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The Adventist Book Centre (ABC), Western Cape, commonly known as the Cape Town Bookshop, sprung back to life in December 2021 after the effects of Covid brought it to a halt. As a full time teacher, Thobekile Mlotshwa (affectionately known as Tobi), had a burden on her heart for those who needed the service, the centre historically offered.
“I remember thinking, where will the people get stock? I’m one of those ‘old school Adventists that are practically born in the vestry.’ I believe in having provision for our people. I remember seeing the advert for subcontracting but the due date had already passed and although feeling disheartened, I could not think of anything else. Deep in my spirit I heard a voice telling me, “Grab this opportunity for missionary work.” “If not you, then who?” The thoughts consumed my days. My showers were longer than usual with scenarios playing in my mind of running the bookshop and how many people I could potentially reach with even just the Health Message as I had previously been involved in working for a sanitarium.
But for Tobi, like many others looking to start a venture like this, the dream was missing one important element. The source of capital to fund it was not evident. Despite this, she was obedient to the call. A case of ‘Can I trust you in obedience and to let Me work it out?’
“It is only now that it seems like God is slowly opening doors, but I struggle to fulfil the entire dream of running the bookshop as I’d like to due to limited resources or capital. For me to have foot traffic and an aggressive advertising campaign, I need to have stock. At the moment, I advertise by emailing those on my database and I take advantage of Adventist events such as Camp Meetings, Youth Congresses, Adventist Women’s Ministries retreats and other opportunities to promote the centre and sell merchandise. If there are any investors or sponsors willing to have a chat, I’d love to engage.”
The ABC seeks to minister to Adventists in all aspects of their Christian journey. Spiritual growth is maintained by, among other things, self-edification. The more Bible-based literature one reads, the more they grow spiritually. The ABC provides a wide variety of literature including different types of Bibles, Spirit of Prophecy books, children’s literature, hymnals, books on health and natural remedies and mission books to mention a few.
“I am blessed to have the opportunity to chat to patrons, especially the senior members, as they have a fond association with the bookshop. Often as they reminisce, our engagement ends in tears and I have a chance to pray with them. The ministry extends to non-Adventists as well, who generally purchase Bibles with commentary and Holy Communion related products. I wish we were more visible to the community as it would be another way to minister.”
The ABC also seeks to minister to the health needs of an individual. This includes healthy food as well as natural remedies. Many times we receive the health message as Adventist Christians but do not have access to affordable products. The ABC is here to fulfil those needs.
The ABC also works with different departments in the Adventist structure, providing relevant resources. We are able to source Youth uniforms for the Youth Department and Lesson study books for the Sabbath School department, among other things.
“May God bless us as we walk this journey together and fulfil our purpose and may we be obedient and open to hearing the Spirit’s Voice concerning the work we have to do according to our God-given gifts.”
