The other night I sat alone in my house after the kids were asleep. The new dog was laid out on his fluffy bed. The Christmas lights glowed. And I debated. Should I watch something completely mindless while eating Triscuits, or should I watch “58: the film” that some friends recommended?

I asked Him, half-heartedly, because I really wanted “mindless.” But God spurred me towards “58” in spite of me. So sitting there under my faux-fur blanket, I watched people on the other side of the planet live in bondage. Bondage to poverty. Bondage to the sex industry. Bondage to hopelessness.

And it brought that ache to the surface. You know. The ache that silences under the weight of stuff and carpools and chocolate Advent calendars. So I asked God to show me what I could possibly do.

He brought Kristi to mind. I met her at the Allume conference back in October. She works with Freeset — a fair trade business offering employment to women trapped in Kolkata’s sex trade. And I remembered that they sold stuff to bring freedom.

And you know how much we Americans like to buy stuff this time of year (said with slight sarcasm about myself and the “business” of Christmas).

I went to their site and purchased a number of Christmas gifts. But then I wanted to do more. And that’s when He reminded me that He’s given me a voice. And that I can tell you about some purposeful Christmas gifts that you could buy. And then you could tell your friends. And so on and so on.

Doesn’t that sound like a great plan?!
 

I want to highlight two sites where you can buy stuff that can have eternal, hopeful effects: Freeset and Year 27.

 
Then I would love for you to tell your friends about this post. And if you do, I may give you something lovely and meaningful. Yep.
 

Share this post and then comment saying you shared this post and you will be entered to win one of the Freeset bracelets.

 
They’re both beautiful and meaningful. I will announce four winners on Monday, December 10th!

You can get extra entries by (1) reading through one of the sites, (2) purchasing something, and/or (3) PRAY. Take 2 minutes and pray for these causes. Just leave one comment for each thing you do to help spread the word for freedom.

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Freeset

Freeset is in business for freedom. Freedom from human trafficking. Freeset is a fair trade business that sells bags and t-shirts, made by women freed from human trafficking in Calcutta, India. The women are able to have a job with dignity, making products, instead of being the product.

Every woman receives three times the wage they would receive in line (the prostitution line), learn to read and write, daycare for their children, have medical insurance and retirement benefits. Women were tricked, trapped, or trade and find themselves seemingly without a choice. Their goal is to change the economic scope of Sonagacchi, Calcutta’s largest red light district, to one of freedom, instead of the sex trade. Amazing!

Click here to visit the Freeset shop.

Here’s the story of one woman who’s been affected by Freeset:

It was my dream to learn and work on computers. Until recently I had never used a computer so I really appreciate this opportunity. Everyone understands that I am new and are very supportive as I learn all the new tasks I have to do. The part I like most is when I balance the cash at the end of the day.

I enjoy the challenge of this new job better than my previous work in screen printing, but before I started at Freeset I was not able to support my family financially and now I can.

~~~~~

Year 27

I love this. Jill Davis, a fellow Seed Company blogger, began “Year 27” last December. She’s a graphic designer with a heart for the Word of God to reach the nations. So she started doodling a verse of the day which turned into art prints and iphone skins and other beautiful gifts. ALL PROFITS from the sale of her items go to the translation of the Bible into the Ehty language. How awesome is that!

Click here to check out Year 27.

~~~~~

Thank you, friends! You’re changing lives today!

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The numbers from yesterday’s “push towards our goal” with OneVerse are in and we are only 2 verses short of reaching the finish line!!! That’s only $53 of the original $2700 goal. WOOHOO!

I am going to personally sponsor one of those verses. So if someone else wants to step up and sponsor the other verse for $26, just click here. (Please?) Just think, we are giving verses of Scripture to a people who have never read of their Savior!

Thank you to everyone who participated yesterday in spreading the word and buying books and making donations. We have prayed that God would multiply His blessing on you for your generosity.

(Note: All the donations from yesterday’s sales have not yet reflected on the OneVerse giving page.)

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That’s why I try to keep in constant conversation with Him about what I spend. I’m thankful He gives money for our enjoyment. But I desire to live balanced — as a good steward. I don’t always choose well. Every so often I splurge and then wait for “the look” from my man. But I want to remember through my daily coming and going that it’s not mine. It’s all His.

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When it comes to generosity, it’s not about how much we give away. The amount is irrelevant. It’s the heart behind the giving. It’s the willingness to hold this stuff called money with open hands. It’s the faith to say, “God it’s Yours. Show me where You want to use it.” Because grasping it tight reveals a deeper issue. (Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:10)

All of it — whether we keep it or give it — is His.

If He’s prompting you to give, would you pray about joining me in partnership with OneVerse — bringing God’s Word to a people who have never read a single verse of Scripture in their own language? I humbly say “thank you” for your honest consideration.

Click here to find out more.

 

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