HORACE LANGFORD JR. / PVT - Cup of Faith Books & Gifts co-owner Desiree Collins opened her store at 2250 E. Postal Road. The store carries more than just Bibles and gift items, it serves as a ministry for the public.

By CHARLENE DEAN
PVT
At any given time during business hours, several patrons of Cup of Faith Christian Books & Gifts congregate in the rear of the store, drinking coffee and talking about how God is working in and through their lives.
The store, located at 2250 E. Postal Road, opened last year and continues to draw new customers.
It is a peaceful place, says co-owner Desiree Collins, where people come not only to shop, but to work through problems. “It’s a ministry in a store,” she said.
Richard Fenton, a regular visitor who ministers to the homeless, was one of the people chatting one recent day. He said he stops by the store for at least an hour every day.
“There have been other Christian bookstores in Pahrump, but this is the only one where walking in the door you can feel the spirit of God,” he said. “It feels like home.”
The shelves are lined with books sorted into categories. It, of course, sells Bibles and Bible accessories like markers, tabs and covers. The store carries an electronic Bible in a software package for your computer and there are audio Bibles. They have a limited selection of Bibles in Spanish as well.
There is a selection of greeting cards which sell for either 99 cents or $1.99, “no matter what the price is on the back,” said Collins.
There are cookbooks, self-help books and inspirational books, among others.
Cup of Faith stocks leather wallets for men and purses for women.
Wall art, a case of jewelry, angels from lapel pins and miniatures to garden statues, plaques, music and church supplies can all be found in the store. Collins said, “if you don’t see what you are looking for, we can order it for you.”
Collins is involved in other projects, too, such as the Fifth Sunday Sing, where several participating churches and gospel music groups come together for an evening of fellowship and music. The next Fifth Sunday Sing will be at 6 p.m. on Jan. 30 at Heritage Bible Church. Collins has printed T-shirts promoting the event.
Another project bringing people together for fellowship and a good cause is the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Collins said the women gather to knit or crochet shawls, baby blankets, scarves and other items to donate to the needy. They also craft items for special occasions — weddings, anniversaries and the like.
Collins said she is trying to start a book club and will hold an organizational meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 10. She plans for the club to meet each Thursday evening at that time.
Other special events include local book signings, live music, and on Feb. 5, Jacqueline Jones, a Las Vegas artist, will be painting “prophetic art” in the store. She will also bring paintings for sale.
Cup of Faith Books & Gifts is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Call 751-0407 for more information.