December 30, 2020 - We have been asked a few times why are we doing Marketplace Manna and the stores? Here is a brief reply:
Marketplace Manna has it’s Around the World Shops.” Currently, 2 locations – one in Jackson, Michigan, and our newest one near Lansing, Michigan additionally we have our online shop and our display table when we travel to churches and conferences.
The sales are by far the most visible program, but we are much more than a shop peddling trinkets from different countries. Our mission is to help the poor, disenfranchised, persecuted, disabled, and unemployed around the world. We are a holistic ministry doing so much more.
We hold REED Workshops and want to work with churches or groups that also have a desire to help folks in need. REED stands for Repurposing items, Economically Helpful, Environmentally friendly, Developing skills. These are held in partnership with groups that serve the least among us. We take items that are being discarded and creating a new useful product by teaching those in need to make something out of it. We pay them a fair wage and then put what they make into our inventory to sell – while we share the story.
We Profit Share with churches, schools, and other groups who want to help us with our mission. Done through fundraisers, table display sales, and our gift card program. We know that the more we can sell the more we can impact those in need. We also want to encourage local groups to reach out and help the folks in need in your backyard as well. We also know funds are often tight so if we can help each other everyone benefits.
We offer Seminars and Training Opportunities to groups who want to know more about what we do and who we serve. Sharing stories and making folks aware of what impact their spending has is the first step in making real change in the world. We are currently developing programs for kids that we hope will include short coloring books and maybe some animated videos.
Livelihood Groups are ways we also make investments in folks who are wanting and willing to work but need a jump start with startup funds to get a product developed and into production. We see this as a hand up instead of just a handout.
We Partner with more than 20 groups serving people in more than 30 countries and growing regularly. The reason we partner with like-minded groups is the more of the products they sell the more the folks they serve will make. We give them a broader exposer. Volume is what will help the poor, disenfranchise, persecuted, disabled and unemployed support their families. We are always looking for groups to partner with to add variety or items to our shops but also help more folks care for their families.
When you help us by shopping or giving to our development fund you help us help people care for their families.
Pray for…
Our return to Bulgaria plans – our early January flight was canceled and we are now rescheduled for late January (as we are still waiting to see what happens with COVID after the new year).
Our store in Jackson – we are wanting and needing to relocate it as the Mall we are in is not doing well. We have a place in mind but are running into some road blocks – please pray for God to lead and work out the details.
The restart of the livelihood Groups when we return – Depending on wher COVID is at will determine how and what we can restart.
If you are able we are looking for Development funds as we start the new year and some new ideas. - to give go here - https://marketplace-mannas-around-the-world-shop.square.site/#xZAoyk
