Historically, most camp meetings have had their own ABC stores that provide Christian books, veggie food, used books, and novelty items. As the only ABC in the Lake Union, the Indiana Conference feels very fortunate to again be able to provide an ABC to not only Indiana, but also Michigan and Wisconsin camp meetings as well.
Weeks before camp meeting began, Three Angels Natural Foods and Christian Books was energetically ordering, pricing, packing boxes, and making sure that three camp meetings (happening simultaneously) would have all the necessary inventory to satisfy the needs of the people.
Historically, most camp meetings have had their own ABC stores that provide Christian books, veggie food, used books, and novelty items. As the only ABC in the Lake Union, the Indiana Conference feels very fortunate to again be able to provide an ABC to not only Indiana, but also Michigan and Wisconsin camp meetings as well.
Michigan, a larger-based camp meeting, presented more of a challenge in trying to anticipate which books would be needed, or how many cans of veggie meat should be on site. “Countless hours went into ordering, setting up, and implementing a fully functioning store during Michigan Camp Meeting with enough variety to keep people shopping all week. It was good to see that people still have a passion and desire to not only buy books for themselves, but to also buy for sharing with others,” said Randy Griffin, Three Angels General Manager.
The most popular food item in Michigan was Big Franks. Even though they are now packaged with six in a can, this didn’t deter people from purchasing their favorite frank! (The over-all price is comparable to when there were eight in a can.) Fortunately, everyone has their favorites and came in to purchase frozen or canned foods throughout the week.
Wisconsin camp meeting was privileged to have Kurt Bandel, who was Wisconsin ABC Manager from 1980 – 1985, set up and run the store all week. Since this conference has a veggie food store called The Lighthouse, we were able to share space with them where we set up a variety of books, music, and children’s materials. Under Kurt’s guidance, we were blessed to be able to sell a large amount of our inventory. It is evident that the members of Wisconsin are very supportive of the Adventist book ministry. Kurt said, “I fell in love with the people of Wisconsin many years ago, and part of my heart is still there.”
Our faithful store manager in Indiana, Annette McLamb, helped each location order inventory and was always on hand to answer questions and help problem solve throughout each day. Many of our Indiana members took advantage of camp meeting prices and are thankful that we still have the convenience of a store to visit and browse through products.
In the aftermath of three camp meetings for Three Angels Natural Foods and Christian Books, the large-scale endeavor is still being processed. As we re-shelve books and reorganize veggie food, we pray that our expenses do not exceed our combined sales! With God’s guidance we keep putting one foot in front of the other and trusting that this ministry is essential to those seeking spiritual and physical healing. Please keep us in your prayers as we serve the Lake Union and manage this branch of God’s work.
Kathy Griffin, Three Angels Natural Foods and Christian Books marketing and promotion manager. To place an order, call 317.984.5393 or visit www.adventistbookcenter.com.
