Self- control
Abide
Mercy House Global continues to embrace the theme of Abide, focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit. Your continued support through MHG Clubs fuels the creation of sustainable jobs for artisans worldwide, nurturing a bountiful harvest, symbolized by the vibrant array of fruit in our illustration above.
Your partnership with us is more than just a subscription—it's a commitment to fostering meaningful change, empowering global communities, and cultivating a world where hope and opportunity flourish. Thank you for being part of this inspiring journey of transformation.
Self-control
"Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.” Proverbs 25:28
Self-control is said to be strength.
In a world that often feels out of control, self-control has never seemed more important as a Fruit of the Spirit. It could also be the most difficult to possess. It was Benjamin Franklin who said, “Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”
Self-control is the ability to manage emotions and behavior.
Some believe the characteristics seen in Jesus listed in Galatians 5:22-24 are intentionally grouped because when demonstrated together, they work in harmony. When faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are lived out in unison, we do the right thing with the right heart.
Temperance is the ability to govern oneself with the help of God. It is an intentional decision to pursue the important over the urgent. As the world becomes increasingly more difficult to navigate, our need for self-control becomes more vital. I Peter 4:7 says, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”
This month’s box features our Abide emblem on your ethically-made items as a reminder that we don’t produce fruit by what we do, rather it grows because of who we are connected to.
Self- control
Abide Ball Cap $24
MADE BY TOPIKU IN INDONESIA
Abide Gold Necklace $48
MADE BY STARFISH PROJECT IN EAST ASIA
Fruit of the Spirit
Prints | Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control $9
FEATURING SANAA ART BY TEEN MOMS IN KENYA WHO HAVE BEEN RESCUED FROM DESPERATE SITUATIONS
Felt Chrysanthemums $4
MADE BY STREET HOPE IN KENYA
Topiku
Abide Ball Cap
MADE BY TOPIKU IN INDONESIA
Crafted with care by the artisans of Topiku in Indonesia, this limited-edition cap is made from the softest GOTScertified organic cotton, with a brim molded from recycled HDPE plastic. The vine art on the cap was created by the girls of Rehema House in Kenya, embodying this year’s theme, Abide. The hat features an unstructured, low-crown design, an adjustable strap with an engraved clasp, and a sweat-wicking headband for ultimate comfort. It’s made to fit perfectly for everyday use.
Topiku is a social enterprise committed to creating “the world’s most sustainable hats.” Topiku partners with artisans in Indonesia, using upcycled and recycled materials to craft their products. By repurposing leftover textiles from curtain manufacturing and recycled HDPE plastic for hat brims, they divert waste from landfills and give new life to discarded materials.
Beyond ethical production, Topiku emphasizes fair trade practices, providing living wages, flexible financing, and cash advances to artisans. Their hats boast a low carbon footprint, backed by the world's first publicly available life cycle assessment for a baseball cap. As a certified B-Corp, member of Climate Neutral, and supporter of 1% for the Planet, Topiku continues to redefine sustainable fashion while uplifting communities and reducing environmental impact.
This order for MHG Clubs provided fifteen artisans with about 600 hours of empowering work.
Asep
Asep is a local hero and leader of Kiaracondong, Rahayu, where Topiku has manufactured products since 2015. As the Ketun Rukun Warga, he represents 500 people and serves as a bridge to the local government. Asep began his hat-making business in 2006 at just 23, supporting not only his village's economy but also sharing orders with local artisans, fostering a communal spirit.
A true pioneer, Asep champions equitable opportunities for women in rural Indonesian communities and creates programs like job shadowing for students. During the pandemic, his partnership with Topiku helped his community tap into international markets, ensuring financial stability. Today, Asep remains vital to Topiku's mission, advocating for environmental protection and waste management education in the village.
Want to learn more about topiku?
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Abide Gold Necklace
MADE BY STARFISH PROJECT IN EAST ASIA
The Abide Necklace, featuring a delicate 14k gold-plated leaf, symbolizes restoration and hope for the survivors finding freedom and independence at Starfish Project. This dainty, adjustable piece (16-18 inches) is hypoallergenic and crafted with care. Wear it joyfully, knowing that you are making a lasting impact.
Starfish Project
Mercy House Global’s partnership with Starfish Project has helped provide exploited women with the opportunity to experience freedom, establish independence, and develop careers. The MHG Clubs order of these necklaces helps provide employment, safehousing, counseling, vocational training, and educational opportunities for the women in the Starfish Project program. Thank you for restoring hope to exploited women and girls.
Shan
Recently, Starfish Project received a call from Shan, who said she knew someone in their office. She described her contact as an American with dark hair and a small baby boy—the Outreach Director, Shelby, though her son is now four years old. Shan hoped the offer of a safe job at Starfish Project was still available.
When she arrived, Shelby almost cried; she immediately recognized Shan. They had met years ago in a dark brothel on the brink of being torn down. Shan, a mother herself, had adored Shelby's baby during their visits. Then, after a few months, Shan disappeared. Now, three and a half years later, she had returned.
Shan shared her story of compounded childhood trauma, a forced marriage, and years of working in brothels. She had left the city to escape an abusive relationship. Today, she's returned, ready to start anew. The seeds of hope have taken root, and she is ready to bloom.
Fruit of the Spirit Prints | Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control
FEATURING SANAA ART BY TEEN MOMS IN KENYA WHO HAVE BEEN RESCUED FROM DESPERATE SITUATIONS
Celebrate faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control with the third set of Fruit of the Spirit Prints in our collection. This set of three 5" x 7" prints is inspired by Galatians 5:22-23 and features vibrant art by the resilient teen mothers of Rehema House in Kenya. These prints not only add beauty to your space but also tell a powerful story of hope and redemption.
Founded by Mercy House Global in 2010, Rehema House provides sanctuary for pregnant teen mothers who have overcome devastating circumstances, giving them and their babies a chance at a brighter future.
Felt Chrysanthemums
MADE BY STREET HOPE IN KENYA
Your intricate Felt Chrysanthemums were lovingly created by the women of Street Hope in Kenya. Elevate your next gift-giving occasion by adorning it with these beautiful blooms, secured in place with the included twill tape ribbon. Through their employment with Street Hope, these women have worked their way out of homelessness in Mathare Slum in Nairobi. They prove the transformative power of opportunity and empowerment. The colors of your Felt Chrysanthemums may vary from those photographed.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY ETHICAL?
Ethically traded products are crafted by artisans who work in safe conditions, receive a fair wage, and maintain reasonable working hours. No child sacrificed their education to create your new favorite item, and no parent toiled in a sweatshop for 80 hours a week. We ensure that all of our MHG Clubs items are ethically sourced.
HOW ARE MHG CLUBS DIFFERENT THAN OTHER SUBSCRIPTION CLUBS?
MHG Clubs are operated by Mercy House Global, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All proceeds from MHG Clubs empower vulnerable families in Jesus’ name with opportunities that provide hope.
MHG CLUBS PARTNER WITH FAITH-BASED ARTISAN GROUPS ACROSS THE GLOBE. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
While we are a faith-based ministry and collaborate with other faith-based ministries, religion is not imposed on artisans, nor is it a prerequisite for employment. Many women and their families practice different religions than we do, and that is okay. Our belief in Christ compels us to love, serve, and assist others, irrespective of their personal belief systems.
