Adventures
has a long term missions department that has been developing over the past 6
months. Tomorrow begins the training/orientation for a group of 15 new
missionaries. As the Southeast Asia Advocate, I'm excited about the work
currently happening in Cambodia, Thailand and India and look forward to adding
new team members. So much to share, but this is the most pressing.
In
my conversations with the gals already in place in Cambodia, we've come across
a few items in which YOU can help with. 1) Prayer. There is a battle that is
not against flesh and blood taking place. 2) Support. There is one gal in
particular who is struggling to finish out her last 6 months due to the lack of
finances. Below is her story.
Hi, my name is Elise Paty
and I am part of the Adventures in Missions (AIM) Cambodia team. I've been in
Phnom Penh, Cambodia for a year and a half now, volunteering at Daughters of
Cambodia, teaching English. Daughters is a NGO that provides jobs to men and
women coming out of prostitution, teaching them work-skills, offering them
creative classes, English classes, counseling and social work resources, and
opportunities to attend church services and discipleship classes-all in hopes
to bring them the love of Jesus and freedom from prostitution. Since being here, I've grown to love teaching
English, seeing the encouragement and confidence it brings to the girls I'm
teaching. It's been so rewarding for me, and I've seen God use it to bring
life, encouragement and community to my students! Cambodian culture doesn't
place much value on education--many of my students have low education levels,
while some have never even been to school. It's so empowering for them to have
opportunities to realize they are learners and capable of learning a valuable
skill like speaking, reading and writing English. I see God bringing Shalom to
these girls-encouraging them to their full potential, loving them, healing them
and surrounding them with community. It's beautiful! Through AIM I've made a two-year commitment to
serve in Cambodia, which ends in the Fall of this year. Right now I am short support due to a handful of my supporters dropping off. I'd
like to ask you to consider support. I need to raise this money within a month
in order to stay in Cambodia! Please contact me if you have any questions or
would like to support me elisepaty@gmail.com
I met Elise
within the first few months of her arrival in Cambodia, when I first visited.
Elise was quick to pick up the language...and as a result built some great
relationship. I would love to see her complete the two year commitment. (and I'm sure those she has built a relationship with, would as well!) Please join me
in prayer for her and the rest of the team.
Ever
heard the jokes about a priest, a rabbi and a minister who walk into a bar? Well, here
is a new one.
I, Connie, a 6 ft blonde, married for almost 18 years, and a missionary walk into the
bar... and I'm given $100.
Now that you heard the punch line, let me tell you the story.
One of my favorite people and best friends, Caroline, got married yesterday. I
drove to Alabama with another friend on Tuesday to prepare for the celebration.
Not only did I have the honor of being a bridesmaid, but also her decorator.
We began immediately with last minute errands, organizing, list making,
and hard labor.
Before we knew it, it was Thursday night... the Bachlorette shower!
Planned by the maid of honor, Caroline and I showed up to another
bridesmaid's home where gifts were given and food enjoyed. As planned, once the
party died...a handful of us drove to downtown Birmingham to check into our hotel
for the night and hit a couple bars. *Cha-ching.
I disagree with drunkenness, it has the potential to lead to making poor
decisions, not to mention, can be costly in many ways. With that said, yes, I
occasionally have a drink. Many of my friends drink - I don't judge. *Cha-ching I frequent bars seldom. The
most time I spend in bars have been in ministry overseas.
As 2 am rolled around, we left one bar and walked to another. One where few people
were hanging out in. A place for us girls to hang out, bond, laugh, and enjoy
the music. Here's what happened next.
HIM: Hey, what's your name? This is a great Journey song. I bet you don't even
know who that is.
ME: Connie, and yes, I recognize the song. My HUSBAND and I saw them in
concert.
HIM: No way! You are too young. How old are you? 24? 25? 26? 27?
ME: Stop. I'm 39 going on 40.
HIM: Whoa! I guess you are old enough to know who they are! And dude, you are
older than ME!
I laugh and walked away, flattered that he thought I was younger than I am.
I watched this man striking up conversations with the others. Like I said, the
place was near empty. I kept requesting 80's music...and enjoyed watching my new
friends celebrate Caroline. It took 2 hours for me to drink my one Blue Moon. *Cha-ching. At this point my ears were
ringing and I was getting tired. So when the gals wanted to move to the back
patio for fresh air...I was all over it.
Then a funny thing happened. "Him" walked over to me again. In my mind I was
thinking... "Please go away, close talker".
HIM: So what do you do for a living?
ME: I do missions and humanitarian work.
HIM: Like what? Are you a Lutheran?
ME: Nope. I'm a Bible believing individual...non-denominational.
HIM: I'm a **** and a sinner and I'm going to hell.
ME: I'm a sinner and I'm going to heaven. No need to go to hell.
HIM: I don't go to church.
ME: (laughing) Good, I don't either. *Cha-ching
I mean, I don't go every week. You don't need to go to love God.
HIM: I like to go out on my boat and fish on Sundays instead.
ME: Well, God doesn't just exist in a church building. Do you believe God can
be anywhere?
HIM: Umm, yes.
ME: God's on the boat fishing with you. You know He still talks...right? I bet if
you talk to Him next time you are out there, He will talk back. Just listen for
Him.
HIM: I see Him in your eyes.
ME: What?
HIM: I see Him in your eyes. You are a good person.
ME: Thank you! I'm happy to hear that. Consider this possibility.... that God sent
me here to tell you He knows you exist, that He hears you, that He loves you
and you don't need to go to hell.
HIM: Thank you! What is your next trip?
ME: Thailand in a couple weeks.
HIM: What will you be doing?
ME: Funny you should ask. I'll be working in bars telling girls in there the
same thing I just told you.
HIM: I want to give you some money.
ME: OK!
HIM: Here is a $100. Do good with it. You know I have a wife and 2 kids. A 5
year old and a 3 year old. I'm a bad man.
ME: God loves you and knows your heart.
HIM: Thank you for telling me that. Please help those women. They need to know
too.
I broke a rule. I gave him a hug and my business cards. I told him I'd pray for
him and his family. I also told him that if he wanted to send in $100 each
month to help, that I would gladly take it! We both laughed.
As we left at 4:30 am (5:30 am my time) he came over to say once again, to say
thank you.
As we turned the corner, I looked at Caroline and the other bridesmaids and
said, "Guys, I made $100 tonight!" We shared a laugh that of all people,
of all places... God is at the Bachlorette party! What a testimony.
We called it a night and walked to our hotel.
*Cha-ching... the sound of money. Either
I will gain or lose prayers and support over this blog.
I (Connie) have been back from the Dominican Republic for almost two weeks now and finally feel as if I'm settling back in. AIM is entering its busy season and with launching Purchase Effect, decorating for a friend's wedding, working as a Field Advocate for Long Term Missionaries in Southeast Asia, there's a lot my plate. Coming back there were many emails to read, a house to clean... all the normal realities of life... as well as a reason to celebrate. The joy of the upcoming wedding of a close friend, and Don's 41st birthday, just to name a couple. We both feel so blessed to have such full lives, beautiful family, wonderful friends, and the opportunity to serve God however He calls us to. Below, He sent me on a child's bike down a street in the Dominican Republic...dodging traffic, dogs and keeping the skirt out of the chain.
Above: Don on a mission...(trip).
On Sunday, we celebrated Don's 41st birthday. He spent his birthday weekend in ministry at a juvenile prison, where he was able to talk with four young men and share Christ with them, as well as play a game of basketball. Two of them gave their lives to Christ! This was another part of his "Other's First" bucket list that he started last year, which you can read about here. We celebrated his birthday with ice cream cake; and on the 19th, we are going to the Van Halen concert. Rock On! Long live the 80's.
His job is going well at the church. The kids decorated his office on his birthday, which in "youth lingo" I think it means that they like him. His summer is going to be full as well, but his students have been doing missions locally throughout the year. This summer the youth program from the church will go on multiple trips. Don will lead one to Belize and Guatemala.
My parents are doing well too. They are currently in Florida, visiting friends and family. Dad turns 70 on April 19th; Mom is still a very beautiful 29 year old! :) My brother's nonprofit, Love Transfusion, is getting more and more attention on the web, connecting those suffering from life-threatening sicknesses, loneliness, dealing with the loss of a loved one, or any other difficult situation with those who want to send messages of love, hope, and encouragement from all over in the world. In fact, one of the people featured on this site is my 11-year-old cousin, Gerrit, who has been battling brain cancer for 18 months. Recently Gerrit was sent home from the hospital to spend the last few weeks of his life in hospice care at home. My heart breaks for his family, and we know that if he goes, he will be with the Lord. We also know that God can make the lame walk, and in His sovereign wisdom, also heal a brain tumor. Please pray for Gerrit's family, even leave a comment on Gerrit's link, and also for the others on Love Transfusion. There are so many hurting who need to know they are noticed... and loved.
As for me, I am preparing for this wedding of a good friend, where I am not only decorating, but also standing beside her as she marries the man of her dreams, Joe. These last few months have been so sweet, celebrating this time of joy and anticipation and new life with her. Then in May, the summer starts, and trips to Thailand, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, India, Thailand and Guatemala again will come quickly! I am excited for each of these trips for different reasons, whether it's reuniting with a host, seeing a ministry relationship I made, meeting a new country (PR) and culture and seeing what God does there, meeting the teams I will lead, and also seeing how Purchase Effect has, has the possibility to, and will continue to impact as it grows. I will also be able to meet up with some of our LTM (long term mission) teams for Southeast Asia, and do some pre-set up for the Long Term Missionaries to Thailand, who will go there this summer.
I would really appreciate your prayers for Don and my trips this summer. Here are the dates so you can know when we will be overseas:
Thailand | May 24-June 7 (Connie)
Costa Rica | June 29-July 7 (Connie)
Guatemala | June 30-July 7 (Don)
Belize | July 14-21 (Don)
Puerto Rico | July 20-27 (Connie)
India | August 6-18 (Connie)
Thailand | October 24-November 3 (Connie)
Purchase Effect is doing well. I was able to find more products in the Dominican Republic and am excited to share the stories! Now we are trying to build our internet presence as well as find local places to host us to sell. As we are still in the beginning stages of this business, I would appreciate your prayers as we make crucial decisions that will continue to shape this LLC.
Thank you for all of your prayers, and thank you for your support! Thank you for your emails of encouragement... and for your financial gifts. Don and I are so thankful for each of you.
One last note. This past week, we were informed by dear friends that they would no-longer be able to support us monthly. If you can support $20, $50, $75, $100 a month, please send us an email or click on the support us link to the left. If it can't be monthly, we gladly welcome special gifts. There are so many needs and great things to support. We understand. Our Father has always provided. Thank you. Please, please...prayer is the most needed!
Never a dull moment. Always a game to play and people to play and talk with.
Watching the baseball game. This is serious stuff here!
Not only was there baseball but also volleyball, hacky sak, soccer...
Presenting the Church and community with bats, gloves, balls and uniforms.
A prayer of thanks!
Some of the boys...
Our transportation...
Check him out...we always enjoyed watching our neighbor work on his bike. Right in front of us.
It's been a while... since I've ridden a bike.
The above is all missions work. Living missionally.
We celebrated her 11th birthday by singing to her, at the ball game. Pretty sure it made her day.
Speaking of which, it's Don's 41st birthday today. No need to sing.
Loved watching this happen from the back row during church. Mr. P, saw a need and met it. The next day walking down the road, we stopped at this boys home. His wound on his head had improved immensely.
It's off to the airport to pick up the team. It's a beautiful drive...it's easy at times to remember you are on a Island.
The team has arrived in Villa Mella. It's a bit like a game of tetris fitting everyone in the space. Attitudes were great and all were excited about what the week has in store.
Above: Pastor Juan and his wife Alba. We could not have asked for a better, kinder...more hospitable host. These two have left their jobs as a IT
technician and dentist to serve in this community. They currently travel a lengthy distance in hopes that soon, they can move to be closer. The building that the church currently meets in is rented. The location and building is perfect, however...sadly, the owner wants them to move out. It's not a matter of paying the rent. He wants the building to store merchandise. Please pray for wisdom.
Our first night the team was excited to play basketball in the area. These kids won the state championship in Virginia. Both the guys and gals! Needless to say...they brought the game and the Dominicans kept up.
Our first full day was spent cleaning, picking up garbage, racking, digging, filling in holes, making a sidewalk... We had some helpers, who hung around all week. These boys live in the area. They loved the attention that these guys were more than happy to give. I couldn't be prouder of how these guys showed Christ.
During the middle of the day, it's typical to take a break. This might include a quick bucket shower...sleeping, hanging out along the side of the road or buying from vendors in the area. The Pineapple was a hit...I can still smell the sweetness as I look at the pictures.
Allie. Allie. Allie. Making the most of every moment.
The afternoons were often filled with crafts, Bible stories, dramas and lessons. Relationship are quickly built.
Often our evening included a program or service where students shared their testimonies, songs and dramas.
As Allie and I hit the ground running, it was fun to experience life through her eyes. New to the Dominican Republic...she noticed sights, sounds, and smell that no longer caught my attention. Here is an example. Trash, not in...but near the trash cans.
Adventures missionaries...The Shauls, Miguel and Kristen, along with their daughters Nichole and Tica. They live, minister, and work in San Juan. Always great to see them. Don and Miguel have an interesting relationship. Upon spotting one another...the world stops so they can wrestle. This time I was not in San Juan but stay in Santo Domingo, in an area called Villa Mella.
I love the on-field set up of trips. It looks different each time, according to what needs to be done. This time, it included meeting the Pastor, his wife, and community. We shared dinner and finalized the schedule for the week. There were a few hours in which Allie and I went exploring, and here is what we found. This was a hospital many years ago. Now it's the home of thousands of pooing pigeons. You may recall last year's trip where one left a mark on Kristen.
Walking by beautiful churches...they call to me. When growing up, my parents would take teams in to the churches as a way to learn about the culture and people. Since then, if I have time...I always respectfully enter, sit, and pray. Reverence is something I believe recent generations have lost.
The woman above...sweet woman. We sat directly behind her and I could hear her talking to God. Some of it made sense and other parts were gibberish. She wasn't all there. I gently tapped her shoulder. Why? I haven't a clue. I introduced myself and Allie, then asked for her name. She spoke quickly with excitement about the church and its history. I asked if we could pray. Yes. I asked if there was something in particular. Her hand, her wrist. She's worked hard for years and it's taken a toll. We said our good-byes and she bounced off down the street with her sweet, sweet smile. (picture by Allie)
Semana Santa = Holy Week. I've enjoyed being in different countries this last month celebrating the Easter season. Beautiful. Think I'll schedule trips this time every year.
I love this. We came upon it in the center of a large patio. It's a reminder to me that the Lord sees - El Roi. I hear the old song...He's got the whole world in His hands, as I look at it.
The first afternoon before the team arrived, we visited the church and ministry sites. We'd be staying at Iglesia Cristiana Bendicion. A buzz was in the air. The community was ready for us and had been preparing and cleaning the church for the last week.
Next to the church and across the street, garbage was everywhere. This vacant, half-built home was a place where homeless would find shelter for the night. During the day it was a short cut to the street behind. We'd later be cleaning this so it could be closed off.
Here is the home of one of the ladies from the church. She volunteers by teaching the children. During the day she makes candy. It's a simple home. One room, with a curtain dividing the bed from the kitchen. The back yard was the bathroom. Our guys worked for 3 days to dig it up, lay cement, and provide a place for a shower and toilet.
Heading back to where Allie and I stayed prior to the teams arrival, I spotted these! So I bought them for Purchase Effect. The proceeds will be sent back to the ministries in the Dominican Republic. You can find them listed for sale on my facebook page.
The artist and his helper.
Prayer Walk. Ever prayer walked before? I highly recommend it. It's strange to begin with...but then you find without realizing it, that you are walking, talking, praying, sharing with people...and then BOOM! The Lord opens doors for relationships and special moments to share. Often, we walk through the areas in which we will be working and pray over it before anything else.
We began and ended those days of set-up with cafe con leche, Allie's favorite new thing.
Another trip. Another team. Another community to fall in love with.
This time, 24 of us, plus our Dominican family...shared 2 "showers",
where we bucket bathed after hauling our water from an underground water
source. One toilet. Of which needed to be removed for unplugging and no
running water. Imagine. Say what? You didn't know...
The team slept shoulder to shoulder in humidity and heat on the
church floor. Four batteries provided electricity - sometimes...and yet,
no one complained. These students came prepared to work and work hard.
They smiled, loved and lived. They shared and gave. They were stretched
and grew. Most importantly, they came alive. They experienced first hand
the Creator speaking. They listened and were "rocked"!
Pastor Juan and sweet, sweet....wife, Alba! Gracias por todo! More stories and pictures, later.
Update on Steph.Thank you for the prayers - she has improved over night! Things are looking better. Keep praying.
A few more hours and I hit the skies again!
Last summer I had the chance to lead two teams to the DR. Tomorrow, Wednesday, I return to these beautiful people and country. This time without my "regular" travel buddy, but instead with another friend and AIM staff - Allie Lousch! (another amazing writer) In total, there will be 24 of us ministering in Santo Dominigo. It is Semana Santa (Holy Week)...so it will be interesting to see how this affects the big city. As always, we ask for your prayers. Thank you! Please be watching for stories and pictures coming your way.
Don will be leading a missions trip from the church in Roswell to NC. They will be supporting Snow Bird Teen Ministries. We are so grateful for our friends and family who encourage and support us in this adventure, this life!
Some of you may recall me talking about Steph Tyrna. I knew her from AIM, then later spent time with her in Cambodia. She is a World Race alumni and has served with us a couple summers ago in Haiti. Currently she resides in Cambodia with our AIM community.
One of my roles at AIM is as the Asia Advocate for AIM's Long Term Mission department. This covers, Thailand, India and Cambodia where Steph is currently. I'm asking you to please read the below and keep Steph and the team in your prayers. Dengue is awful. I recall my mother having the "break bone" type while living in Guatemala. This is the other kind of Dengue. Steph is a trooper and is staying positive in light of the pain and discomfort.
Below is an update written from her, on her health - please keep her in your prayers. Dengue can be serious - if nothing else absolutely miserable. If you'd like, please send her a word of encouragement, a prayer, a verse...I'm sure she'd love it. The team has been by her side everyday and could use your prayers as well...this has been a great, but tough year for the Cambodia team.
Stephanie Tyrna steph.tegan@gmail.com (Steph, pictured in the grey and yellow with Elise and Alli's 2 precious babies)
-Crock
Connie Rock
Adventures in Missions
well i am still in the hospital/clinic. ive been here since friday. my platelets are still dropping. they are now 59,000. please pray that they will start to increase ASAP. the doc said they might do a small blood transfusion here in cambodia with a blood donor who lives here (a westerner) but i dont know yet if that is going to happen or not.
they have poked me over 20 or 25 times to draw blood so my veins are shot. i usually cry now every time they take my blood bc it just hurts so much.
They've given me over 20 or 25 bags of fluid in my iv too.
ok i just got interrupted bc doc just came in and he said my platelets were now at 81,000. so please pray they continue to rise.
im really really sick of being here. im getting more emotional as the days go by - i try to just sleep as much as i can so i can just be better someday soon
i don't have much energy. i have on and off headaches, sore throat/inflamed throat. my neck and back are sooo sore from laying in this bed for 5 days straight.
i have such amazing friends here tho. I've had so many visitors. i have lots of lovely flowers and presents and ive never been alone. someone has stayed with me every night and i always have someone here with me during the day, even when all i do is sleep, they are still here by my side to hold my hand when the docs poke my veins for more blood.
the docs are constantly checking my temp which keeps fluctuating up and down - fever hasn't really gone away but its not surer high. my blood pressure is normal. they oxygen level in my blood is normal.
Those of you who receive my newsletter or read my previous post talking about Purchase Effect, have already shared in the birth of this business. Some of you have given me great advice for business, administrative, financial, marketing... etc. I am so thankful for each and every one of you who have offered your wisdom and experience to help make this dream come to life. The Story of Purchase Effect is very much my story as well. Today I want to share with you my story....
Purchase Effect comes from an idea 2006, but it dates even farther back that that.... all the way back to a small boarding school in the foothills of the Andes Mountains and to a bustling capital city built as a circle within circles, where my family first lived on the field. As a Third Culture Kid (a TCK), so much of the person I am now reaches back to those days and then forward through the rest of my life, as I've seen need overseas, wanted to help, but felt helpless to find a real way to do it. I knew it was a bigger than I was... their need. I knew that I couldn't help every single one in the way that I wanted to. I remembered their stories and shared them with those I met in the States, and often heard the same thing: "Is there a way I help? I wish there were." I realized that if these stories had a broader stage, their impact would be that much greater, as well as the possibility for real and beautiful change. The idea, the dream I had, was bigger than just one person.
As all great stories are.
Something I'm good at is shopping. And while that sounds silly to some, I've found that the ability to give that "it's just so perfect" gift is a gift in itself, for that person feels as if he/she has been seen... and know that they matter- as if someone has heard their story. I love making things beautiful, and I feel like God has given me an ability to do so through decorating. But I've found that what makes something "pop" is the story behind it... telling about the old woman who sells blankets to support her family, a blanket that now keeps someone in the States warm at night. When I lived in Bolivia, my boarding school had a hand radio we used to communicate and that was it. We returned to the States every few years. In many ways, we were remote from the world we came from and at teams, from the world itself. As technology and inventions have changed, we now are all just one bad night's sleep from the other side of the world. We are all connected in a way that we couldn't perceive thirty years ago.
That connection is the key.
This business, this dream is a way to promote an international market and
community, a way to make a lasting impact, to bring the needs of the
world to everyday life in the States. After all, people buy Christmas
and birthday presents, wedding gifts, and things to decorate their
homes... why not help someone at the same time, and get something
beautiful in the process?
So back to early 2006, when this idea came to me. I shared it with Don and a few others, but the time didn't seem right. I put it in the back of my mind, but it was always there, reminding me of something important, something I was meant to do.
Then, last summer, I shared the dream with a few others. First, my friend and co-worker, Kristen, one night over dinner. Her response was "How can I help?" Then I shared it with Seth Barnes, the CEO of AIM, Clint Bokelman, my direct supervisor, both businessmen who said, "Do it. We feel the Spirit of God behind this dream."
I had so many questions, too many to fit into my head. As the days and weeks passed, those ideas multiplied. I feel sorry for the people I got to with my questions, even though they are patient with me! As my big brother says... "eat the elephant one bite at a time", refusing to give in to the fear that this dream is just too big. Trusting that I am following what the Lord has set out for me and trying to be faithful with what has been given to me to do.
The first step was to get merchandise.
Last year, when we went to Costa Rica, Kristen and I scrounged up whatever
spare cash we could find and came back with merchandise: beautiful,
Costa Rican wood, pottery, and of course, the handcrafted clay birds
made by Jose and his family at Artesanias Ecologicas El Tucan.
This business, which employs 7 different families in Jose's extended
family network also helps provide for a drug rehab center for men. When
we sell items from Costa Rica, a portion of the proceeds go to that
rehab center.
Then, in the DR, we met Ramona, who sits by the side of the road
and weaves baskets every day. She is disabled and has horrific, chronic
pain in her knee. Yet she sits and creates; for this provides for her
family.
In India, our host hooked us up with a provider of the best of
Indian products: scarves, bags, pillow shams, and jewelry of the most
beautiful colors and design. When we bring these goods to shows, we tell
the stories of the little ones at Asha House
and how a portion of the proceeds from the sale will go to help feed,
clothe, provide education, and keep these little ones safe and in their
home, their home where they are loved and learn the good news of Jesus
Christ.
Lastly, in Thailand, we met woman after teenager, pre-teen after
child, being sold, pimped out, and abused for the sake of pleasure. We
walked the streets of one of the most notorious Red Light Districts of
Bangkok, buying Cokes for the ladies of the night who dance on the
stage, hoping for those few precious moments to tell them that they are
beautiful and loved for who they are. There we learned of Rabab Ministries Thailand,
located in the heart of Patpong, who reaches out to the bar girls,
gives training for practical life skills, and walks them through the
restoration process. Again, we found more vendors, a woman named Bea with the most beautiful beaded bracelets, a merchant with a store full of embroidered bags, a different shop owner wearing a t-shirt with the logo The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, who had rack upon rack of
fisherman pants/shorts. And after we brought these goods--and more--back
to the States to sell, we began to tell the story of those who walk the
streets of Pat Pong.
Thanks to friends willing to host shows and connect us to those
with craft fairs, we've sold a large portion of the goods we acquired
last year and need to get more--a great problem to have! Checks have
been sent to those ministries mentioned above where there was profit. It
excites me that because someone bought a scarf for her mother for
Christmas, little Bagawan at Asha House will be able to eat chicken one
extra meal a month. The "Purchase Effect" has already begun!
We've started slowly, putting in an extra $20 here or $10 there
where we could. We've prayed that God would take our pennies, given in
faith, and multiply them beyond imagination. It's a slow start and we're
fine with that, but we've made it to the point where we re-invest money
from sales in new products or expenses, meaning that after the initial
small investment we made last year to purchase the first items, we are
operating on a cash flow basis. Which means no debt. We dream of the day
when this LLC is running fast, when goods are steadily coming in and
going out... and most of all, Purchase Effect
will be able to send more and more financial help to those who need it,
that the stories of these men, women, and children will spread
throughout the world, and the average consumer will be able to impact a
life simply by purchasing a handbag or scarf. This business acknowledges
our culture's growing social consciousness and desire for fair trade,
up-cycled products and mindfulness of the earth and its inhabitants; the
recent shift we've seen in how we view our lasting "footprint" upon
this planet. This is practical missions and missional living, meeting
the above mentioned social desire with a venue for activism, and
possibly a way for myself to tentmake in the future as a supplement to
support. It's a way to connect those of you who contact me and say, "I
want to help that person or that ministry; what can I do?" It's a tool
for promoting relationships, because we tell you the stories and connect
you to those your purchase will directly help.
This is a perfect complement to the skills and passion God has given me. In all the things that I do and all the abilities God has given me, I've found that my heart and the summation of these gifts is that of Storyteller--whether it's in decorating, photography, or verbally sharing the needs I've witnessed. This is how I strive to live, for
wherever I am, whether at Olive Garden or a market in New Delhi, I try to
talk with the people behind the counter... to get to know them.
Something we teach on AIM trips is that we are never really "off duty"
as Christians... there's no such thing as a vacation. And the mission
field isn't just during certain planned ministry hours; it's on the 15-passenger van ride to a canal or while looking for souvenirs in the market.
After a winter with our first sales, we need more merchandise! So the week of, March 6-12, 2012, we went to Antigua, Guatemala, to find and bring back more beautiful things to sell, and most of all, to
meet people and be a minister of hope and healing wherever the
Lord sends us. I am full of joy; for I feel as if I am living my dream. Thank you for the prayers!
Antigua is a place I know well; my parents lived in Guatemala
for 9 years and I visited often. We're met with old friends, as went where God led.
Secondly, I want to direct you to our Facebook page! Our website is still in progress, but we have a page you can order from on there, just by posting in the comment section. And please "like" us! That would make my day.
And third, please check us out in person! Currently, we've appeared
in local home shows, craft fairs, and flea markets. We will continually post our whereabouts on our Facebook page, so you can come see us. Please come check
it out! It would be great to see you. And if you'd like to host a home
show, let us know. We'd love to come!
I'll leave you now with the description of Purchase Effect from our fliers, written by Kristen.
Mankind as a
whole searches for meaning-answers to questions we can't answer and the
knowledge that we matter. All the while, we ask: "What's the point of making a
living if we never actually live? What will people say about me when I'm gone?
Does my life matter at all?"
We know
there are bigger troubles in the world, possibly in another country or even as
close as the other side of the tracks. We know there are people who are
hurting; whose lives have turned upside down-or might never have been right
side up in the first place. Little ones who are sold into sexual slavery,
hungry mouths and eyes pleading for relief; places where child soldiers march
in the night or where AIDS threatens to take the lives of every soul within the
country's borders. Problems too big to fix on one's own; problems we want to
touch and somehow relieve, but don't know how or even where to start.
It's not an
imprint we seek, a fossilized record of a good deed; it's the knowledge that
our lives had some kind of fluid power, a ripple effect that started small and
grew greater and greater upon impact, so that the end result is a the world
that will never again be the same.
Each piece
we sell comes with a story-a person the purchase directly impacts. We're not
interested in just selling you a product. Our passion is to create a venue for
international and mutually beneficial relationships.
Now you can
shop and change the world at the same time.
**Logo designed by Tim LeBreche. Photos by us, Connie and Kristen.
