The store, officially named Christian Books & Veggie Foods, sits across the street from the Adventist Health Glendale hospital, sharing a parking lot with the conference office.
The store, officially named Christian Books & Veggie Foods, sits across the street from the Adventist Health Glendale hospital, sharing a parking lot with the conference office.

 

When a customer walks into the Southern California Conference (SCC) Adventist Book Center, it’s not just about business or transactions. Often, the store is a place where customers can find a listening ear and receive a prayer. The shelves are stocked with encouraging and thoughtful books to uplift their spirits. The variety of healthy food items support a wholesome lifestyle. Families can find items for all ages, and gifts are available for every occasion. Customers are greeted with friendly smiles as they enter and encouraged to “have a blessed day!” as they leave.

The store stocks many shelf-stable and frozen vegan foods.
The store stocks many shelf-stable and frozen vegan foods.

Sandra Foldvary, store manager since 2017, sees the store’s mission as a ministry. “Every single morning, I pray that the presence of God can be over every employee,” she said. “We pray for every customer that will come through those doors, because we know they are carrying so much pain, so many problems.”

“The prayers made in this place, we can see the answers,” Foldvary shared. The answer may not always be that someone got baptized the next week, but “just for them to know that we have a Father who takes care of us and He’s for us, not against us.” From Ellen White books and children’s items, to English and Spanish devotional books, to vegan favorites and meaningful Christian gifts, the wide selection ensures something for everyone.

“The atmosphere is nice here; it’s a peaceful environment,” shared Daisy, one of the employees. “That’s what people need. If you’re feeling depressed or down, we have books here to help you lift up your spirit.”

Uplifting Christian gifts—like mugs, water bottles, bookmarks, keychains, home décor, and more—are a popular find.
Uplifting Christian gifts—like mugs, water bottles, bookmarks, keychains, home décor, and more—are a popular find.

Unique vegan and vegetarian food items are a valuable offering for the community. Some of the food products are hard to find elsewhere, and new products—like unMEAT canned items—are often added. Some customers even drive hours to the store for the food items that can’t be found many other places. “I pray every morning that God can put His Holy Spirit over every snack, every soda, everything,” Foldvary said.

Foldvary likes to think of purchases as more of an investment—not in the stock market but in the kingdom of heaven. “If a customer buys something for themselves, they are supporting the store and helping us stay open,” Foldvary explained. “But if they buy for somebody else, they are blessing people. They are investing in the kingdom of God things that they may never know.”