Searchlight Christian Books
884 Division Street, Unit 102 K9A 5V3 Cobourg, ON, Canada

It was great to walk by the Salvation Army kettle in the grocery store packed with $5 bills. But I walked by. I walked by because, as a family that was once on the receiving end of help from Salvation Army Family Services in Cobourg, I wanted our donation to be more than just another $5 bill. So we went online. And I invite you to do the same. Make it significant this year. People right here need our help. Go to https://salvationarmy.ca/ and click on the donate button in the upper right hand corner. Below in the comments is the U.S. Salvation Army commercial for 2020; a reminder there are fewer kettles this year.

Faith and fitness combine in this great hardcover special.

Today we're introducing an entirely new type of Bible that gives you all the features (and more) of a large, bulky study Bible but with the size of a trim, Thinline Bible. The NLT Filament Bibles use an app on the phone you're already carrying to scan pages and show you resources including study notes, maps and pictures; a devotional option; and even related worship songs. We have a few of these arriving later this week.

In The Emotionally Healthy Church, author Peter Scazzero presents positive models for resolving challenges in the local church. A Cobourg church did this as a group study and we’re now offering the paperback group price of $17.77 to everyone!

Over the past 25 years, Searchlight has employed a total of 42 people in four locations in three cities. Our "application form" begins by asking people if they are indeed readers. For Donna, Gloria and myself the answer is a resounding "yes." I know some Christian stores primarily market their giftware items, but for me, the gift department is not our raison d'être. Books are. And bibles. As the guy in the Remington Shaver commercial would say, "I'm not just the company presi...dent, I'm also a customer." Despite this, my first contact with many of my favorite authors was not through a book, but through video. YouTube and church website sermons by Kyle Idleman, Rick Warren, Bruxy Cavey, Greg Boyd, John Mark Comer, Andy Stanley, Francis Chan, etc. introduced me to their work, and then I started delving into their books. I'm passionate about our authors, and always looking to make converts! See more

Before you put that Christmas package in the mail, include a piece of Cobourg with Simply Christmas, an album of acapella songs celebrating the birth of Christ. David Wesley is now up to 22.6 million views on YouTube. Check out his channel which includes When I Was Lost, his latest virtual choir production featuring 156 participants from 35 countries at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidWesley/videos

New DVD offers: Shout Praises Kids: We Belong to Jesus -- reg. 17.99 sale $8.99; includes lyric videos with stereo and split-track options. Love Finds You in Sugarcreek -- special purchase $8.99; based on the book by Serena Miller. If you like the Hallmark films... The Mr. Phil Show -- reg. 17.99, sale $9.99; this means we now have two volumes in the 5-DVD series on sale right now. The Shack -- price reduction to $15.99 on the movie based on the popular but controversia...l fictional story of Mack, whose life is marked by a great tragedy. [] We're closed today, so reserve copies by a comment here, a phone message, or an email. See more

Last night we joined a 90-minute online meeting with about 3-dozen other supporters of the Welcome Home Children's Centre in Haiti and learned that in the early hours of Saturday a car crashed through the gate of the orphanage killing several of the six occupants including the driver. None of the Welcome Home children or staff were involved but they are badly shaken. The loss of the gate, combined with the remote location of the orphanage poses a major security problem. Re-si...tuating the children is compounded by the Covid-19 lockdown in effect there. Insurance works differently in Haiti and because the driver is deceased, it looks like the charity, which operates on a shoestring to begin with, might have to cover the cost of rebuilding the gate. Pray! This charity, based in Georgetown, Ontario and operating about two hours north of Port-au-Prince is a project we're going to be sharing with you at least once a month, here and in our newsletters as they prepare for an ambitious construction project, completing phase 2 of the facility. We know and trust this charity, and many people in last night's meeting have been on the ground in Haiti doing volunteer work and getting to know the children. You can beat the rush, and also get in under the wire for 2020 income tax receipts by giving through the charity's website by PayPal, through Canada Helps by credit card, or by cheque at Welcome Home Children’s Centre Inc. 34 McCullough Crescent Georgetown, Ontario L7G 5N5 See more

Another title expanding on the concept of "The Five Love Languages" has become available to us as a sale title. Reg. $22.99; sale $8.99.

These devotionals for children by Louie Giglio are just two of a number of titles on our devotional shelf, which in addition to over 140 general selections, also includes items tailored for men, women, teens and couples. Louie's two books (pictured) help the children in your life see the awe-inspiring connection between the natural world and the God who created it.

Kids today face more pressure and stress than ever before. In Goliath Must Fall for Young Readers, pastor Louie Giglio shows kids that only God can help them defeat those giantsand He will. Based on his bestseller for adults, this liberating guide adapted for middle-grade readers (9-13) will help them overcome struggles with temptation, social media, comparisons, friendships, anxiety, and more. 224 pages, hardcover. Available to Facebook friends only by special-order; list price $21.99; you pay $18.88.

We obviously believe that Christian literature can greatly enhance Christian belief, but sometimes some people are hesitant to shop the store because they don't know where to begin. Want suggestions? Consider a Bible in a translation that's not the one you usually use. This doesn't have to be your new 'good' leather Bible. Hardcovers start as low as $9.99, or just get a New Testament. Check out the value editions available in NIV, NLT, NKJV and ESV. January is coming! Con...sider starting the year off with a new devotional, especially if you've been using the same one for several consecutive years. Over 100 titles in-store to choose from. The Top Authors collection in shelf-sections 3 and 4 on our north wall is always a good place to begin. As is the New Releases collection in shelf-section 6 on the south wall. You can never go wrong with a Max Lucado book! Seriously, that's why he's Christian publishing's #1 writer. If you're a logical thinker that wants your mind engaged, consider reading an Apologetics title from shelf-section 5 on the north wall. Been on your faith journey for awhile? Time to hit the classics in shelf-section 3 of the middle aisle. You'll find C.S. Lewis, A.W.Tozer, Andrew Murray, Henri Nouwen and more. Wanna know who's who? Biographies of key Christian people, both living and dead, are inspiring. Look for the only north/south shelving unit in a store where all the others run east/west! Allow us to help you. Allow us to help you. Allow us to help you. If you can't ask your pastor or a Christian friend for a recommendation, tell Donna or Paul a bit about your faith story and that may trigger us to recommend a particular author or selection of authors. We're mistake-buying friendly inasmuch as you haven't invested a fortune in first-edition hardcovers when you're shopping in a store where 80% of the inventory is outlet-priced. Take a chance. The $4.99 rack also yields many treasures. Or pre-order the $44.44 mystery box of 10 books. Hit the road, Jack! If you find yourself spending a lot of time each week commuting, audio-books (and audio Bibles) are a great option and almost all of ours are red-tagged for great savings. Most are CDs, some are MP3s. See more

This beautiful 224-page hardcover book, A Prayer for Every Occasion offers prompts and prayers for all seasons including, suffering, waiting, funerals, births, graduations, and more. A thoughtfully curated book of biblical prayers, prayers throughout history, original prayers, and inspirational words offering readers ideas on what and how to pray--especially when it's difficult to know what to say. Available to Facebook friends only by special-order; list price $21.99; you pay $18.88.

We have one of these page-per-day 2021 tear-off calendars left. There are about 4 wall calendars, 5 advent calendars, and we're now down to less than 40 boxes of Christmas cards. There are only 2-3 Christmas activity books for kids left, but we just received a dozen pen-and-booklet sets with devotionals for adults at $4.59 each. Oh... I almost forgot... we sell books, too! Have I ever mentioned that?

Will we be shut down in today's announcement from the Province of Ontario? Stay tuned. In the meantime, I hope you've already bought your Christmas cards! ... ... God's Message for Each Day by Eugene Peterson (The Message) is a collection of 365 daily devotions from his most compelling classic books, including Run with the Horses, Leap Over a Wall, A Long Obedience, and more. $24.99 hardcover.

Great to worship this morning with our friends at Grace Christian Reformed Church in Cobourg, as they wrapped up a series based on the book by Crazy Love by Francis Chan, pictured below. (No, Francis Chan wasn't actually there, but that would have been awesome, too.) Enjoyed the worship and teaching from their new pastor, Rita Klein-Geltink. If you've never heard Francis, type his name into YouTube.

Leaving the house in the morning is complicated. You make sure you've got your wallet, keys, cellphone, face mask (that's a new one!), water bottle... did I miss anything? Many people also practice the tradition of carrying a cross in their pocket. These 3-inch crosses come in three colours and are a daily reminder of who we are and to whom we belong. $5.50 each.

Available Today Local Author Catherine Hudson is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. When she says that God has given her a picture or a vision, I know that some people are skeptical, and I would be as well if it were not for the joy that she radiates and the fruit that I've seen in her amazing interactions with others. After sharing a story a year ago, I said to her, "You should write a book;" only to find one was already in process. She shares the visions she's seen, however the book is solidly packed with scripture. A Prophet's Journal is in paperback at $19.99.

COMING SOON: In How (Not) to Read the Bible, pastor and bestselling author Dan Kimball tackles one of the most pressing apologetic challenges of the twenty-first-century church. Kimball introduces several principles to utilize when you open a Bible or read a verse. Then, he looks at five of the most common challenges that arise: The relationship between science and the Bible, the violence we find in the Bible, the treatment of women in the Bible, the odd and strange commands we find in the Bible, and the Bible's controversial claim that there is only one way to know God. Kimball highlights several of the most common passages people find objectionable and shows readers how to correctly interpret them. 336-page paperback | list price $24.99 | pre-order at $21.77

SALVATION ARMY TOY DRIVE! This year they are asking donors to please donate toys or purchase gift cards in the $20 denomination; preferably Walmart, Giant Tiger, EB Games, Shopper’s Drug Mart, and Subway cards. Toys needed are balls, trucks, cars, dolls, books, games, puzzles, Lego, duplo-blocks, art supplies, craft materials and many more. Toys will be given to children 0-11 years and gift cards will be given to youths between 12 and 18. Items may be dropped off at the Salvation Army Church, 59 Ballantine Street, Cobourg on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am and 1pm before December 10th. More info: 905-375-7682. Please share this.

Hands up if you ever made a decision you regretted? Oh, look! It's all of us! Every day, we face decisions that determine the direction and quality of our lives. Nobody means to choose poorly, but few have a plan to avoid it. Andy Stanley introduces you to five questions---about honesty, storytelling, tension, wisdom, and love---that can provide this simple but essential safeguard. 192 page hardcover from Zondervan. Reg. $24.99; pre-order now at $19.88.

This package is for the book-customer who is the equivalent of the music-customer who rushes into the store and grabs CDs because they "need some new tunes." For only $44.44, you get 10 non-fiction titles from our Budget Books shelves. Save and read, give as gifts, or trade with friends. Original retail value approx $200; store shelf price approx $60. Plus five free bookmarks; value $20. Ask for "Mystery Box - Bargain Books." (This item must be pre-ordered in advance. We'll call/email when it's ready for pickup.)

Here's something fun to kick off your Thanksgiving holiday, but you might find it helpful also. Mark Clark is a Vancouver pastor and author of The Problem of God (Zondervan) and The Problem of Jesus (Zondervan, February 2021). (9 minutes; language advisory for movie clips.)

Staircase specials are always changing: In Sacred Influence: How God Uses Wives to Shape the Souls of Their Husbands, Gary Thomas draws concepts from his bestseller, Sacred Marriage, and outlines practical applications you can start using today. Reg. 21.00; sale 6.99. 272 pages.

If you don't have a specific Sunday morning online worship destination, I want to recommend this one. A motorcycle ride through the county to see the Fall colours, traditional Thanksgiving hymns, opportunities to give prayers of thanks for so many things we experience, and great preaching by Clarke Dixon of Calvary Baptist Church, Cobourg.

Call them Surprise Packs or Mystery Boxes, we've got a number of offers coming. The first is a selection of TEN Women's Interest titles; non-fiction; paperback. Plus a free adult coloring book. Original retail value approx $200; our shelf price approx. $125; you pay only $69.99. Save and read over the winter, give as gifts, or trade with friends. But you must PRE-ORDER so we can assemble your selection. We'll call when ready. (See yesterday's email newsletter for two other Mystery Box assortments.)

Save $4 on advance orders. In an expanded edition of the bestselling The End of Religion, GTA Pastor Bruxy Cavey asks: Has Christianity missed the point? Was Jesus setting up a new religion or abolishing the entire concept? Have Christians gotten faith in Jesus pretty much right--or all wrong? Thoroughly revised and updated, the book now includes two entirely new chapters by the author, an index, a study guide and links to video content. 375-page Paperback; reg. $25.99; pre-orders $21.99; also available in hardcover.

With 25 titles in stock at our store, R.T. Kendall is a favorite author with many of our key customers, yet so many have never read his books. "It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over" is reg. $20.99 on sale for only $9.99. One of the greatest strategies of the enemy is to convince you to give up on your faith. If he can't succeed at that, then his objective is to persuade you to settle for less than what God has planned for you. Don't give up when victory is just around the corner!

In 2021, we're going to be making a more concerted effort to join with others in raising $250,000 for the Welcome Home Children's Centre in Cabaret, Haiti; to build Phase II of the orphanage our son Chris helped design. You'll be hearing about this a lot! You can beat the rush and top up your charitable giving for 2020 by going to the link below. ...If you're new here, the short story: A woman from Haiti emigrates to Quebec where she meets and marries a man from Nigeria, and ...they relocate to Georgetown, Ontario. Later on, their church is planning a missions trip to Haiti and they're looking for people to chaperone. (Ever had that moment in church when they're looking for volunteers and everyone turns and stares at YOU?) During the trip, she asks for a few hours to visit her hometown, 2 hours north of Port-au-Prince, and seeing the deteriorated conditions decides to DO something. So 11 years ago, Welcome Home was registered as a charity and began operations. About 6 years ago they acquired their own land and built Phase I, which accommodates 14 boys and girls and provides food, school uniforms, shelter and supervision. But Phase II will greatly increase capacity and thanks to the team our son Chris served on, it's already designed; but Welcome Home is an operates-on-a-shoestring charity which needs a major capital infusion to get the shovels in the ground. ...Link to Canada Helps page to donate: https://www.canadahelps.org//welcome-home-childrens-centr/ See more

Praying for the Impossible is the title of a 2-in-1 collection of books by an author with a most unusual name, Dutch Sheets. You get the complete text of the longtime bestseller Intercessory Prayer as well as Authority in Prayer. This 520-page paperback was already an outstanding deal at $20.99, but we have limited copies today at only $15.99.

DVD Blowout: The Mr. Phil Show - Volume 3 - Reg. 17.99; save 44%; sale 9.99. From the creator of Veggie Tales and What's in The Bible. Phil & friends meet Francis of Assisi and learn about the book of Deuteronomy. In the second episode they meet Fanny Crosby. (These don't have to be watched in order.) A Few Good Men - featuring The Gaither Vocal Band, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Gatlin Brothers - Reg. 24.99; save 40%; sale 14.99. A live-in-concert mix of 14 popular songs; southern gospel favourites and hymns. Closed captioned.

Our masks have finally shipped and should be at the store by 2:00 PM today. $12.99; 2/$24.99 NOT exactly the same as pictured, but includes: Blessed Beyond Belief Faith Hope and Love Be Joyful in Hope, Patient in Affliction, Faithful in Prayer Spread Kindness... With God All Things are Possible Spread Kindness ... and more. See more

"Nobody could say it quite like Tozer." Aiden Wilson Tozer was a prolific author and captivating speaker whose pastorates included Toronto. He's the #1 author in our "Classic" section, outselling C.S. Lewis. This beautifully-bound collection of Tozer soundbites arranged by topic retails for $22.99; 362 pages with an imitation leather cover.

This is an offer that was on our newsletter, appearing here for the first time.

Price Cut: Less than price for a limited time! There are books we keep on hand if needed but being able to provide certain resources is always bittersweet. Such is the case with one of our bestsellers: Keeping Love Alive When Memories Fade by Gary Chapman. The principles of his popular book The Five Love Languages are applied to those with loved ones who are facing Alzheimer's. Reg. $21.99; now $9.99.

When you add all his popular titles together, there's little doubt that radio and television Bible teacher David Jeremiah has emerged as our #1 author over the past year. His new book, Forward releases today.

Closed today. Re-open tomorrow 11:00 - 3:00. All this week take 30% off the lowest marked price of all red-tagged audio books. Listen while you drive, do housework, or work in the garage. Over 100 titles.

We now have three shelves of BOXED CHRISTMAS CARDS on display. Yesterday we added another 16 boxes representing 10 different styles. All under $10. Shop early for best selection. Don't want to wait until Christmas to connect with your southern friends? Send them greetings for U.S. Thanksgiving. 9 boxes left representing 3 different assortments.

The Englewood Review of Books in the U.S. was able to post the preface and introduction of N.T. Wright's new book Broken Signposts, releasing Tuesday. Hardcover, $34.99 list, our everyday price will be $28.99. Click this link, and it will all appear on your phone or tablet. https://englewoodreview.org/n-t-wright-broken-signposts-ex/

If you enjoyed David Jeremiah's bestsellers Shelter in God, Everything You Need, and The Book of Signs; you've got just a few days left to pre-order the international paperback edition of Forward; reg. $23.99, advance orders $19.88. No matter your circumstances, no matter where you are in life, no matter your age, God wants you to move forward!

Today is a newsletter day! Check your email inbox, or click this link. https://mailchi.mp//whats-happening-inside-northumberlands