Al & Diane Mellinger's Missionary Adventure

Happy New Year with an emphasis on NEW!

January 5, 2023 – We are looking forward to 2023 and already it is getting busy.  We are preparing to head back to Bulgaria for a few weeks and for most, that would keep them busy enough, but for us, there is more and we want to highlight a few of these other opportunities as well.

• As shared before we are looking to expand the Jackson Retail location to include the retail space next to our current location. This will let us spread out a bit more, provide visibility on Michigan Ave in downtown, and allow us to create a training space. Click Here to learn more
• The New REED Workshop Center – is the name of the “New Training Space” we are creating in the expansion. This will allow us room to bring folks in to teach skills that could lead to some supplemental income. That is if what they produce will fit into what we sell in the retail operation. To learn more click here
• REED Workshop Seminars – besides the training space we want to use the space to also offer NEW seminars on all kinds of topics to the residents of the low-income apartments in the area. (There are 3 with over 150 units of low-income seniors which have almost nothing to do most days within 3 blocks.) This might be on how to program your smartphone to the History of Jackson to simple healthy meals for one.  Really anything you are interested in some of them will be interested in too.  (if you are local and want to learn more about being a part of this new outreach click here)
• NEW staff for Ann Arbor – We have struggled with having the staff needed to man the hours at our mall location – The mall wanted more normal hours which the current team could not cover. We prayed asking God to provide the right person (people) or we could not meet the obligation. Over the next 10 days, we had 5 applications picked up and we are training the needed staff member(s). (We put up no new signs asking for help or anything – God answered prayer!)
• New Home for Diane and I. We currently live in one of the 3 apartments in the building we own (or are buying).  It was getting small and we wanted to make a change.  We finally said to God if you want us to have a different place to live – you will need to bring it to us. And He did click here to learn more.

We are sure that all these NEW opportunities will not only keep us busy but will challenge our faith as well.  We have learned that whenever God is doing something He invites us to come and see and then challenges us to go all in.  We have been all in on so many crazy ministry projects that it seems almost normal and yet still a step of faith each time.

Join us this year on this Journey of “NEW”!  Pray for us as we navigate all that these New Programs will require.  Pray for the resources (both financial and human) to be where they need to be when they need to be there. Finally, pray for the people that we will get to serve and not only share information with but also the LOVE OF JESUS!

Merry Christmas (and our year in review)

December 26, 2022 - To all who read this, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and pray you have a blessed new year!

This was our first full year as Missionaries for Economic Development and what a year it has been.

In our retail operation, we have seen since August a decrease in sales over last year (Month to Month) before that, sales had been increasing.   We are watching our cost with inflation where it is. We closed one of the stores in January due to sales decreases and expenses going up.  Pray that we can find some part-time staff as staffing has been hard to get and maintain this year. Overall we are on target to end the year in a good place for the retail operations.

We traveled sharing the work and setting up pop-up shops from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma and most states in between, including 8 Annual Conferences, more than 20 churches, 2 family camps and over a dozen one on one visits with interested parties.

Our work with organizations and groups in need has increased and we are finding more things for these folks to make that people can use. We have launched over 30 products this year.  With the planned addition of our REED Workshop Center, we think this will grow greatly in 2023.  We are also looking to add a few more groups to list of places we are partnering with.

We are in consultation with a couple of groups wanting to expand into serving the poor in a more practical and helpful way. Pray that these will go well and lives will be touched.

Our personal support was truly an act of faith as we do not get any funds from the retail operations but depend on donations from supporters. For several months this past year we did not get our full salary as there were no funds in our account but through it, all God met our needs and for that we are thankful – we have reduced our projections and so if our support holds we should be in better shape this year. (any support you can give would be appreciated.)

All in all it has been a good year and we are praising God for all He has done and for where He is leading us. Never a dull moment with Him.

_____

To help with our personal support click here

Marketplacemanna.com – online store

To help with our development fund click here

Reed Workshop Center Volunteers Wanted!

December 22, 2022 - Marketplace Manna’s REED Workshop Center is looking for folks who would like to volunteer to minister with our new outreach programs to the poor, disenfranchised, persecuted, disabled and unemployed.

With the coming REED Workshop Center (in Jackson) we will be offering several times a week skill training with some employment opportunities for a few as well as seminars and topics on all kinds of issues (whatever you are interested in).  Could be music, crafts, history, genealogy, cooking, scrapbooking, jewelry making and so much more.

For the folks in the building above us (and others nearby) they are often without much to do each day – by offering something for them to engage in we build relationships with the goal of helping them find life in Christ,

For some that are skilled enough to make products that we show them how to make, we will pay them to make them so that they can supplement whatever income they have. The offer of income is only a way to connect with them and get to know them. The real ministry is the time spent hearing their story while you share your store and God’s message with them.

If you have questions or are wanting to participate please email Al Mellinger at [email protected].  There will be a training time in Early January for the volunteers or interested people. 

please pray for us as we launch this new program -and pray we find volunteers to help us fill out a schedule.

___________

To help with our personal support click here

Marketplacemanna.com – online store

To help with our development fund click here

Back to Bulgaria!

December 14, 2022 – Diane and I will be heading back to Bulgaria in January for 3 weeks.  There are some loose ends that we need to take care of now that COVID is over.  And we want to see many of our friends that we have missed.

We still have a company over there and products that we need to check on so this isn’t just a pleasure trip or vacation but a working trip as part of our being Missionaries for Economic Development.

We are still very much concerned about the poor we have been working with and want to reevaluate what can be done and how we can be a part of a solution.  Pray that our time getting ready to go, our time there, and any plans that are made are just what God wants us to do.

Every day we see God working in people's lives around us and we see God opening opportunities to make a difference.  Even though it seems overwhelming at times, God always makes a way when He is calling us to walk by faith.  It has been an amazing year (with ups and downs) as we look back and see where we have been and where God is leading us.

Thanks for all your prayers and support – Our prayer for you and yours is that you have a Blessed Christmas Season and An Awesome New Year!

As you look at your year-end giving any contribution would be greatly appreciated!

_________________

To help with our personal support click here

Marketplacemanna.com – online store

To help with our development fund click here

New Project Space?!

December 8, 2022 – A few weeks ago in our blog post We shared some ideas and dreams that we have for helping the poor.  One of those was a workshop space for skills training and to spread out when making projects.

We have been working on trying to find a place for several years only to find the doors closed.  This week after we asked our supporters to pray about our ideas, the best solution we could have asked for is coming together.

The unit next to ours in Jackson has become available and we are going to get it.  With the two spaces, we will be able to expand the store a bit and create an excellent training and working center for the REED Workshops we do.

We will have a space to teach sewing and to have the students make things for us to sell.  There will be other space for the production of upcycled products and storage for the donations we receive for projects.

On the same day we said we would take the space I got a phone call from another ministry we have talked to about partnering. They work with teenagers from low-income families who are struggling.  We had chatted about some classes and business training in the past.  Now it looks like we will have the space to make something happen for these students.

We are overjoyed about the possibilities this space will provide and knowing that God opened up the door for us to add this new area of serving the needy is amazing.  Thanks for your prayers and support for all that we do.

Now that we have the space, we will need to fit it to be the most useful for the most people. Pray that we will know how to make it as multifunctional as it can be.  Pray also as we move forward that we can set up programs to touch the lives of those who need it most.

We will be looking for some renovation funds, start-up salary funds to pay the workers until sales start coming in, volunteers who live near to help with mentoring and overseeing some projects (watch for more information on this soon), and lots of prayers.

As we take it one day at a time, we are trusting God and very much at peace in our spirits even if the environment around us seems to be a constant battle.  We can’t imagine living any other way as where God wants you is the only place you will find purpose and peace!

Thanks again for your partnership with us.

___________

To help with our personal support click here

Marketplacemanna.com – online store

To help with our development fund click here

New Project Space?!

December 8, 2022 – A few weeks ago in our blog post We shared some ideas and dreams that we have for helping the poor.  One of those was a workshop space for skills training and to spread out when making projects.

We have been working on trying to find a place for several years only to find the doors closed.  This week after we asked our supporters to pray about our ideas, the best solution we could have asked for is coming together.

The unit next to ours in Jackson has become available and we are going to get it.  With the two spaces, we will be able to expand the store a bit and create an excellent training and working center for the REED Workshops we do.

We will have a space to teach sewing and to have the students make things for us to sell.  There will be other space for the production of upcycled products and storage for the donations we receive for projects.

On the same day we said we would take the space I got a phone call from another ministry we have talked to about partnering. They work with teenagers from low-income families who are struggling.  We had chatted about some classes and business training in the past.  Now it looks like we will have the space to make something happen for these students.

We are overjoyed about the possibilities this space will provide and knowing that God opened up the door for us to add this new area of serving the needy is amazing.  Thanks for your prayers and support for all that we do.

Now that we have the space, we will need to fit it to be the most useful for the most people. Pray that we will know how to make it as multifunctional as it can be.  Pray also as we move forward that we can set up programs to touch the lives of those who need it most.

We will be looking for some renovation funds, start-up salary funds to pay the workers until sales start coming in, volunteers who live near to help with mentoring and overseeing some projects (watch for more information on this soon), and lots of prayers.

As we take it one day at a time, we are trusting God and very much at peace in our spirits even if the environment around us seems to be a constant battle.  We can’t imagine living any other way as where God wants you is the only place you will find purpose and peace!

Thanks again for your partnership with us.

___________

To help with our personal support click here

Marketplacemanna.com – online store

To help with our development fund click here

Inflation is having its impact!

December 1, 2022 – Inflation is real and is having an impact on what we do.  This fall store sales have been 40%-50% less than last year.

We understand – people who used to have funds to spend on things like what we sell now have to put it in the tank or on the table but the folks we serve and who depend on us selling a certain level will be impacted as we are not purchasing as much for the stores.

Additionally, our overall expenses for labor, insurance, rent, and utilities have not decreased.  That means we have to become even more creative in how and what we do.

People that enter the stores love the story and mission of helping the poor but are purchasing less than before.

Again, we understand that people just don’t have as much surplus money to spend.

This week I am asking our partners to pray for the right folks to come into the store and for our sales to increase.  (God says to pray about everything) If you are near one of our stores please come by and see if we might have something for the special someone on your Christmas list.

And for those who can’t come into the store, you can order online at marketplacemannna.com if you order more than $100 and use the code “xmas22“ we will ship it for free until December 17, 2022.  That should get it to you before Christmas.

If you want to help you can also make a donation to our development fund. The links are below.

To help with our personal support click here

Marketplacemanna.com – online store

To help with our development fund click here

 

Giving Tuesday

November 28, 2022 - Giving Tuesday is happening on November 29, 2022 and if you would like to support our work there are two ways:

1. Personal Support helps us focus on helping the poor through the programs and ministries we engage with.
2. Development funds are money we invest in projects and groups.

You are getting asked by many to give and help for Giving Tuesday.  Everyone wants to get a part of the funds donated on this day during this time of year.

We would very much like to receive a portion of what you can give us if you feel it is what God would have you do.

Thanks for your support and prayers all year long.

(If you want to know more about what we are doing and where your gifts go re-read previous blog posts)

To help with our personal support click here

Marketplacemanna.com – online store

To help with our development fund click here

 

 

 

I Have an Idea...

November 19, 2022 - Martin Luther King had a dream – but we have an Idea or two.  The more we are doing what we are doing, in the ever-changing culture after Covid, and with inflation continuing to happen, the old ways of doing things are not working as far as retail goes. 

With that in mind, we are watching the numbers and trying to figure out the best way to keep costs low while serving the people we partner with.  We are exploring online opportunities, scaled-back retail hours, more shows with churches and other groups as well as some different kinds of displays. Praying and asking God what we should do.

With Fairtrade merchandise people, often what to see and touch what they are getting but they don’t always remember we have a store (or 2) to come and see it.  When we are out sharing with folks the sales are often very good. So, we need to figure out how to take the store to the people more often.

Additionally, we have projects that we want the folks we work with in Jackson to help with but they require space for more than a few hours each month.  Sometimes things need to dry before the next step can take place right now we do not have the ability to create these projects because of our space limitations.

The reality is we need additional support/income to make some of our ideas happen.

• What would it take to get and convert a truck into a mobile shop?
• What would it take to get space to create a year-round workshop close to the folks we serve?
• What would it take to start new groups with partner churches in other towns?

These are just a few of the questions we are asking God and our partners.  Each day we see God’s hand at work leading us to folks who need us, leading us to folks who want to help us, and providing equipment and supplies before we know what to do with it.

As you are pondering Giving Tuesday and your year-end giving – Think about helping us as we work to figure out new ways to impact those in need with not only the loving message of God but some financial support for their families as well

This week

• pray about the needs we have.
• Pray for those we partner with
• Pray for new support for the ideas we have.

Praying you have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas Season!

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To help with our personal support click here

Marketplacemanna.com – online store

To help with our development fund click here

Thankful

November 9, 2022 – With Thanksgiving just around the corner we are challenged to think about what we are thankful for. So, I am going to share both personal and ministry praises today.

Ministry

It has been almost 2 years since we stepped aside for our direct hands-on oversight of the work in the Balkans.  When you let go you wonder will it survive or will it stop?  The work in the Balkans has not stopped it is still growing.  Seeing more churches started, training taking place, and baptisms happening is something we are very thankful for.

We are also planning on returning to Bulgaria for about 3 weeks in January of 2023.  We will finally be able to wrap up a few things that we could not get done and for that, we are praising God. (Can’t wait to see many folks that are dear to our hearts)

We have found that the connections and contacts with the work here are growing and for that we again are thankful.

Personal

We are so thankful to be closer to family.  To be able to see and interact with our granddaughter is priceless.

We are both sad and thankful that Diane’s mom is in a better place.  The last couple of years she was here physically but not in other ways.  She is now with her Lord and for that we rejoice.

We are still trying to full figure out what God is wanting from us, some days we are wondering and other days it is great.  The fact that He has always lead and provided is the truth that we lean on. Knowing He knows is something that we are very thankful for.

As you think about your year-end giving both our support and development funds are always taking donations.

Take some time to think and Thank God for all that He does!

______

To help with our personal support click here

Marketplacemanna.com – online store

To help with our development fund click here