The first evening we spent in Crow Agency, the guest pastor of the church we were working with did an altar call. It was not, however, a call to conversion, repentance of sins, or prayer for healing. It was a call to those living on the Reservation who felt God would have them start a small cottage industry. Pastor Fred was well aware that the way out of poverty was through starting up small businesses. He emphasized that there was no long term hope in casinos or meth labs. He also knew that poverty needs to be just as much a church issue as repentance and sanctification. Fred’s message was reminiscent of the preaching of Doctor King 50 years ago.
Last night, Sue and I went to a ‘Trades of Hope’ party. ‘Trades of Hope’ has been in existence for two years, and its mission is to help women to become financially independent by encouraging cottage industries. For example, there were products from Appalachia made by women leaving prostitution, jewelry from made by Haitian women still recovering from the devastation of the earthquake, and baskets made by Dalat women in India who would otherwise live the life of out-castes. We left with Rose’s birthday shopping done, and a gift for our best friends as well.
The party, modeled after Tupperware parties, was in the home of an affluent suburban couple, and all those attending were clearly more financially secure than we are (With the exception of our 15 year old neo-hippy friend, Lauren). I was, admittedly, a little uncomfortable in this setting. But as the evening progressed, I saw the amazing potential in this business. Women are being empowered to be small businesspeople, Americans are becoming educated on issues such as poverty, the caste system, human trafficking, and the products are ‘green’. The baskets mentioned earlier are made from recycled tires, the cross we bought was made from old oil drums, and some of the jewelry is made from old cereal boxes. I don’t know how it works, but the cardboard from the boxes are turned into beads as hard as stone.
When we were in Quito, we visited the women’s prison, and learned that the inmates have to pay for rent, food, personal items, etc. Many women would prostitute themselves on visiting day to pay off their ‘bill’ so they could be released when their sentences were up. But some local women missionaries started a cottage industry in the prison through which the ladies could make greeting cards that were then sold in local churches, etc. This didn’t come close to being large enough to help all the women, but about 40 were working for the card company. Having seen these types of projects and met the people helped by them, I see the huge potential of ‘Trades of Hope’. After their first year, they had 50 salespeople across America, and after their second year they were up to 200. We met Maine’s first sales rep. last night, and we are already working with her to plan a party at our church. We highly encourage anyone reading this to check out their company.

http://www.tradesofhope.com/