September 10, 2020 - As I watch the daily reporting of the happenings in cities around the country (and the world for that matter) I am reminded that you cannot force folks to conform. Living as missionaries in a former communist country where conforming was mandated by law, I see that that did not work. When the authorities were present people did what they were supposed to, but when the authority was absent what was really in the person(s) came out.
With that being said what I am learning and taking away from all that I see going on and from the Holy Spirit is that I have to do more than just talk about what is wrong and demand a change – I have to be the start of becoming the change. I need to be aware of how I am living my faith so that what God cares about – I care about.
Our missionary work has focused quite a bit on helping the persecuted and helping those who do the persecution come together. In the Balkans, all people are impacted by financial difficulties. With NO jobs and NO income, you can’t support the family. The parent(s) often go overseas to find work. This economic reality has led to New Start (our EU company) and Marketplace Manna (our US company) being formed. Not because we want to make lots of money but because we want to generate funds to invest in those who are poor, disenfranchised, persecuted, disabled, and unemployed around the world.
God cares about the economics of his greatest creation(man) and I know from scripture that man functions best when we value them and what they do. Give them an opportunity and expect them to work and they will turn things around. Without the opportunity, it is hard for folks to be all that God wants them to be. That is partially why we encourage folks to purchase products we have in our shop and online – Think Fair Trade First. When you purchase fair trade items you are helping folks work and find the dignity in earning a living. You are supporting people who are trying to take care of their families.
Now it doesn’t have to be our store – if you have a local fair-trade store or can buy fair trade certified products make the choice to do that. It will not solve all the world’s problems but it is a start with practical benefits.
Here is a video that we made that shares a bit more.
markeplacemanna.com is our online shop if you want to check it out!
This week pray for:
The plans for the opening of the Holiday Shop in the Lansing, Michigan area.
Our travels as we are doing partnership building.
The churches and the folks wanting to work that they would find meaningful jobs.
Our Travel for the next few weeks:
September 13, 2020 – Beloit, WI
September 17, 2020 – Kentwood, MI
September 20, 2020- St Charles, IL (AM)
September 20, 2020 – Woodstock, IL (PM)
September 26, 2020 – Melrose Park, IL
September 27, 2020 – McConnell, IL
September 29, 2020 - Ottumwa & Fairfield, Iowa
September 30 – Waukegan, IL