Not a Style, It's a "Way of Life"

---A Grand Opening

Friday, November 11, marked the grand opening of a new business in Tujunga, the Way of Life Christian Store, conveniently located on Commerce Ave right next to Zena's Beauty Salon. The small but beautifully appointed store is a first-time venture for owners, Arthur and Marianna Saribekyan, whose excited faces beamed as the door opened and their first customers began arriving.

Owning a Christian Store has been a longtime dream for Marianna. Late in her teens she worked for the Lighthouse Christian Bookstore in Glendale and loved every minute of it. She, as well as many of their customers, were dismayed when the company lost its lease and had to close its doors.

Soon after, at one of the evangelical services led by her father (a Four Square minister at the time), she met Arthur Saribekyan, a man who promised to "make her dream come true" when they were married. Three years later they tied the knot and set about making a home. Arthur worked in an Internet business, and Marianna stayed at home, first with their daughter Christine and then with baby Sarah.

Finally it happened. Eleven years TO THE DAY that Arthur and Marianna met (11-11-00), her dream came true (on 11-11-11), and the Way of Life Christian Store became a reality.

"We sacrificed a lot, invested a lot of time and effort and money into starting the store," admits Marianna, "but He's worth so much more. We think of this as our ministry. We are here to serve the whole community... to share Christ's love."

Rich wood bookcases give a feel of permanence to the store. They display neat rows of Bibles and books (parenting, biography, Christian business and politics, study and devotionals) as well as music CDs and movie DVDs. A few shelves hold foreign language books, including Spanish, Armenian, Russian, and Korean. A large print Bible especially for Grandmothers caught my eye.

There are also small sections of gifts, clothing, toys, decorations, greeting cards, and jewelry. "We'll be getting more books and Christmas things," said Marianne, handing small welcome gifts to the customers.

While her mom and dad helped other people, six-year-old Christine Saribekyan shyly pointed two elementary teachers to the children's book section.

When I commented on how amazingly reasonable everything was priced, Marianna answered, "This is not just a business to us. We want people to have Bibles, and some can't afford a lot with today's economy. It's not all about profit for us. We want to benefit the community."

Hopefully the community will respond to this open-hearted attitude and support the new business.

Marianna's new dream is to one day open more locations. But for now, Way of Life Christian Store is a single "lighthouse" in Tujunga. It's a place so friendly and welcoming, you won't want to leave.

Store hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-3pm.

10021 Commerce Ave, Tujunga, CA 91042

Phone: (818) 353-0408.

Toll free: (877) 60-FAITH

Website: www.WayofLifeChristian.com