A Psalmist, Teacher, Mother, and Mentor to many around the community and throughout New Jersey, founded The Bookhouse as an imaginary place in 1986. Mrs. Johnson began bringing the Bookhouse to life one Saturday at a time by introducing storytelling, songs, puppetry and various children activities, nurturing no more than 6 children each time.
As time passed, her love and dedication grew even stronger. The need to make The Bookhouse become more structured, visible and realistic was a bridge that needed to be crossed. In 1987, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson crossed that bridge together. Their house was bought and then dedicated to the children. Pastor David T. DeMola founder of Faith Fellowship World Outreach Center permitted Eleven Teachers from Cornerstone Christion Academy to come, bless, and dedicate the house. From that point on the Bookhouse blossomed and so did Mrs. Johnson. Through the years to follow she expanded her love for God becoming an ordained Minister and Evangelist, all while still giving her life and love to the Bookhouse children. In being so diligent and pursuing The Bookhouse, The Vision became clear. We were to become a state registered provider and in 1990 this came to fruition. Providing quality childcare to the immediate community and surrounding areas. The original logo has never changed. Faithfully standing on the Word then and still standing on the Word today.
Throughout this journey Mrs. Johnson, found herself teaching in Plainfield Public schools, as well as Private schools in the vicinity: New Life Christian School, Netherwood Reformed Daycare Center, Plainfield Assembly of God(PAG), and Cornerstone Christian Academy formerly in Piscataway, NJ. In every school I was a model Teacher often asked to instruct educators how to manage class environments. I often was hired to discipline the hardest children who would thrive, read, and excel. My gift to tell stories and to draw the best out of children became my reputation amongst the educators and principals of both local and as far away as England. This experience led Barbara to become an Author, writing a “How To” handbook about childcare. Mrs. Barbara Williams Johnson, Owner has been teaching the A Beka Book Curriculum that stands as the world’s largest provider of Christian text books used by over 1 million students worldwide. She has a reputation of more than 25 years as a leader in Christian School Education. Mrs. Johnson remains dedicated to scholars, educators, and children. Her talents and gifts are sound and well-grounded in the practical aspect of classroom teaching. Mrs. Johnson known as Teacher is presently the Director of Education in Zion Tabernacle of Praise of Piscataway, NJ. Ordained in the Ministry she continues to teach leaders as well as Children validating the success of many many students over decades of time. As of October 2014, proudly The Bookhouse has grown and become licensed through the State and now is considered a day care center allotted 29 children. What a blessing!
As I look back over my life I can truly say that I’ve been blessed and more than anything my gift has made rooms for me. Simply take a look around, this is my testimony.