Living Books in Borden celebrated its 25TH anniversary Aug. 20 with distributors and representatives converging on the community to participate in the quarter-century milestone. Representatives gathered from across the country representing five decades of Christian book distribution: New Life, Successful Living and Living Books.
Martin and Janice Whitbread established the Living Books business in 1986. Co-founders Lloyd and Arlene Schultz were visionaries and were among the first to see the need on the horizon for Living Books. (The couple assisted the Whitbreads with the research and registering of the name, assisted with the distribution plan, did initial negotiations with publishers and Lloyd did all the computer work and bookkeeping.)
"There would not be a Living Books if not for this couple," commented Martin gratefully.
The visionaries Walter and Joy Seward pioneered the method of Christian books in Canada. "They are our inspiration and mentors," explained Martin.
The Living Books warehouse in Borden is the distribution centre where all orders are received, filled, invoiced and shipped out. Pre-pack orders are tailored to each store and its location. The Whitbreads also contact publishers in search of new publications.
Living Books provided an opportunity for its distributors, representatives and staff to meet some popular authors, have books signed and ask questions. Authors were in attendance for the book signing event prior to the evening banquet and included Brock Thoene, Lauraine Snelling and Davey and Marie Jank.
Brock and Bodie Thoene have written more than 65 books of historical fiction, have sold over 20 million copies and have won eight ECPA(Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Gold Medallion awards. The Gold Medallion Book Award recognizes outstanding sales achievement in publication of quality Christian literature. Eligibility for this award is attained whenever a book achieves 500,000 copies sold. The Thoenes' World War II saga, Against the Wind, is a Soul Surfer follow-up and 'portrays faith, hope and love and the extraordinary courage of ordinary people caught up in the midst of great conflict and personal sacrifice'. This best-selling novel has been selected to become a major motion picture.
Lauraine Snelling is an award-winning author of more than 60 books of fiction and nonfiction for adults and young adults with sales of over 2 million copies. She always dreamed about writing horse stories for young girls and in 1982 her dream was realized. Snelling's writing has expanded into writing historical and contemporary fiction and non-fiction inspirational romances for adults and young readers. She continues to write one contemporary and two historical books annually.
Davey and Marie Jank are missionaries serving with New Tribes Mission with the Wilo people in Venezuela. They autographed their book, Our Witchdoctors are Too Weak, which shares their experiences as tribal missionaries.
Guest speaker for the evening was Brock Thoene. He provided an overview of how they have been instruments of the Lord. The event coincided with a memorable event for the Thoenes as 26 years ago The Gates of Zion was released and 25 years ago, The Gates of Zion received the Golden Medallion Award, the first of eight for the master stylists.
"There was a perception at the time that Christianity and fiction could not go together," commented Brock, explaining that there was not even a category for their topic of writing.
Thoene explained Bodie's career path from being a journalist and freelance writer to writing Fall Guy, which was later made into a television series. She worked for John Wayne's Batjac Productions and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as 'a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!'
"Sixty-five novels later, we are not ready to quit but rather stick out in a different direction," commented Thoene. "Our novel, Against the Wind, is going to be made into a film and our contemporary novel, Beyond the Farthest Star, will be released simultaneously with the film."
"Christian fiction could not happen without folks like you," said Thoene directing his gratitude towards the room of Living Books distributors. "Each of you are missionaries."
The recognition and award presentations were made. Distributors were presented with monetary awards based on volume and increase in sales. A total of $2,200 cash was earned by the distributors.
Ten-year certificates were presented to Valerie Witzaney, Kathy McGill, Heather Whitbread, Janice Dick, Marg Palchinski, Edith Shewchuk, Wendy Janzen, Karla Janzen, Agnes Salisbury and Alana Henry.
Fifteen-year certificates were presented to Dorothy Robey, Marianne Barkman, Judy Schroeder, Jackie Zilkie, Sandra Grant, Shelly Flowers and Elvera Elias, Glenda Lees, Karen Buckingham and Mary Thiessen. Twenty-year certificates were presented to Gloria Martin, Lena Raeside, Ann Schieckoff, Melodie Clark, Sher Stonehouse and Vangie Whitbread.
Twenty-five- and thirty-year certificates were presented to Edna Olson (25 yrs), Glenna Barton (30 yrs), Tom and Linda Warburton (30 yrs) and Noella Chase (25 yrs).
Dennis and Trudy Ramsay were recognized and awarded for 35 years of service.
Staff members acknowledged included Gail Roth and Ann Schieckoff, both of Ontario, Kern Buckingham, Melodie Clark, Jill Horn, Jill Sperling, Darlene Sperling, Mary Thiessen, Cindy Wall and Vangie Whitbread. Former staff in attendance included Carla Warkentin, Marianne Barkman, Gerald Burt and Emery Ens.
Natalie Faith of 100 Huntley Street filmed segments and interviews throughout the afternoon for a future broadcast. Larry Flowers, Jon Anderson and Jared Funk, Friends of Living Books, provided musical entertainment throughout the afternoon, evening and during the slide show presentation.
Walter Seward congratulated the Whitbreads on achieving 25 years in the book distribution system.
"It is incredible where God had led them," commented Seward proudly. "Being able to work together to support each other to establish Living Books is a great task. We do not know the impact the books will have on its readers and where they are read across the world."
Living Books owners Martin and Janice Whitbread have credited the success of the business on its family members, staff, mentors, distributors and representatives. For the selection of reading material, check out their website at www.livingbooks.ca.
