It has been amazing to me how the more and more church leaders and thinkers are grabbing a hold of the church’s real mission to bring the gospel to people through love and service. I think we are beginning to finally get the church back to the roots of “the Way” and the ministry that engulfed early Christians as talked about in James 1, “Pure and genuine religion (or worship) in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
One way this is worked out in the church that needs more attention is using our purchasing power and resources by buying Fair Trade certified products. Which can be distinguished most recognizably by the picture shown in this post. You can learn more about the facts of Fair Trade in Wikipedia. But the reality is that as stewards of what God has given us we should be using them to make sure we are taking care of those in need and not ripping of farmers, producers and workers by looking for the cheapest price available.
The Leadership Network is looking for churches that are participating in Fair Trade. They are doing some research and want to know what churches are doing as they seek to serve the poor and impoverished in the world. They also have a list of Fair Trade companies that are Fair Trade Certified with products ranging from coffee to house wares and a lot in between. It time to spend some energy and resources to see how your church can help support Fair Trade and be a catalyst in your community to spark more awareness for serving those in need.
[tags]Fair Trade, Leadership Network, Social Justice, Poverty[/tags]
