First, an introduction…Erika Kelly…how do I describe such an amazing woman in just a few words? Erika is a sister-in-Christ, walking salt-and-light, generous, kind, funny, wise, seasoned woman who also happens to run a bookstore. I first met Erika when she worked at Christian Book & Gift in Rochester, MN, a family-owned bookstore that has since closed its doors. (Sadness) Then, she was my daughter’s third-grade Sunday School teacher, and finally, she became the manager of Christos Bookstore, a ministry of Autumn Ridge Church. I am always geeked up to visit Christos because I know I’m going to see Erika and I’m going to be blessed. She always has a word of encouragement, of wisdom, or of insight when I come in, and often, she pauses what she is doing (she’s a very busy woman) to pray with me before I leave. And I never leave empty-handed. I am blessed to call her my friend, and I’m so glad she’s sharing with us in the “One Thing That Works For Me” series.
One Thing That Works For me Regarding The Bookstore ...
... one thing = time with Jesus each morning. First thing upon awakening, I open my Bible Scripture app and read the verse for the day, and then, after making my coffee, I sit and journal in my Gratitude Journal. The number of entries is in the 10,000s as I started it years ago. Writing in a gratitude journal helps me frame my attitude for the day. After that, I pull out my Bible and devotionals and read a variety of them, marking the Scripture in my Bible. When God lays a person on my heart, as I read a devotion or Scripture, I intentionally reach out and text them or Facebook message them , and it usually always comes at a “God time” when they needed it most. Also, I have note-cards which I write when God prompts me to reach out to one of His dear ones.

Another great benefit of working in a Christian Bookstore, is it has helped me to read at least 2-3 books a month so I can recommend titles and speak from experience. There are so many God-Centered books out there, and if a book does not quote Scripture or refer to God and His Son, Jesus, then we will not carry it in Christos . Our mission at Christos is clear. Everything we think, do, say, read, watch, and listen to, needs to surround our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are all a day closer to Heaven, and Jesus is our Savior and Hope in this world. Our prayer is that others may see Him in us, and as I tell many customers, as they are trying to reach their lost family members and friends - "You may be the only Bible someone reads." Keep the faith dear ones. God knows you by name and all that is on your heart.
My life verse says to trust in the Lord with all my heart, and I won't lean on my own understanding; but in all my ways, I will acknowledge Him and He will direct my paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Thank you for allowing me to share my heart,
Erika
Christos Bookcenter
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10-4
Wednesday 10-5
Saturday 4-7 pm
Sunday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
on-line shopping available via www.AutumnRidgeChurch.org (click on Christos)
507-252-9090
*photos taken from Christos Bookcenter on Facebook, with permission
Erica V. here again. I can attest that Erika’s servant heart permeates everything she does at Christos. I observed, during the recent pandemic, how her heart for our community and believers everywhere shined. Christos has in-person, in-store shopping, online shopping, curbside delivery, and mailing/shipping options. I love supporting local, and I really love supporting Christos. It’s where I tell my friends to shop for my books! I encourage you to follow Christos on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ChristosBookcenter You will be encouraged and uplifted, and you’ll learn about some God and Scripture-centered books at the same time!
What Bible Verse encourages you?
If you need prayer, just put the word “Prayer” at the end of your comment. You don’t need to say what you need prayer for. Jesus knows, and He’ll hear.