Mark Davis served as the last manager of the Family Christian store previously located in the Holiday Village Mall. Family Christian encompassed 250 stores across the nation, however, the owner determined that the stores were not sufficiently profitable, resulting in the closure of all locations.
“In the very last few weeks that we were in the process of closing that store, the Lord put it on my heart that we needed to go ahead and still have a tangible resource here in Great Falls for Christian supplies, church supplies, things of that nature,” explained Mark. “He only gave me 4 pieces of information. One that I would do it, two I would pay, three I would work there and four I’d never take a penny. My wife and I prayed about it and we took part of our retirement funds and bought the fixture and the first assortment of merchandise that went into the store. I got together with my attorney, and we opened it as a 501C3 non-profit. With 100% of any profit coming out of the store, going back to the Christian community and central local Montana.”
In approximately 2018, following the closure of that store, Mark initiated the process of establishing a new venture. For three years, they concentrated on identifying suitable locations and determining the most effective method of operation. Ultimately, they opened a temporary location in the mall, but this arrangement lasted for only three months. Subsequently, Greater Faith Church, located on the southwest side of Great Falls, graciously permitted them the opportunity to utilize a small section of their meeting house for the store. They operated there for approximately three years before relocating to a more spacious site within the Holiday Village Mall at 1200 10th Ave. S., Suite 30F, located at the base of the escalator near Scheels.
The store not only provides a variety of Christian merchandise but also features a designated reading and Bible study room. This area has been designed to accommodate individuals or groups wishing to conduct Bible studies, read, or engage in quiet reflection in a welcoming environment.
The Foot of the Cross Christian store is staffed entirely by volunteers, and at the conclusion of each fiscal year, 100% of the store’s profits are allocated back to the Christian community by the Board of Directors. The store offers a diverse assortment of items, including Bibles, Bible covers, and related study materials, in addition to a comprehensive selection of housewares, literature of various genres, T-shirts, jewelry, and a dedicated children’s section featuring Christian toys and books.
“When anybody comes into the store and asks who’s the manager or who the boss is, my answer has always been God, because that’s the reality of it,” explained Mark. “We’re working in His service, we are a ministry. All the rest of us are volunteers just doing what He would have us to do.”
Foot of the Cross Christian store continually seeks additional volunteers. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the store and complete a volunteer application.
For more information on Foot of the Cross Christian store please call them at (406) 770-0511 and let them know you found them in The Great Falls Gazette.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
