Restaurant serves Christian message with its meals

PRESTONSBURG, KY (KTRK) -- "God loves you." That is the message one Kentucky restaurant owner wants to share with all of his customers. BJ Blackburn, co-owner of Giovanni's in Prestonsburg, is sharing that message by putting Bible verses on receipts and playing Christian music inside of his restaurant.

Blackburn said, "We live in a coal-mining community and so many people here are worried about how they're going to pay for their next electric bill. This is a way to give them some hope."

Blackburn, who is also the pastor of Elevate Church, said he changes the messages on the receipts every week. One week customers might see Philippians 4:13, which reads, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

However, the messages are not just limited to scripture. They also include faith statements such as, "God is not mad at you, he's mad about you."

He also uses Giovanni's to send a message to his community in another way.

He explained, "If someone comes in and they can't afford to pay, we find a way to make it work and make sure they still have a meal."

Blackburn said customers have responded positive to the messages and music.

"We're not pushing religion on anyone," Blackburn said. "I have customers who are not Christian and they still tell me, 'we're proud of you for taking a stand.' It's really about giving people hope."

Regardless of the multitude of opinions, in Blackburn's eyes, God blessed his business and he's using it be a blessing to others who need hope.