Alabaster Box celebrates 30 years

EPHRATA — Thirty years ago the Alabaster Box opened as an outreach of Ephrata Foursquare Church. ?Located at 229 First Ave. S.W., the non-profit business is still going strong. The business celebrated its anniversary this month with a gathering of past and present volunteers. ?“The past 30 years have been by the grace of God and that’s where the future lies — In His hands,” said Co-Manager Colleen Long. ?The idea for Alabaster Box was started by the church’s then-pastor, Marc Shaw, who spoke at the anniversary celebration. ?Volunteer Sharon Moody started volunteering at Alabaster Box in 1998. ?“Mainly, it’s a ministry and it’s uplifting to me,” Moody said. “It’s a blessing. It’s just the grace and the love that’s in our store amongst our workers and our customers.”?Long said the store is completely run by volunteers. She started volunteering at the business 29 years ago. Co-Manager Verna Jacobson is a 28-year volunteer. ?“I was interested in the store, and enjoyed it and was glad it was here,” Long said. ?She said she enjoys sharing the store’s products, which can uplift people who are having a bad day. ?Proceeds from sales contribute to rent and to Wycliffe, an organization responsible for translating the Bible into other languages. Alabaster Box supports translators Roman and Jan Stefaniw, who are in Thailand. ?The store sells Christian-centered items including bibles, books, gifts, jewelry and T-shirts. ?“Right now, we’re the only store in Grant County of this kind,” Long said.?The store’s most popular items are Bibles and cards. Bibles can be custom engraved by Long’s husband, Don, or by Dennis Hamilton. ?For more information, call 509-754-2295.