06:33 PM CDT on Friday, June 16, 2006

By Mike Zientek / 11 News

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According to analysts, one of the fastest-growing business sectors in the country is Christian merchandise.

KHOU-TV

The store is part of a billion-dollar industry.

The trend is making itself known in Houston.

A west Houston store is called Theodore’s, a name which means “gift from God,” and the owners said that’s exactly what they sell.

“Something that will uplift them, make them closer to God,” owner Lucy Tanner said.  Tanner has been in the Christian merchandising business for seven years.  If it’s for the adults or the little ones, she’s got it..

Her store may be small, but it’s part of a huge billion-dollar industry.

Tanner said the growth is fueled by an unsatisfying secular world.

“Everything is buy stuff, and own stuff and it’s all about me and what can I do,” Tanner said. “And I think people are hungering for God.”

Some customers said for friends who don’t go to church, the gifts bring the church to them.

“If they get the card and there’s a verse in there, that might spark their interest,” customer Mary Pozzi said.

While Bibles and books still form the foundation of the modern Christian bookstore, one location is bringing in customers with modern marketing.

Richard Gillespie has a display in his business just like ones found in music stores.

The difference is his artists are all Christian who he said are building a faith between parents and kids.

“They want their kids to have a positive music experience,” Gillespie said. “They can get the same beat, the same type of music, but the words are more positive.”

Tanner said she’s not getting rich but can’t think of a better way to spend retirement, one she said is divinely inspired.