October 17, 2022 - Neighbors of Jackson is a local Magazine that is shipped free to homes in the city of Jackson. They approached us a couple of months ago about doing a story on us because they love what we do and are all about. Click here to see and read the full article. It is well written.
As new folks come into the stores and we share the purpose and mission, people are very supportive and think it is great. They love the idea and concept of what we do. Helping the poor, disenfranchised, persecuted, and disabled is awesome. They are so glad we are doing it. We are glad too – our purpose and mission is our passion, but the reality is that without investors, shoppers, and volunteers coming alongside us we can’t do it.
We have had a tagline – Think Fair Trade First. The idea is that if you think Fair Trade First it will cause you to act. We are now making our tagline Think and Shop Fair Trade First. To be more specific in what we hope people will not only think about what we do but also shop and engage in greater ways.
The reality is that right now with inflation running hot, people have less disposable income that they might have spent buying things we sell. Those funds are now going into their tank or on their table. The stores are just making the expenses we have to operate (Rent, utilities, and employees). We are well stocked for the upcoming season but unless we have a stellar selling holiday season things do not look good. Plain and simple.
Additionally, Diane and I who do not get any salary from the stores, but raise our support have gone four months with reduced salary as there have been no funds in our account.
So now you know more about what to pray for with us. We are constantly looking at income and balancing how to keep this all going. Loving our mission but dealing with the realities of operating a ministry/business at the same time.
We would love for others who are interested in what we are doing to join the team in the areas of fundraising, grant writing, product development, and training.
As we have prayed we have asked God if it is time to let go and move on and so far, we have not gotten a green light to do that. So, we press on and share the realities of what we do and trust that God and His resource will be there just when we need them most.
If your church or group might want to have a table of products to sell - Please let us know ASAP so we can arrange the details.
------------------------
To help with our personal support click here
Marketplacemanna.com – online store
To help with our development fund click here
