the ministry.

CLC has enjoyed a fruitful season where it has supported CLC ministries in Australia and around the world from Mozambique, Venezuela, Russia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji to name a few.

We have appreciated your involvement with CLC Australasia and thank you for your continued prayers as the future unfolds.

Kindest Regards

David Scouler
General Manager

Following on from the 2011 AGM, we are pleased to announce the new CBAA Council for 2011/2012.

CBAA President for 2011/2012 is:

• Christine Kollaris (Greensborough Christian Book Centre, Greensborough, VIC)

CBAA Council Members for 2011/2012 are:

• Christine Kollaris (Greensborough Christian Book Centre, Greensborough, VIC) – bookshop@allsaintsgb.org.au

• Dianne Silvani (Cleve Christian Bookshop, Cleve, SA) dianne.silvani@bigpond.com

• Silvia Fraser (Sonshine Publishers, Toowoomba, Qld) restoreu2@yahoo.com.au

• Ben Watson-Brown (CONDIOS Entertainment, Mooloolaba, Qld) – ben@condios.com.au

•  Rochelle Manners (Wombat Books, Capalaba, Qld) wombat@wombatbooks.com.au

•  Albert Abel (OutBack Ministries, NSW) abel.cbaa@gmail.com

• If you have any queries, suggestions or requests please contact the Council via  email: info@cbaa.com.au

We offer our thanks and praise to our Heavenly Father and Lord for the great service rendered by the outgoing Members.

*** Because of ongoing issues regarding Database Access, Wholesaler Members are also included here. As most have Online facilities, this will ensure they are covered in another area that enquirers may follow through.

This is a Benefit of Membership. On receipt of Fees paid, the site will be checked for changes, according to your completion of the Renewal Form, and duly updated.

At the end of August each year, those who have opted to NOT renew, will have the Listing removed.  We believe this is fair to Members.

As a reminder, Membership Year is 1st July to 30 June, each year.

Please use this or the several other forms to contact YOUR Association with ideas, suggestions, dare I say it..complaints, and any encouragement to your fellow colleagues.

Blessings upon your Ministry for our Lord.

On behalf of the Council,

Albert

Membership Renewal Application Form – 2012-13

 By Mail: PO Box 3002, Windang  NSW  2528

The Christian Bookselling Association of Australia exists to facilitate a thriving fellowship of businesses dedicated to bringing Christian Resources into every Australian community.

Organisation Name: _________________________________________ Today’s Date: _______

Appointed Natural Person:( authorised to Vote) __________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

Suburb: _________________________ State: ____________ Postcode: ______

Phone: _________________________ Fax: ___________________

Mobile: _________________________

Email: _________________________________________________

Website: _______________________________________________

Opening Hours: __________________________________________

Today’s Date: _______________________

Please answer the questions below

Do you use a point-of-sale software?                Yes / No

Is your store primarily operated by                     Staff / Volunteers

Do you take special orders from customers?    Yes / No

What methods of advertising do you use?         Colour catalogues/mailout/newsletters/radio /TV/bookstall /special events/facebook/twitter/newspaper/speaking engagements/other __________

NOTE:  Membership is from July1 to Jun 30 . This entitles you to Member discounts on Convention Fees and provides Voting rights at the AGM and other Meetings.

Membership Fees

            Bank Direct details: Account  Name:  CBAA  BSB:  012-484  Acc#:  4952 74598 (Give Name  or Invoice reference)

                                                           Accounts:  abel.cbaa@gmail.com

The reality is, there is no ‘one way’ to establish a Christian bookstore. Does it have a gift section? Does it minister to those yet to be saved or those already rescued? Does is sell books? Does it need all of the latest bestsellers? Does it only carry Christian product and if so, what defines a ‘Christian’ product from a secular one and why? Just like The Church itself, there is no ‘one methodology’ or correct formula. However, there are similarities between us all. In order, to present Christ as best we can in the ministries we lead, there are elements which are consistent to us all and are therefore foundational to what we do on a daily basis.

1. Excellence – Christ’s perfection shows that excellence matters. It’s not the perfect store or ministry that we’re aiming for (which is a relief), but in everything we do, let’s do it with excellence. If we’re operating as a retail environment and representing Christ, I believe we should be leading the retail industry. If a product is Christ-honouring, then shouldn’t it have such a display as to reflect Christ Himself? This would stand to reason that these products should have the best displays in our communities of any retail store.

2. Know who you are for – I’ve never seen in the apostle Paul’s writing any indication that he expected every community to operate exactly the same. Each community of Christians were for the city in which they lived. They had different cultural values, different methodologies, yet all shared a common goal – to present Christ into their communities. This is applicable to us as well. Each of us has a customer base that we ‘are for’. We spend ourselves to serving this group of people, so the way we serve will look different, just as the groups we serve look different. It’s important that you recognise the group you are serving. Be specific, write it down. It will help you make day-to-day decisions if you know the people you are serving.

While looking at your current customer base is a good starting point, don’t assume that’s it. Is it a particular geographic area? Age group? Denomination? Families?

3. Do the best you can, forget the rest. Now, I need to be honest. I’ve pinched this line from a gym instructor, but how releasing is it in your ministry? For example, “Do the very best you can in technology and forget the rest” or maybe “Do the very best you can in recruiting volunteers and forget the rest”. Doing your very best might be asking for help, getting training, reading about it, or a range of different options you may have before you. The point is, plan out the best way you know how to see good results in that part of your ministry and you’ve made the first step to my first point – excellence.

Australia, and also New Zealand, have suffered significantly as a result of recent floods, cyclones and earthquakes Many searching questions have been asked by those directly affected as well as those who have observed from a distance as to what God is wanting to say to us in the midst of such devastation and disruption to everyday life.

Rev Dr Edgar Mayer, Pastor of Living Grace Church Toowoomba was recently called upon to give the address at a public Toowoomba Region Flood Recovery Service. Our Feature Article this month is the content of that address at the service in Toowoomba which sought to deal with the impact that the tragedy, which took place in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley, had on the lives of those communities.

Message: 1 Peter 5:6-7; Date: 5 February 11

What happened four weeks ago on Monday 10 January is hard to put into words. It was so extraordinary and devastating that it prompted our Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson and media outlets across the world to make up a new word for this kind of disaster: “inland tsunami”. And this is what we had. According to our Premier Anna Bligh – the flash floods here in Toowoomba were the “darkest hour” since the Queensland flood crisis began – “a complete freak of nature, an extraordinary deluge that almost came out of nowhere”.

By some estimates – up to 7.5 billion tonnes of water – [that is:] fifteen times the water mass of Sydney harbour – overwhelmed us (in Southeast Queensland) in the space of 72 hours. People died – (35 since the Qld floods began in Nov 2010) – not only here but even more so down the range: Withcott, Murphy’s Creek and Grantham. On Monday 10 January – a wall of water – up to eight meters high – rushed down the range and tore through houses and communities – without warning.

There are now bare concrete slabs where houses used to be. How do you put the scale of the disaster into words? Flooding in three states, now cyclones and – do you remember? – on the day of our “inland tsunami” – when we watched the evening news – we saw bushfires in WA. How do you find words for all of this? This is difficult but – in preparation for this service – eight pastors from across the churches in Toowoomba agreed on the appropriateness of the following Bible verses – 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand . Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

God was still God on Monday 10 January and, therefore, we have to say that somehow his mighty hand allowed the flood to happen. But – then – the immediate question is why? Why did God allow the devastation? The Bible verses in 1 Peter 5 do not answer this question – (they only make reference to God’s mighty hand) – and – this morning – I do not want to speculate either. Some say that these kinds of floods (and cyclones) are simply part of God’s design of our ecology – natural weather patterns in Australia.

Others point to the fact that our current disaster-prone world was not God’s original design but came about because of us rejecting him. Our first human ancestors – and subsequently all of us – have rejected and – in some measure – keep rejecting the creator of this world which leaves the world in a corrupt place where God’s reign is contested by evil – including hostile storms. There may be further viewpoints but – with your permission – right now – I will not so much pursue the question of why God’s mighty hand let this happen to us. I want to pick up on the way forward for us.

Our first reaction according to the Bible – what we are meant to do first in response to the “inland tsunami” – is to humble ourselves before God. I read again the opening words of the Bible verses in 1 Peter 5: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand . ” Humble yourself. However, is this what we are doing? I would say that even in the church this is not what comes natural to us. I have seen it many times that when misfortune comes, people are not drawing closer to God but pull away from him even further.

They vent their anger on him, shake their fists and blame him for their suffering, saying: “How could you do this, God? I may not have been the best Christian before but now, God, I despise you.” Strong words! Proud words! As a pastor – I am familiar with them and – to a degree – I understand them but they lead us nowhere. Humble yourself and draw closer to God and – in the midst of all the devastation around us – you will make an unexpected discovery. He loves you. He loves the Toowoomba Region and all of its people.

Whatever happened, God has never stopped loving us. The Bible verses of 1 Peter 5 encourage us to position ourselves before God. They say: “Humble yourself.” But then these same verses immediately continue with the assurance that we have a loving God. They say: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” He can get us through anything. If we only trust in the goodness of God, then this can be the best time of experiencing more of his love.

Before the flooding of our city I was on holidays and remember that one of the more striking news items was the upcoming marriage between the 84-year-old founder of a men’s magazine and his 24-year old playmate. I was thinking about this story and then I was thinking about our culture. The newspaper that I was reading was not critical of the marriage and – today – it is not for me to make any further comments either. But who are we? Are we without God and, therefore, our life is meaningless? We live a few years, get as much money as possible – as quickly as we can – to make our existence as pleasurable and as comfortable as possible, amuse ourselves and just not think too deeply about the day that we will die.

Yet – when the flash flood came, another set of values was resurfacing: mateship, the courage of volunteers, people making sacrifices for each other. We rediscovered – and are rediscovering – community and family which was – and is – a blessing. If you want – God gave us an opportunity to reassess what we all need the most and what builds and sustains a community – our city and the region – that is: love, making sacrifices for each other. Then, the “inland tsunami” – the dramatic pictures of cars and people hurling down a torrent of muddy water – the endless repetition of these images on TV – shocked us.

I was in shock. People came here for some shopping and the next minute they were swimming for their lives. The unexpected wall of water shattered our sense of safety. Life was not safe – not even in Toowoomba – and then we further panicked in our super-markets, stripping the shelves of milk and other necessities – often without considering others. Maybe we did learn that we are not in control. God is and this is the time to reconnect with him and discover that he is love.

I read again what 1 Peter 5 promises to those that humble themselves before God. The words say: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I don’t know what you are going to make of all of this but I want to close by spelling out the most compelling reason why we can trust that God has never stopped loving us. I want to speak about the cross of Jesus Christ. If we were honest, we would concede that God does not owe us anything. We are not that keen on seeking him and we are not that keen on submitting our lives to him.

When Jesus came, he introduced himself as the only Son of God – who had been with him from the beginning (in heaven) – and Jesus was holy as God the Father was holy – without sin – perfect in love. He also told people to humble themselves before God – (like we want to do today) – and he demonstrated the goodness of God by healing the sick and driving out demons. He loved them. Yet, the people around him were like us and ended up killing him by nailing him to a cross because human pride does not want to submit to anything – not even God.

Only, this did not stop God loving us. In fact – for this very reason Jesus came. He knew that we would kill him but he purposed to die for us. He purposed – in agreement with God the Father – that his death would be the sacrifice which would grant forgiveness – and the unwavering favour of God – for all of us. Jesus died so that we would not have to die. He died so that we would live – with him, whom God the Father raised from the dead after three days in the grave. Do you understand his love?

In our current world the reign of God is contested by evil and – according to the Bible – anyone that is not prepared to humble themselves before God will remain in the realm of evil – even after death. Yet, Jesus loved us and keeps loving us. He came to overcome evil – including the evil in our own hearts. Trust his death. Trust the blood which was holy and poured out for you on the cross. On his account we receive forgiveness and the assurance that God’s love will never forsake us. Then, when we die, we will come to a place that has been prepared for us – by God – where no disaster will ever touch us again.

Can you humble yourself? Can the people of Toowoomba and the region humble themselves before God? I don’t know. You may have to answer that but there is a God and he loves us in Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand . Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you. Amen.

Source: Rev Dr Edgar Mayer

Reprinted by permission: Australian Prayer Network

I was born into a missionary family in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to Finnish parents.  As a child I travelled between Sri Lanka, Finland and Kenya, before migrating to Australia at the age of 14.  I never knew a time when God wasn’t spoken of in our family, and at the tender age of almost 7, I made a decision to follow Jesus.  I still remember the very real experience as my parents led me to Jesus in our home.

No matter what was happening in my personal life, which went through various predictable rollercoaster stages of intensely following God, to questioning, or trying out what I may be missing out on, I always had a heart for trying to help people discover God. One of my God-given gifts was an artistic streak, which led me together with my husband to establish a successful Interior Design /furniture retail company in Brisbane which we named Natura Design.  Whilst running this business, we moved to Ipswich, when our children were still babies. While living in the city we decided to invest in and purchased a small, run – down arcade to renovate.

Part of our motivation was the way that our new place of abode, Ipswich, was constantly derided.  We like a challenge, and decided to create something beautiful in this city, that was always mocked as being below par.  Even whilst renovating, we heard people in the city were almost placing bets on how long we would survive.  When we opened our beautiful retro inspired arcade, people would say: ‘ This should be in Double Bay’, to which we replied – ‘It is right where it should be – in Ipswich’.  Country House within ‘The Boulevarde’ was merely an extension of this concept of doing something that was uplifting for Ipswich residents. Our arcade also boasts the best restaurant in the city, giving business people, politicians and locals a place they can proudly bring their contacts to.

When I became serious about making Country House into a successful operation, I asked God to help me make it a little piece of heaven, a place where people could come and feel inspired and exhilarated, just by being there.  It has become just that. I have customers who come regularly, just to make themselves feel better.  It is quite large, four times the size of most shops, and an absolute feast for the eyes and senses at every setting. Many times people comment about the beauty and sense of peace that surrounds them. This frequently gives us the opportunity to share about the God aspect of our lives.  When a client is grieving, not well, upset or in trouble, I encourage my Christian staff to feel free to pray for the clients or to encourage them about how God can make a difference.  I have never yet had a refusal for prayer.  I used to employ anyone, regardless of their beliefs, but since I decided that my business is a place of ministry, I have decided to employ only people who believe, so that nothing hinders the presence of God in the place. I am not suggesting that should be the case for all Christian businesses, as the relationship between staff itself can be a means of bringing colleagues to Christ.  It just is that way in our shop.

In Country House we are careful not to stock anything that we believe would not please God, or that would bring spiritual harm to our clients.  The shop is a rambling treasure trove of simply beautiful gifts, jewellery, homewares and cards.  One of our favourite suppliers is Care and Share, who stock good quality Christian inspirational gift books and ornaments.  These messages regularly find their way into all kinds of homes, many not Christian.

During one incident recently, a client was desperately searching for dragons.  I explained we do not stock dragons, which astounded her.  She ended up giving her dragon-collecting friend, whose father was dying of cancer, a thoughtful angel with the words “praying and thinking of you”… much better!

I have a natural talent with merchandising and a good eye for quality and style. These skills help me to put together a shop that is pleasing to be in. We have our own style of gift wrapping, and as our shop has a good reputation, people love to receive a gift wrapped in our ‘signature gift wrapping’, complete with a handmade tissue flower.  When I need to change things around in the shop, I will often receive the idea for the change in a dream, and then go ahead and do it just like I dreamt it.  I believe God is interested and involved in every little detail of our lives, if we learn to recognise it.  My experience of 20 years in our Interior Design business also gave me a good basis to run a shop that is a little different to many other gift shops around.

Together with my husband Hans, we started a ministry called Ipswich Awakening, working together with Christians from across Ipswich churches and ministries to stage events that host God’s presence and power right in the midst of the community.  These include Easter Monday Funday, Christmas Day Community Dinner (for about 18 years), various Prayer and Fasting events, The Good Friday Night Prayer Vigil, a Seminar about how to use media for the Kingdom, John Mellor healing meetings, as well as training seminars for those who want to learn about healing.  In the past we have run Mayoral Breakfasts, parenting courses, produced a Kids of Ipswich calendar for 7 years. Recently we have begun Networking Breakfasts for Pastors and business leaders, where Christians can encourage each other in what they are called to do.

Easter Monday Funday has been running for 18 years, and has grown from it’s beginnings of 200 or so attendants to it’s present estimated crowd of up to 20,000 people.  It is unashamedly Christian, celebrating and keeping alive the message that Jesus died and rose again and is alive, available to meet the needs of everyone who calls on Him. Some 60 activities include sharing this message in craft, in written form and in displays, as well as 4 stages with music, drama and dance. Included are all the usual rides, fairy floss and food. Everything is provided totally free.  People take a lot of material home with them.  We even run a Healing Prayer and other ministry tents, where people get prayed for, with amazing miracles every year.  Churches and ministries can present their message at the Church Community Village for the community to see. People have the opportunity to make a decision for Christ in many different parts of the Funday, though we see this as being just a small part of the overall aim which is to sow seeds into the lives of families.  We pray that God will water the seeds that are planted and that children will grow up with some foundational knowledge of a God who created them and the earth, a God who wants to be there for them throughout their life’s journey.

Both my husband and I have been quite visual about our Christianity in Ipswich.  Anyone who knows us knows that we are Christians, as we quite openly share about it when the opportunity presents itself. We believe it is important for Christians to show their light.

Prayer has been absolutely foundational in our ministry. We have run a weekly intercessory prayer meeting for well over 10 years.  This meeting is not about numbers, but about faithfulness, and God turns up. Once a month we run Ipswich City Prayer at the Humanities building where a wider group of people come along.

One secret that I believe has been pivotal is that we take communion and pray together for pressing issues every morning, even if briefly. We see this as being a source of God’s presence and protection and health in our lives.  It is not magic, but just like we would not go without breakfast or our vitamins, we tend not to leave out this little part of our lives.

My husband is involved in mentoring business people and helping sometimes struggling businesses to turn around.  In this role, he relies on God for ideas and help and miracles occur almost every day.  He says he cannot help the person without asking God to be involved, so even non-Christians allow him to pray for God’s blessing on their lives.  Many have become Christians through this process and miracles happen in their lives and businesses. In his business seminars that he runs, he always shares about God as part of the process.

A very recent little incident happened in my shop.  It was Saturday about 2 weeks ago, and a young girl wandered in. We chatted and one thing led to another.  She made a comment about how unfortunate things just happen in your life, and that is just the way it is, there is nothing can be done about it. I said ‘You know, it doesn’t have to be like that’, and asked her if she had a faith. Without going into details, we ended up praying for her to allow God to become the guiding force in her life, right there in the shop.  I gave her a Bible and some other literature and told her I will call her to have a coffee to see how she is going.

What helps us to maintain our stride and continue on in this work?  We feel called to Ipswich as a place of mission.  Until God tells us to move on we are going to continue doing this work. We recognise it is not our ministry, but God’s work.  The Easter Monday Funday is His event.  We are merely co-ordinators working with Him.  The resourcing and the results all belong to Him, and He sustains us.  We have learnt the importance of being careful about every word that comes out of our mouths, not to criticise or pull down others, but to always bless. When someone hurts us, or tries to pull our ministry down, we bring it to God, instead of trying to intervene, and amazing things happen.

Unless God builds a house they labour in vain… How sad it would be to waste your life doing something that is not on the same page as God is.  Our constant prayer is that we walk the path God is calling us to walk, and that He is there with us every step of the way.

The above story does not mean we have not made mistakes.  There isn’t the room to go into more.  What we do know is that God is always there to forgive.  His grace is always amazing and in the end He always pulls you through.

Ruth Booij