Parable Christian Stores Support Kiev Bookstore

Stores and Suppliers Join to Support Russian Christian Store

Hundreds of purchases in Parable Christian Stores across the country will support the establishment of the first Christian bookstore and coffee shop in Kiev, Ukraine, in the former Soviet Union. Purchases of specially marked products in the month of October 2000 in Parable member stores will support donations to the Kiev Bookstore Project. More than 80 products are featured as a part of this unique charitable program in Parable’s October “Big Sale” catalog. Ten national suppliers—Cook Communications, Gregg USA, Harvest House, Howard Publishing, Kerusso, New Hope Publishers, Pamplin Distribution, Servant Publications, Tyndale House Publishers and Zondervan Publishing House—are partnering with Parable to support the Kiev Bookstore Project.

“We are committed to helping bookstores grow—whether they are located in the U.S. or abroad,” said Steve Potratz, president and founder of The Parable Group. “This partnership with key like-minded suppliers extends the reach of every Parable member store and its loyal customers.”

The Kiev Bookstore Project is made possible by a partnership of Christian Broadcasting Network of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CBN/CIS), Calvary Chapel and other local Ukrainian ministries. The first of two bookstores in Kiev is on schedule to open in early 2001. A former Parable staff member, Cara Denney, has been a missionary to the Ukraine for several years and realized quickly the need for quality Christian products. “Ukrainian people hear about Jesus and the Gospel, but they can’t find a Christian bookstore with regular hours and strong inventory,” stated Denney. “With the support of Parable member stores, new Christians in Kiev now will be able to find quality resources.”

Parable Christian Stores consists of more than 300 independently owned retail stores, located in the U.S. and Canada and has combined total sales of more than $422 million in 1999. Parable is America’s Leading Christian Retailer®, and ranks as #3 in sales for bookselling “chains” behind only Barnes & Noble and Borders.

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October 13, 2000