Living Books is a company dedicated to making a positive impact on the country through the distribution of inspirational Christian books, Bibles, Christian CDs and DVDs and giftware. This is accomplished through a network of independent representatives and distributors across the country who bring people and positive, inspirational reading together through home parties and through placing Christian books in high traffic areas.
Living Books was established in 1986 by Martin and Janice Whitbread after the company, Successful Living, was dissolved.
In the '70s, Martin was 15 years old when he became a true Christ believer. A teacher introduced him to Christian books and from that day forward Martin knew the power of the written word. Martin became a regular customer of Successful Living books, always eager to feed his inner Christian passion. Even at the young age of 15, Martin knew people needed a connection with God.
"The printed word is the most powerful way of communication because people pick up a book on their own time at their own convenience, and when they are ready, will hear the message. Whether in a relationship, in training, or in need of encouragement or wisdom, books fill those roles," explains Martin.
Martin recalls having a vision at 17 years of age. "A mental image popped into my head and came out my mouth," says Martin explaining how Trudy and Dennis Ramsay permitted Martin to become a distributor and sell books. The Ramsays were Successful Living distributors and became mentors for Martin.
With limited funds, Martin would purchase a few books for resale; once he sold them he would use his earnings to purchase more. He was reminiscent of how he operated a table at a youth retreat and throughout the course of the retreat no one had stopped at his table to even look at the books. He recalls saying a prayer asking for confirmation of what he was doing; shortly after the prayer, youth began visiting his table and viewing the books, resulting in sales of $200. He had his confirmation.
In 1978 he married Janice and together they set out on a business venture that has become a vital aspect of their business and family life. Martin and Janice's children have played a role in the evolution of the business by assisting in the warehouse in their preschool years, then after school and weekends.
"I could see Martin's passion and dedication about taking books to people, of making Christian books more readily accessible to the public," commented Janice.
Janice explained people have different desires and different reasons for reading a book. The Whitbreads are very confident their distributors are able to help individuals select a book that will assist them with their challenge.
"With Living Books, we wanted to take the books to where the people are. Jesus went to where the people were to minister to them, ours is based on the same concept," commented Martin, explaining how distributors play a vital role in having Living Books accessible to the general public.
The distribution point of having racks set up within grocery stores and retail outlets puts the books in the marketplace where the people are. Home parties are also an option. Living Books also sells boxed card selections, puzzle books, children's books, daily inspirational calendars, napkins and cookbooks.
"Our distributors develop relationships with people making them the ideal person to choose the correct book, with the message required and possibly a prayer on the spot. You don't get that from Internet," says Martin, proud to have maintained that level of public relations with his business.
The next25 years will continue to see changes in the book industry as technological advancements continue to grow the computer industry. E-books are becoming more popular with all generations.
Janice's comment on 'what the future holds?' "There are messages written in these books and the books, whatever the age category, need to be in the hands of the people who need to hear the message, in whatever form that may be. Technology is changing but I believe there will always be a need for book wholesalers. With God's leading there will be a way to get the messages to those in need. For me, this (Living Books) is so entwined with who I am. It is all I have done and I love it!"
Martin's desired hope for the future is that those individuals who started with Living Books will continue to carry on like he did with the preceding company.
The book industry has had, and will continue to have, its challenges and successes. Innovative methods have been used to keep the business alive and thriving and moving ahead into the next decade.
"With His Grace we keep finding the strength to carry on," explains Martin. "We need to bloom where we are planted."
It was the missionary heart that put Living Books on racks throughout the country, it was and is the unselfish acts of many that touched the lives of readers and it is the Whitbread's passion that shares the joy of being able to minister through books. Next time you see a rack of books at a store, stop by and check it out. You may be pleasantly surprised at what it can do for you.
