Change the World with Mercy House Global
I can’t remember where I first learned about Mercy House Global. I think I got my hands on Kristen Welch’s books and they led me there. Or maybe it was the other way around? Either way, I’m thankful for both.
For years, I've been sharing about ethical companies, faith-based companies, and companies that support fair-trade practices. Mercy House Global is in all three of these categories.
Mercy House exists to engage, empower and disciple women around the globe in Jesus’ name. We provide for the rescue of pregnant girls in Kenya and provide a home for them. We empower their families and many others with dignified work so we can redeem future generations. We do this by engaging those with resources to say yes to the plight of women in poverty by empowering women around the world through partnerships and sustainable fair trade product development.
Mercy House started in 2010 as a dream to rescue pregnant teen moms out of desperate situations in Kenya. They now fully fund two maternity homes in Kenya, as well as partner with six different artisan groups in Kenya who create custom products for their stores and fair-trade subscriptions. They also empower women in more than 30 countries and partner with over 40 faith-based, non-profit artisan groups by offering their products in the Mercy House Global Marketplace, online and in their retail store in Magnolia, TX. You can read details here about how Mercy House works to fight human trafficking.
The next time you want to buy a new piece of jewelry, clothing, accessories or a gift for someone else, consider their marketplace and purchase a gift that literally changes the world.
Another thing you can consider is a monthly subscription box. When you choose this route, you will receive beautiful, handmade, fair-trade items each month. You can see the subscription options at this link. Personally, I have an earring subscirption and as much as I’d love to keep each and every pair, I usually gift them to someone else. They have subscription boxes for earrings, bracelets and home goods. Each box is a practical way you can support the work of Mercy House as well as offer someone a little bit of encouragement or a lovely gift.
Many people trek to Texas for the Magnolia experience. However, in the town of Magnolia, TX, you will find the humble and powerful work of volunteers that work daily behind the scenes and help make Mercy House a truly unique and special ministry.
Volunteering with my family there was one of the highlights of my life. We had the opportunity to be in that area of Texas not once, but twice! It was impactful for all of us to not only be able to personally have our hands on these products made lovingly by women in other countries, but to get just a small peek into the work and commitment it takes to run a ministry that supports so many women who wouldn't normally have the opportunity to have their products seen and purchased by so many people. Our kids have also said that this has been a special highlight for them and has allowed them to see with their own eyes a small part of what it looks like to have their purchases matter to someone else. What a humbling experience to be part of something so much bigger than yourself!
If you find yourself with the opportunity to travel to Texas, I encourage you to find their store and seek the opportunity to volunteer yourself!
I also encourage you to challenge your own heart, by reading the story behind Kristen’s life transformation and what led her to even start Mercy House, Rhinestone Jesus: Saying Yes to God When Sparkly, Safe Faith Is No Longer Enough. She also offers encouraging (and challenging) parenting in Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World and Raising World Changers in an Ever-Changing World. Her newest book, Made to Move Mountains is on my next-to-read list and based on the little bit that she shares through her newsletter and blog, I know it will be encouraging and challenging as always.
"Rescue a Girl. Empower A Family. Redeem A Generation."
Let's be part of this mission and parter with Mercy House to literally, change the world.