By Doug Sprunt

From its inception, in 1981, Salem Storehouse had two mandates. One was to be a place where God’s peace dwelt. The other was to provide Christian products to the greater Ottawa area. Salem accomplished both of these purposes throughout the 33 years it served God and His people in Ottawa.

So, when we closed the doors on February 14, 2015, it was fitting that God’s peace was felt and His people were blessed, one last time. Hundreds of faithful customers joined us to corporately celebrate, giving thanks to the Lord for all He has done since the day our doors opened.

Matt Redman wrote, “You give and take away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” Linda and I thank Him for each of Salem’s 33 years and for the many lives that intersected with ours on that journey.

Looking back on the year since Salem’s closing, I can honestly say it has been one of the sweetest seasons of our lives. There’s no way to explain it except that the peace we have is beyond understanding. God continues to provide in remarkable ways as we continue to seek Him as to how we can be used to further His kingdom.

In April of 2014, I began working for One Way Ministries as the leader of Link Ottawa. I have the privilege of meeting with pastors and ministry leaders, on a daily basis, to encourage and pray for them. I also have the joy of helping organize the Band of Brothers retreats, Solely Business, and Tres Dias Weekends.

Salem’s closing left a huge need in the Ottawa area. Where were people to purchase Christian products, other than online?

Apparently God saw this need, too, because in November a “pop-up” store called Inspirational Value Centre (IVC) opened in the old Salem Storehouse location. The owners of this endeavor are truly entrepreneurs. They also own Foundation Distributing Inc., the second largest supplier of Christian products in Canada. They saw the need in Ottawa and answered God’s call to fill the gap.

Because of the past relationship between Salem and Foundation Distributing Inc., they asked me to help oversee the discount store. Reconnecting with customers and working with this God-honoring company is great.

Originally, the IVC pop-up store was supposed to be open from November through to the end of January, but with the overwhelming success the owners decided to rethink that plan. They now plan to stay open until at least the end of March.

IVC sells a wide variety of Christian products. There’s everything from pencils to wall art and greeting cards, from Bibles and books to CDs and DVDs. If you’re one of the many people who prefer shopping in person rather than online you really need to check out this great new store.

When we closed the doors of Salem Storehouse, we walked into an unknown future. It could have been a very difficult experience, but instead, it has been an experience of seeing God’s presence and provision. In these uncertain times, we, as believers, can face the future with confidence, knowing God is still in control.

Psalm 143:8 says, “Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I trust in You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You.” May this be the prayer of all of our hearts as we follow God through every uncertain road ahead: that the Lord shows each of us “where to walk.”

Doug Sprunt and his wife Linda are the founders of Salem Storehouse. They have lived in the Ottawa area for more than 35 years. Doug has served in various capacities with numerous local churches and non-profit ministries.