Stories behind Fair Trade Friday (from Heather)

I love, love, love Fair Trade Friday boxes.  At the beginning of each month, I can't wait to get the box in the mail.  Our girls love opening the box with me and looking through each item.  We love learning more about the women who make each item and being able to pray for each one by name.  What a blessing to be able to teach our girls about using our resources to help others!

I thought you might like to learn more about some of the stories behind these boxes...

Pauline (Kenya)
Pauline was only 15 years old when she became pregnant through force.  When she moved into the Rehema House in Kenya, the maternity home funded by Mercy House, she was desperate and hopeless.  In just a few short years, her life has been transformed by the Gospel.  Her son, Melvin, is thriving.  Recently, Pauline graduated from the residence program and moved back home.  She attends vocational beauty school 5 days a week, while Melvin is in school because of sponsorship.  Every Saturday, she goes into the heart of her slum and teachers more than 20 mothers how to make beautiful products that are then sent back to the USA to be mailed out in Fair Trade Friday boxes.  The women in this community outreach make about $50 a month from the product that will pay for rent and provide food and school fees for children.  What a beautiful example of what God can do!

Maureen (Zambia)
Maureen, who is pictured with her daughter Regina above, works with Clothed with Hope.  She is the brains behind much of the jewelry line.  There is even a necklace name after her daughter, Regina.  Maureen graduated from a life-skills training program in September 2014 after completing a 12-month sewing and business curriculum with her daughter on her back.  Maureen is showing her children that work is good, and no obstacle is big enough to keep her from pursuing her dreams for her family.

I would love to invite you to join me in helping change lives.  There are many more women and many more stories.  You will love learning each story!  With each purchase, these women will know that their lives matter.  You will not only empower them but allow the Gospel to be shared!   As a mom with lots of littles, joining the Fair Trade Friday Club as allowed us to make a difference from our home.  For under $35 a month, I am humbled that God allows our family to play a part in the story of others!  Please consider joining either the Earring of the Month Club or the Fair Trade Friday Box.