How The Armory Bookstore Began
Recently I was talking with a friend about the lack of Christian Bookstores since the closing of all Lifeway Stores in 2019. It was 30 years ago that I worked at The Christian Armory Bookstore in Tucker, GA and the experience made huge impact on my life. In 1995 I left to have my first child and become a stay at home Mom. I spent 21 years in Preschool Ministry from 1996-2017. All these years later the love of retail, Christian products, and building authentic relationships never subsided. When I mentioned to my friend that I would love to see the comeback of the Christian Bookstore she said: "You should totally do that, Michele". After that conversation the dream was set in motion and the vision for The Armory began. I’ve lived in Monroe for 25 years I just knew this amazing community would support it.
The name, The Armory Bookstore, is in honor of Jim Reimann, owner of The Christian Armory, who passed away in 2013 of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a neurological condition. Jim was best known for his updates of classic devotional books, including these #1 Christian Best-Sellers:
My Utmost for His Highest
Streams in the Desert
Morning by Morning
Evening by Evening, The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon
Hopes and Dreams for The Armory Bookstore
Every day men and women everywhere have a dream to start their own business but the question is always, HOW do I make this happen? In November 2020, during a pandemic, when the Lord birthed this dream of a Christian Bookstore in me, I had no idea how I could make it happen. Our family is currently following Dave Ramsey and I knew I could not only "Do it Scared" but I must also "Do it Smart" with the Lord by my side and believing him every step of the way. What I did know was that the Lord was giving me a strong sense of urgency and somehow we had to make this happen. I had the idea to start out as a series of pop up shops but after just 2 weeks of being opened I signed a lease to be opened Thursday-Saturday, 10-6. What those 2 weeks showed me was that people were starving for this type of connection and space!
After being open in the Eulalia Building just 6 months we were blessed with a new location across the street, 118 N Broad Street, and we opened on October 6, 2021! Together we will IMPACT this community for Christ through being able to once again physically touch a Bible before it's purchased AND get your name imprinted on it! We also carry Christ centered books, children's products and gifts. The Armory Bookstore will INSPIRE homeschooling families, families that choose public and private school, single Moms and Dads, married couples, and our precious children, teens, and young adults to a deeper relationship with our savior.
It is our prayer that this space will CONNECT people in our community and offer a beautiful back room to rent for your special occasion, book signings, community events, and Bible studies.
Thank you for partnering with us in this movement to help our community Armor Up for Christ!
Dave and Michele Yarbrough
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..." Zechariah 4:10
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