On All Souls Day, November 2, 1992, Divine Treasures opened its doors at 4950 Franklin Ave. Lois Brookhart sensed she was called by God to begin a Catholic book and gift ministry to evangelize Catholics by providing Catholic books, sacramentals, and other devotionals that could aid Catholics in their walk with Christ, and in hearing His voice, the holy Catholic Church. Lois shared this inspiration with her friend and co-worker, Sue Greenwood at a large insurance company. Sue became enthused about the hope of the ministry and decided she'd like to be a partner in the business ministry.

The two women shared their hopes with their non-Catholic husbands, Jim Brookhart and Randy Greenwood. Both men were supportive of the idea. Jim, age 63 at the time, decided to retire from his 18 year career as a car and truck salesman, to operate and manage the business ministry while Lois and Sue continued their full-time jobs at the insurance company. Randy, an officer in the Air National Guard, suggested the name for the ministry, "Divine Treasures".

Sue resigned from the insurance company about a year after the store opened to begin raising her growing family. However, Lois remained full-time. In April 1999, Lois finally resigned to spend more time at Divine Treasures. Sue, Jim, and Lois had specific duties and roles. Sue and Lois ordered and purchased the books and gifts and helped manage operations on a part-time basis during the busy seasons, while Jim managed and operated the store full-time. Lois managed all of the bookkeeping. Because of growth, Divine Treasures has had to change its location twice. In July 2000, it was relocated to 5625 Hickman Road. Five years later, it became necessary to relocate again. Now Divine Treasures is located about 60 feet west of its old 5625 location. The new location is on the east end of the Ace Hardware strip mall. It is a larger, more beautiful space. January 29th, Jim Brookhart, was born into eternal life. Now Lois and Sue operate Divine Treasures on a full-time basis, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, 3 wonderful part-time employees- Bob Kodis, Pat McIlhon, and Patricia Wadle and lots of loving volunteers.

Meet Sue Greenwood and Lois Brookhart
Sue Greenwood, wife and mother of three children. Born, raised, and educated in Des Moines, a "cradle" Catholic, is a member of St. Mary of Nazareth, where she has served on the Pastoral Committee, and is currently serving on the Holy Trinity Board of Education, where her children attend school. Sue has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration at Grandview College.

Lois Brookhart, widow, mother and grandmother of 16. Born, raised, and educated in Des Moines. A convert to the faith, Lois was Director of Religious Education at All Saints Parish Des Moines for two years in the late 80's, served on the Steering Committee for the Mid-Iowa Marian Society that sponsored the 1992 Marian Conference at Vet's Auditorium. In 1992, she joined the Basilica of St John, where she has served on the Finance Committee, the Grant Committee, and is currently serving on the Basilica Foundation Committee. She has an undergraduate degree in Sociology, and 4 years of graduate work in Sociology.