Faith Over Fear
How a grocery clerk is using price tags to share God’s love in Vancouver
By Cindy Melnichuk, Partner Relations Representative
Carmen Louie is a COVID-19 frontline worker, serving as a cashier at Donald’s Market in East Vancouver, British Columbia. Like many grocery stores, safety measures have been put in place, and it’s changed the way she works. She protects herself by wearing a mask and gloves. And social distancing measures have moved long customer lines outside the store entrance.
Carmen’s passion for customer care led her to write down and memorize the names of an astonishing 10,000 people! Carmen’s goal is to recognize each customer to help them feel special through a personal interaction.
During the pandemic, Carmen has found a unique way of combining her gift of remembering names with her love for God and applying them to the prices on people’s food.
For example, a customer named Mary pays for her grapes, and the amount comes to $8.28, Carmen says, “That’s Romans 8:28! ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.’ That’s you, Mary! All things work together for MARY, who is called according to His purpose!”
Carmen’s favourite Bible verse to share is John 3:16, where she tells people how much God loves them. Many customers are encouraged by her joy. The store manager is supportive of Carmen as people leave with a lighter countenance and smiles on their faces. Some customers have blessed Carmen by returning with a scripture verse to encourage her.
Carmen’s favourite Bible verse to share is John 3:16, where she tells people how much God loves them. Many customers are encouraged by her joy. The store manager is supportive of Carmen as people leave with a lighter countenance and smiles on their faces. Some customers have blessed Carmen by returning with a scripture verse to encourage her.
Carmen’s love for God’s Word brings calm to the worried faces she sees each day. She counts it a privilege to share faith over fear. Well done, Carmen!
God is calling His children to come together and be His disciples. Let’s never lose sight that there are many lost sheep still to be brought into the fold. We each have an opportunity, just like Carmen, to share His amazing truth with all who will listen.
Carmen’s inspiring interview with Lorna Dueck can be viewed at ContextBeyondtheHeadlines.com