Moody Publishers author Asheritah Ciuciu called retailers to spend time in God's Word and in the presence of Jesus during Tuesday morning devotions at CPE International. But not only did she teach about the value of that, she also did so with understanding just how busy the life of a Christian retailer is.

"We don't serve a boring God," she said, but one who encourages believers to experience "fullness of joy." She invited retailers to "replace distractions with invitations" to Jesus' presence. Naming the distractions and temptations, from Netflix to social media to Oreos or even a glass of wine, these substitutes for His presence can be "poison" that numbs our affection for Jesus Christ, she said.

Brad Stine brought his unique brand of comedy performance to CPE Monday night where retailers got a dose of American conservatism and Christian humor.

Stine decried the political correctness that has become prevalent in the U.S. today.

“I care that we can’t laugh at differences anymore,” he said, encouraging everyone to be “adults” and not get offended. He joked with a bald man in the audience and with another man who had piercings.

Christian retailers who partner with Operation Christmas Child (OCC) in its shoebox distribution got quite the treat Monday evening. Not only did they get to hear some powerful music from Cana’s Gift and inspirational teaching from Southeast Christian Church Pastor Kyle Idleman, but they also heard a testimony of a young woman who received a Christmas shoebox as a child in the Middle East. She grew up and eventually God led her to the U.S. where she found herself, unexpectedly, volunteering with a church to pack shoeboxes. She now works with Operation Christmas Child full time, and her life has come full circle. She shared how God led her family out of their village just before terrorists destroyed it.

When Idleman, author of Not a Fan and his latest book, Don’t Give Up, spoke, he thanked her for sharing her story, as it gives perspective on the tough times Christian retailers may face from day to day. Idleman sees stores as a “sanctuary for people” and encouraged retailers to persevere like Noah and Abraham did.

Christian Retailing spoke with a variety of exhibitors on the CPE floor, which was abuzz with activity Monday, Aug. 26, the first day it was open for business.

Carlton Garborg, president at BroadStreet Publishing, says it’s been “very busy” at CPE with a lot of buyers and activity.

“Overall, it’s just good to see something that feels like a replacement for CBA, so it didn’t go away,” Garborg said. “I hope that next year will be even bigger and stronger.”

AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) announced the winners of the 2019 Golden Scroll Awards at the Golden Scroll Banquet, Aug. 27, in conjunction with CPE International.

The association honored artist and author Michael W. Smith its Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his 35th year in ministry. The Grammy- and Dove Award-winning artist ministered in song and participated in a question-and-answer session hosted by CTN host Monica Schmelter, the emcee for the event.

Larry the Cucumber showed up during devotions Monday at CPE International. At least, his voice did through creator Mike Nawrocki, who shared how God led him to give up going to Africa as a missionary doctor and instead entrusted him and Phil Vischer, his college roommate, with helping children learn Bible truths.

Nawrocki, now a professor at Lipscomb University in film and animation, said Proverbs 16:9 and Esther 4:14 were significant in his turning toward children's ministry. He hit a "big crossroads" in his life when full funding came in for their first VeggieTales show. He understood how God had gifted him and recognized the power of story.

Church bookstores have special needs, and no one knows that better than the presenters and facilitators of their Sunday afternoon training session at CPE International. Kelly Graham Flores and Deb Graham have run the store locations at Prestonwood, a megachurch based in Plano, Texas. Rachel Savage of Watermark Christian Store in Melbourne, Florida, and Susan Chipman of Granger Community Church in Granger, Indiana, facilitated the session.

Flores called on church bookstores to make use of publishers’ return policies to eliminate stock that is not selling.

“If you’re not returning books, you can get into big trouble,” she said, recommending using a spreadsheet or notebook to keep track of vendors’ return policies.