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The Bible says that it’s more blessed to give than to receive. It’s possible, however, to take that blessing a step further. Giving a gift purchased from Woman’s Missionary Union’s (WMU) WorldCrafts extends that blessing to the gift’s creator as well. WorldCrafts is a nonprofit ministry importing handcrafts from around the world to sell in the United States.
The sale of these items provides an income for artisans who live in countries plagued with unemployment and poverty. The relationships with these artisans lead to other opportunities to minister and share the gospel of Jesus Christ in many areas of the world.
Elizabeth Fourie recently hosted a WorldCrafts shopping event at First Baptist Church, Birmingham, in Birmingham Baptist Association, where her husband, Anton, is senior pastor.
The Shop ’Til You Drop bazaar was open immediately after morning worship Nov. 5. About 250 shoppers attended and enjoyed a brown-bag lunch while browsing the items.
Fourie, who was born and reared in South Africa, understands firsthand the need met by WorldCrafts.
"(In South Africa), I saw the beautiful things made by the artisans, but there was no one to buy them," she said. Her goal in bringing WorldCrafts parties to First, Birmingham, is to "heighten awareness" of WorldCrafts products and the ministry, and she hopes to offer another bazaar in the spring.
Inspired by the popularity of the Thai Country Trim ornaments produced through a cottage industry established by missionaries in Thailand in the 1980s, WorldCrafts now offers products from 37 countries.
According to its Web site, more than 1,600 artisans are supported through the import and sale of their handcrafts.
WorldCrafts Production Coordinator Kristi Griem said the ministry began in 1996 through the influence of Dellanna O’Brien, then WMU’s executive director, "who saw the need to support the poor and those who needed a second chance at life around the world."
According to Griem, September to December is the busiest season for WorldCrafts because of the many Christmas items available. All items, however, are available year-round, and many nonseasonal items such as purses, baskets, soaps and stationery are offered as well.
"We have begun to release a spring and summer catalog that has become quite popular," she noted. "This assures our artisans a more regular income instead of just during the fall season."
Griem said WorldCrafts averages 1,000 parties each fall. Parties range in size from a dozen participants to hundreds and are organized by churches, Bible study groups, Sunday School classes and missions groups.
She said every party is different and catered to its audience. "Most groups learn about the artisans that make the items, and some feature international finger foods," she explained.
Carolyn Miller appreciates the ministry of WorldCrafts from two vantage points. She was national WMU president in 1996 when WorldCrafts was born, and 10 years later, she is a WorldCrafts consumer who recently helped coordinate a party at First Baptist Church, Huntsville.
Working with the Madison Baptist Association church’s WMU director, Ann Bailey, and Women on Mission director, Janice Allison, Miller delivered almost $5,000 in orders to WMU’s national headquarters in Birmingham following the Nov. 8 party.
Miller called the party a "tremendous success," exceeding her expectations. She added it’s gratifying to see how far WorldCrafts has come in 10 years.
First Baptist Church, Chalkville, in Birmingham also recently hosted a two-part WorldCrafts party.
The Birmingham Association church coordinated a small party with a ladies’ prayer retreat first. One week later, it showcased WorldCrafts churchwide in conjunction with a luncheon to benefit an upcoming church missions trip to India.
Parties are just one way to purchase WorldCrafts products. A detailed Web site, www.worldcraftsvillage.com, offers product listings, and a free catalog is available by calling 1-800-295-6536.
Griem said WorldCrafts is currently in a Christmas promotion partnership with DaySpring, a manufacturer and distributor of Christian greeting cards and other products and gifts, which is selling WorldCrafts products through its Christmas Shop on its site, http://store.dayspring-store.com.
WorldCrafts also participates in market events when possible such as this year’s Southern Women’s Show in Birmingham, which took place in October. And all WorldCrafts items are available at the WMU gift shop at its headquarters building.
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