‘Substantial’ mega-storm causes business closures, but staff and their families kept ‘safe and secure’

Christian retailers and publishers have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy, called one of the worst storms in the nation’s history. 

The largest Atlantic hurricane on record made landfall in New Jersey on Oct. 29 with maximum sustained winds of 90 miles per hour, killing more than 100 people, knocking out power for millions and causing at least $20 billion in damage, USA Today reported.

Jim Pitman, director of retail operations for CLC Ministries International, overseeing its seven-store CLC Bookcenter operations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, said that all CLC stores closed Oct. 29 and two remained shut Oct. 30, but all opened Oct. 31. 

“We praise God that all our bookstores were undamaged by Hurricane Sandy,” Pitman said. “While the wind was very fierce, especially at our bookstore in Northfield, N.J., we have found no physical damage. About half of our staff lost power in their homes.”   

He noted that the largest tree in his yard crashed due to high winds. 

“While it could have hit many things, including a missionary housing apartment next to it, it fell in the one place where it did no damage,” he said. “Talk about God’s protection. We were a bit shaken, and decided to sleep in the basement. Our staff have all reported that they and their families are safe, so we praise God for that.”

Robin Hogan, general manager of the Christian Cultural Center Bookstore in Brooklyn, N.Y., said the store was closed for two days.

“I have lived in New York for over 40 years and I have never experienced anything like Hurricane Sandy,” said Hogan, who was recently appointed to the CBA board.

“Praise God for His mercy and grace,” she added. “As a staff, along with our church, we prayed before the storm for the protection of our church, store, staff, families and communities. God answered our prayers because our families and homes were safe and secure.”

Steven Kaye, founder of Teaneck, N.J.-based Creation By Design, which offers Bible-based trading cards, said his business and home lost power Oct. 28, and his business was closed for eight days. 

“The hurricane has been substantial,” said Kaye, noting that a winter storm hit a week later dumping more than 2 inches of snow. “We had to close [until Nov. 6]. In today’s market, the loss of any sales is significant. No one has been hurt by falling trees or other damage, and so far, none of us have been flooded. This is saying something compared to our neighbors who have sustained substantial damages.”

Based in Phillipsburg, N.J., P&R Publishing was shut down by Sandy for four-and-a-half days, starting Oct. 29.

“Many of our staff were without power,” said P&R Publishing Sales and Marketing Vice President Ian Thompson. “All our staff were safe. … On Monday, Nov. 5, we still didn’t have phones back. Some of our employees were still out of power.”

New Jersey was the hardest-hit state by the storm, which stretched 900 miles wide at its peak, as more than 8.5 million people were without electricity, and at least 17 states suffered intense effects from the storm, USA Today reported.

Headquartered in the New York City borough of Manhattan, American Bible Society (ABS) was closed due to the storm. 

“We are very thankful to report that there was no loss of life or serious injury to [ABS] staff,” said Geoffrey Morin, ABS’ chief communications officer.  

Random House’s building in New York City was unaffected and remained opened, despite high winds and heavy rain, said company spokesman Stuart Applebaum. The company’s Maryland distribution center was shut down for 30 hours on the day the storm hit. 

Leading apparel company Kerusso provided assistance in November to the Long Island, N.Y., area, impacted by Sandy. Kerusso CEO and President Vic Kennett said that his Berryville, Ark.-based company donated more than 6,100 items, including 1,990 sweatshirts and 2,230 winter caps. The clothing was distributed throughout Long Island by Men’s Discipleship Network. 

Sandi Patty and Jason Crabb did a benefit concert Nov. 24 at Calvary Baptist Church in New York City. All proceeds were to be given to World Vision for storm relief.