Our Story

Way back in 1999 we heard God say to us, “You are called.”  That’s all and nothing more.  In our limited experience at the time we thought only pastors and missionaries were “called”.  To say we were scared by this proclamation would be an understatement.   We waited.  Years went by with no further direction.  Then in 2003, in a prayer meeting, a prophetic word was spoken over us. “You are called to go above and beyond and the kingdom of God will go forward through you.” By this time, we understood more about the call of God and that it was not just pastors and missionaries who were “called”.  We knew from this word, because it confirmed a direction that we were exploring and praying about, that it was a business that we were called to. But we were still not sure what kind of business.  In the spring of 2005, it was clear we were to give up our current positions and wait for God to show us His plan.  God provided the means for this to happen and we obeyed.  Then in the summer of 2006, the vision for North Star Books was birthed in our hearts.  We began to move forward that fall and in July of 2008 we opened our doors for business.  Since then, it has become more and more evident to us how God has prepared us for this task and how He has gifted us for this purpose.  We count ourselves privileged to be a part of what God wants to do in this valley.  Though the task is great, and some days seemingly impossible in the eyes of man, we know that “He who called us is faithful who also will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:24

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of his knowledge in every place.” II Corinthians 2:14 

What’s in a name?

Many people ask us about the name of our store and it’s significance.  When we were at a crossroads, looking for what God had for us to do with the next part of our lives, some friends were praying for us. God showed them during their prayer time that He was putting our “North Star” in the sky and that we would know the direction we were to go in order to get to the destination He had for us.  When it became more and more clear that a Christian bookstore was what we were to do, we knew that “North Star” would be an integral part of that.

As we began to research the North Star, we discovered that it is the only star that does not change locations in the night sky.  When all the other stars are moving, it remains constant.  God too, does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). When everything else in our lives is changing, God is constant, faithful, reliable, unchanging, and sure.   Because of it’s constancy, the North Star has been used for centuries as a navigational reference.  As long as a traveller could see the North Star, he would not be lost. He could find his way from point A to point B or simply find his way back home. Likewise, when we keep our eyes on Jesus, we too have a point of reference.  (Proverbs 3:6)  We will know where we are and where we need to go to get to our destination.  (Psalm 119:105)  And if we are lost, we can look to Him, and He will show us the way back home.

It is our desire that the product, people, and atmosphere in our store will direct your eyes to God, who will give you “Direction in a Changing World”.

Our Store

We are an independent Christian Bookstore, locally owned and operated by Rick and Donelda Lea of Nampa. The vision of North Star Books has always been for more than a bookstore.  For us, it is more of a ministry than a business.  And for you, it is as much about the experience as the product.  It is our desire to bless you by providing an atmosphere of elegance and comfort where you can come apart and rest a while.  We strive for excellence in everything we do, even down to the coffee.  Our goal is to serve an exceptional cup of coffee with the finest ingredients and all the care that goes into providing an excellent coffee experience.  Words we do business by:  See the person, not the customer.  Search for the “one” that needs a special touch and be the hand of God to them.  Don’t be afraid to pray for people.  Be the voice of faith and hope.  Go above and beyond.  Be a servant to all.  Pray without ceasing. We are blessed to be a blessing.

Come visit us and “Experience the Difference” of North Star Books.

How to Find Us

We are located just two blocks south of I-84, exit 38, at Garrity Boulevard and Stamm Lane.  Turn between Subway and Squeaky Clean Car Wash and you will be pointed right at us.