How would you like to help a group of refugee women who have fled their own countries with their families? How would you feel about directly helping women whose houses have been burned, women who have suffered unimaginable horrors, women who greatly desire to work in order to provide better lives for their families?
What if we tell you that you can?
A New Partnership
WorldCrafts is developing a new partnership with Begin Anew, a group in Middle Tennessee who works directly with refugees, teaching them English and providing them with vocational skills and hope for a future. By donating to the new WorldCrafts Isaiah 58:10 Campaign you can personally help the refugee artisans of Begin Anew become a new artisan group. Your gift will assist us with the startup costs for the Begin Anew artisans. Imagine, your donation can enable refugees from around the world to earn a living wage, helping them to clothe, feed, and educate their children.
A New Beginning
Becky Sumrall, executive director of Begin Anew, shares the philosophy of this ministry which works to overcome poverty and hopelessness in Middle Tennessee, “I do believe that every day our Father hears the cries and prayers of the people in our community seeking to overcome the obstacles caused by poverty.”
Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly. These words encompass the ministry of Begin Anew as it seeks to bring justice, mercy, and grace to those who’ve been forced from their homelands by terrorism and tyranny.
Several weeks ago, I had the unique opportunity to witness the first meeting of the Begin Anew artisans as they began to learn the skill of screen printing. Rosette was the first artisan to catch my eye. Dressed in beautiful African fabrics and a green knitted hat, and holding the hands of her two little boys, she shyly cast her eyes down toward the ground. Rosette, a refugee from the Congo, seemed almost frightened as we walked together into the room. Other artisans, Gloria and Niang, both refugees from Myanmar, soon joined us. Like Rosette, Gloria and Niang were very timid as they entered the room.
At first, each artisan was quiet and reserved, and they approached the screen printing process with trepidation. But, as they moved through their training, I watched their faces morph from hard concentration to absolute joy. As the first screens were pulled from the banners, a beautiful globe design was revealed. The artisans’ eyes lit up with excitement. We could physically see them relaxing as they gained confidence in their ability to create these lovely works. By the end of the training, the women were chatting and beaming with happiness. They expressed great gratitude for an employment opportunity that enables them to provide for their children and their families.
On the banners created by the Begin Anew artisans, you will see a globe design incorporating the words of Micah 6:8, Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly. These words encompass the ministry of Begin Anew as it seeks to bring justice, mercy, and grace to those who’ve been forced from their homelands by terrorism and tyranny.
Stay tuned to learn more about Begin Anew as their products are released in mid-November.
Here’s How You Can Help
To help cover the startup costs of the handcrafts created by Begin Anew, you can give directly to our Isaiah 58:10 Campaign online at the WMU Foundation.
You can also shop WorldCrafts and use code FTM17 through 11/1/2017. When you use this code, 10% of your order will go to the WorldCrafts Isaiah 58:10 campaign.
Thank you for joining us in our mission to develop sustainable, fair-trade businesses among impoverished people around the world.
“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” (Isaiah 43:13, ESV)