Many years ago, on a rainy November morning, surrounded by the paraphernalia of working life, Debbie Blair accepted Christ as her Saviour. From that moment, the young mother of two has spent her life proving that faith really does work. We got the chance to talk to the owner of Faithworks.

Why did you decide to open a Christian book and coffee shop in Glengormley?
I chose to open the bookshop/coffee shop because of my love of christian books and literature. It was always my dream to open something like that from when I was saved 10 years ago. However, that's all it was - a dream! Over the last couple of years the desire to do this got stronger and stronger and I truly believe God puts desires like this on our hearts. At the beginning of last year I started looking into the possibility of doing this and as I did every door just opened so very wide for me! Within months the dream became a reality.

Faithworks is an interesting name, why did you choose it?
We discussed the possibility of a few names with my family. My sister came up with this name and as soon as she said it we all knew this was it. Faith really does work. It is also based on the scripture.... faith without works is dead... James 2:17

What have you most enjoyed about running this shop?
The thing that I most enjoy about the shop is talking! I love to talk and meet new people. This has certainly given me an opportunity to do this. People come in for a coffee and end up staying for ages as conversations develop.

What has been the biggest challenge that you have faced with the business so far?
The biggest challenge so far has been financing the shop. As we knew from the beginning this was never going to be a 'money making' venture, it is a ministry. It has proven to be a real challenge for my husband and I to fund this ourselves.

What is the "bestseller" in your shop?
There have been a couple of best sellers in the shop over the last few months. Christian fiction always goes down well, in particular Francine Rivers - Redeeming Love. However, Brother Yun - Heavenly Man has been the best seller over all.

Which book would you most recommend?
My favourite at the moment is Frida Gashumbas book - Frida. This is the story of a young girl who miraculously escaped from the Rwandan genocide. Her experience of the genocide was horrific as she watched her family being slaughtered and was then left for dead in a mass grave. However, she then goes on to tell of her story of love and forgiveness for her family's murderers. Brilliant!!!!

Finally what is your recommendation from the coffee shop menu?
Recommendation from the menu - stew!!!! Our stew (served with fresh wheaten bread) is now 'famous' in Glengormley. Come early though, it's usually all gone by 12.45pm!!!!!