November 20, 2018 - That is a great question. And hear are some reasons (not in any order of importance but reasons)
1 The need is great. Many people around the world struggle daily to care for their families - they are hard working folks, but do not have the opportunity to work. We provide on outlet for items that they make to support their families
2 To help educate and remind folks that how and where they spend their money matters and makes a difference. Marketplace Manna was established a few years back because of a dream and desire to find resources in the Marketplace is (where we spend our money) to help with ministries. We are not asking folks to buy something to help out once in a while but rather to look for fair trade opportunities all the time. That way their spending helps the kingdom all the time.
3 If we don’t bring the product to where people shop it can not be sold - when we were thinking about this endeavor we did not know what it would or could become but God has lead and it is more than I imagined it to be but not more than what God wanted. We have partnered with 9 other groups who help folks in almost 30 countries on 5 continents.
4 If we don’t have anything you think you can use or give - that is fine - get what you need but at least check out what we have to offer and if you have ideas make suggestions we can let our partners know and maybe it will show up in future store sales.
Some have asked how long will you have the store? Another good question- right now we are planning on it being here into January. We would love to see it stay around all the time - but that will depend on sales and the support we get from the Mid-Michigan community. We can only afford to do what we do if we have the sales to warrant having a store. Yes, we have an on line store but there is something about seeing and touching what we sell that makes it special.
Let me also say that we are more than a store Marketplace Manna is also a producer of product and intends to continue. We held our first workshop with refugee families in Michigan this past weekend where we paid the folks a fair wage to create some christmas decoration that are now for sale in the store. It was a small start but part of the dream to help impact families in need where ever they are.
Out tag for the store - Helping people around the world care for their families- is not just words but a commitment to how and why we exist.
Thanks for your prayer as we move forward with this project. If you can stop by the store - please do so - If you are able we still are looking for volunteers to help with greeting the costumers and stocking shelves. (Let me know)
This week pray for...
...Out daughter in law as she is being induced for our first grand child.(In the hospital right now)
...the store - for workers and for the sales - pray that we not only can sell but help people find a new way to shop that impacts the world.
... Team Balkans as they continue to expand the work in the 3 countries we serve during the holiday season - distribution of the christmas gifts to more than 650 kids.