One day last spring, I wanted to get a journal for a friend who was going through a rough time. Wanting to shop local, I decided to stop in the new bookstore I’d noticed located on State Road 5, south of Shipshewana. I walked in and saw a spiral-bound journal with a camper on the front at a reasonable price – just the perfect gift to give my friend who was going on a camping trip out West where she could clear her thoughts.

I was in the Glow Bookstore.

After spending just a few minutes looking around, I was blessed by being there. As a therapist and person in ministry, the resources I saw on the shelves weren’t just the most popular titles at the Walmart checkout, they were powerful books by reputable writers and Christian teachers and included titles I recommend to parents, clients, and people who ask for recommendations.

“This is a place of ministry,” I thought. “I’m glad they’re here.”

Denise with author Wanda Brunstetter.

When I found out the owner was Denise Henke, I knew why the place had a feeling of ministry instead of business. Though I’d never met Denise personally, I knew of her family and her husband’s ministry at a local church. It’s a powerful church whose ministry impacts our community.

That’s why I’m excited to partner with Denise and The Glow Bookstore for the upcoming book signing and release of “Chicken Soup For The Soul: Reboot Your Life,” in which my story is published. I want my community to come inside this new treasure in our community!  Will you join us Friday, September 26 & 27th? Their grand opening will be that day complete with give-aways, gift bags and free balloons for kids. I’ll be there for the book signing from 2-6 on Friday, Sept. 16 and 1-5 on Saturday, Sept. 27.

I asked Denise questions about her passion for Christian ministry through books and media resources. Read and share!

Tell me your vision for the “Glow” bookstore.

My vision it to have a place where people can come and experience more than just a store – sit in a chair, drink some coffee, relax and be encouraged in a homey atmosphere. I want to have the store filled with products that will equip the body of Christ in their relationship with Him and their ministry to others and to partner with local churches.

Denise and husband Pastor Gordy Henke

What is the significance of the name “Glow” for the bookstore? 

The name “Glow” was chosen by my family and I.

As Christians we are called to be the light of Christ.

Matthew 5:14 (nkjv) says: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill

cannot be hidden.”

Romans 12:11 (amp) says: “Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.

What products do you carry in the bookstore?

Our shelves are filled with inspirational books, novels, and children’s books, devotionals, Bibles, CDs, DVDs, gift items, party supplies, balloons, greeting cards and much more with most items priced below retail. If we don’t stock what you are looking for we can order it for you.

How do you hope to minister to people through books, Christian products, and gifts?

Our community is unique in the fact that it is very churched and yet filled with people who are still searching for something. For that reason I am intentional about choosing inventory that is relevant to the area we live in and the different situations people may face. 

No matter who walks in the door, whether they’re looking for party supplies or their first Bible my heart is always to spread joy and make them feel encouraged.

Is there anything else you’d like for people to know about the ministry of Glow Bookstore, or about yourself or your family?

For 13 years I worked part-time for another bookstore and learned much about the book business through them. As of February 1^st 2014, I became owner of Glow. I am a pastor’s wife, mother of 3 and grandmother (total of 6 grandchildren as of April 2015) so life is busy without owning a business. So why open Glow except that God called me to it. In a day when books are being replaced by Kindles, etc…and everything we want is available online, I believe there is still a place for a store that cares about their customers and their needs.

We live in Middlebury but I have worked in Shipshewana most of my life. Love the town and enjoy meeting the locals and tourists. I have a great team at Glow. Thanks to Joyce Miller, Ruby Barker, and Erika Carpenter for embracing the vision and being great employees and to my husband Gordon for blessing me through it all!