We are Mike and Tineke. We live in Bisley, Stroud and we are a married, Christian couple. We like to read, but what we like even more is to introduce people to the Gospel of Christ.
We have had a bookshop for a year now. Not a fixed shop, but a ‘Pop- Up ‘ shop in several places around Gloucestershire, where we have hired Church/Village halls for the 1 or 2 days in the weekend. They were set up like shops where you were able to browse and buy our products.
The name of the shop has been taken from Scripture.
First of all, we decided we would like to have something recognizable, Christian and Biblical.
Secondly, we did not want a name which was already well known on the market.
Lastly, but not least, we found the name through reading the following scripture;
Ezekiel 3 New King James Version (NKJV)
3 Moreover He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll.
3 And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.” So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness.
In the shop we aim to stock books and gifts with Christ at the centre, carefully selected God honouring material. Our emphasis is on Scripture and the learning and declaration of God’s word. We might not have very many church supplies in stock (e.g. candles, communion wine), but would be able to order most things for you.
The best bit so far in running a Christian Books and Gift Shop is meeting so many people from different backgrounds, churches, experiences and different stages in their Christian journeys.
We are thrilled and very blessed that we have had, and hope to have, many more opportunities to talk, minister and share with people. It’s part of a much wider ministry than selling Christian items.
We sell Christian books and gifts, yes, but the listening, the advice, the prayer and encouragement, and so much more is the real ministry Scroll Eaters is about.
We have a much bigger vision still, but we will need your help with this. We are looking for a shop in a fixed place for the ministry instead of moving from one place to another each weekend as we are doing at the moment. Once we have a shop we can have;
Games nights, Film nights, Prayer Breakfasts/Bible Studies, Children’s Parties, Prayer Room/Ministry office staffed by local ministers, Work with local charities (e.g. Ebenezer and Salvation Army).
We realise that we may not be able to start all these things as soon as we have a place, however, a few of these things willbe possible.
We have looked at several empty units and are considering a short-term based rental to get started. This would be for about 1 – 3 months to see if we are indeed in the right place, but also to build up relations and a friendly atmosphere.
Here we get to the point where we can use your help and prayer support. To achieve this and to be able to pay 3 months rent in advance plus the ongoing monthly rent, we will need about £5000,-. This would also give us a small amount to tidy up the place.
We pray you will help us make it happen. To thank you for your donation and prayers, we have some gifts to show our appreciation.