Book Culture in Sabah

I am amazed how little value is given to books even among Christians who are known to be people of the Book (the Bible). With the invention of smartphones and other techs, I think bible reading has actually gone down, with nowadays people don't even bring a printed Bible to church. Well and good if they consistently read their online Bibles. So over the past 7 years since I started writing in earnest, I get all kinds of responses when people know that I am writing or selling books. Some have a pitiful look on their faces and said, "pastor, people don't read books". "Our members don't like to read".

But just two weeks ago in Kota Belud, I sold almost 30 books. In the beginning one church leader when he saw me bringing 30 books, he only took out 7 or 8 and the rest he put back into the box thinking perhaps only a few would buy my books. I sold out everything except Anak Panah which I brought 10, and sold 7. Even my three copies of Departure Points were sold out and about 20 of the buyers asked me to sign autographs on their books. Perhaps it was a way of the Lord to encourage me that day. 

Then, a few people also think I am selling my books on too high a price. In fact, for more than 6 years I kept a constant rate at RM40.00 a copy, and I even announced in church that I could not hold to that price in my forthcoming book, a second volume of commentary on John 13-21. The chairman even spoke to me after my sermon and commented on that and said, "true pst, every thing (price) has gone up", so book price will also go up, but I hope my published books will remain at RM40.00 a copy. 

Now I have less about 36 hours to decide whether to send my completed manuscript to my printers on Monday or Tuesday. It's already been delayed for two weeks as I took more time to make the corrections my proofreader recommended and it is all well and good.