A few years ago, I went to a conference and had my first taste of fair trade shopping. I had honestly never before thought of where the things that I buy come from. But, suddenly I realized that I can actually help people who live in poverty just by buying the beautiful goods that they make. Fair trade companies pay artisans a fair wage for the products that they produce, allowing workers who would otherwise be lacking many of the basics that I take for granted to educate, clothe, and feed their children.
Jesus’ Economy is a non-profit dedicated to creating jobs and churches in the developing world, as well as meeting basic needs. As part of their effort to alleviate poverty, they provide an online fair trade shop featuring handmade products from artisans around the world. Jesus’ Economy is a unique ministry: They send every last dollar exactly where you designate. For example, if you give $100 to church planting in India, the full $100 will be spent in India on church planting. They raise their U.S. costs separately. They are also bringing the gospel to unreached people groups, working in Northeast India where over 100 million people have never heard the name of Jesus. Check out their fair trade shop and their Renew Bihar project.
The truly amazing thing is that Jesus’ Economy is made up entirely of volunteers, many of whom are missionaries themselves. They’re doing everything from bringing clean water to the poor, to empowering women to lift their families out of poverty, to bringing Jesus to those who have never heard His name.
I love the fact that we can buy from organizations like Jesus’ Economy and help spread the good news around the world and help rescue families from desperate situations. Christmas is coming up. What if you grabbed a few goodies from their fair trade shop as Christmas gifts? I have my eye on the Sheep Leather Tote Bag!
Jesus’ Economy is offering my readers a great giveaway! Everyone who signs up for the Jesus’ Economy newsletter will automatically be entered to win this adorable diaper and wet bag from Malawi! All you have to do is enter your email address in the form below.
Melissa, thank you for the referral to the Jesus Economy. I’ve subscribed and will participate. In fact, I’m going to refer this to my church’s Director of Missions.