Interview

KPRR changed it up a bit this time around.  Usually we feature a Christian musician or music industry professional.  However, this interview is more of a testimony.  We got a chance to interview Aurelio Barreto III, Founder and CEO of C28 Christian stores and "NOTW" Christian clothing.  Not only did we get some insight on his walk with the Lord, we also got some great Christian business tips.  Check it out below.

KPRR: Aurelio, what is C28 / NOTW?  And what does it stands for?

ABIII: C28 is a Christian retail store chain, offering an alternative to the mainstream mall stores. The clothing, music, jewelry and accessories reflect a clean and positive Christian lifestyle. C28 stands for Colossians 2:8, Not Of This World (NOTW), and all about Jesus! NOTW is our clothing line.

KPPR: The Lord has blessed you with things that people of this world go to great lengths to achieve (such as success in business and accumulating financial wealth), but is that what life should be about?

ABIII: I thought I was fortunate in life to achieve the "things of this world" early in my career. The reality was very different, the reality was that money, success, and power could never buy me happiness, peace or purpose in spite of how much money I made.

KPRR: What was the driving force in your life before you were saved?  And did it satisfy your heart?

ABIII: Material Success and Achievements were my motivation, yet achieving these things ultimately lead me to thoughts of despair and suicide. This is common when you pursue and achieve the things of this world. You see this with with young successful people, actors, entertainers and such.

KPRR: When C28 and NOTW was just an idea, were there spiritual battles going on to prevent you from stepping out in faith?

ABIII: Totally, my wife Peggy and I went through a 4 year full bore attack on our marriage, if it were not for Christ, we would of divorced. Another thing was going through a period of years experiencing an overall discouragement.  In spite of the awesome ministry and people coming to Christ, I doubted that we would ever make ends meet and that God was truly behind me. To make things worse, I also lost about $4 million in stocks immediately after I made the decision to start C28.

KPRR: Can a true Christian also be a shrewd business person in this world?  If so, how?

ABIII: Totally, I think God calls us to be good stewards of what God has given you. The bible actually calls us to have the heart of a dove and be shrewd as a snake.

KPRR: I know there are Christian business owners out there that have been definitely called to open a Christian coffee house, bookstore, clothing company, etc.  However, they're struggling to pay the bills every month and wonder if it's all worth it.  What kind of advice can you give to them?

ABIII: Go into business only if you are certain that your God given gifts and talents are truly in business. God is a logical God.

KPRR: C28 has grown from 1 store in 2001 to a total of 6 stores around Southern California.  What do you attribute that to?

ABIII: Faith, in what the Lord has called me and equipped me to do. After 5 years of no yearly salary, $2.4 million investment cost, and no yearly profits, we just had our first profitable year in 2006!!! And we praise God for that, so we can keep growing and sharing the gospel!!!

KPRR: Your C28 website states that 3289 people have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior through C28.  Could you have ever imagined that God would use a retail store to touch so many lives?

ABIII: No way, I remember when it was just 7 people that had accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!!!

KPRR: Is there anything you want to tell people?

ABIII: After 8 years of walking with the Lord I know Him to be an extremely merciful God, full of grace. A God that pleasures when we obey Him. The awareness of the grace I have today is 100 times greater than when I initially came to Christ.

KPRR: Aurelio, thank you so much for this interview.  It has definitely opened up my eyes to what God can do with just one person.  All we have to do is listen and obey.  All of us at KPRR - Praise Report Radio pray that the Lord continues to bless you, your family, and all that you put your hand to.  You are definitely "not of this world, and all about Jesus".

If you want to learn more about C28 or NOTW, you can visit any of their 6 Southern California retail stores or go to their website (www.c28.com or www.notw.com).