gentleness
Abide
As autumn enters, 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.
Gentleness
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5
Gentleness. We generally think about this virtue when guiding a toddler who is meeting a newborn sibling or interacting with a helpless creature. Gentleness is a slow, soft touch. As a Fruit of the Spirit, it is said to be one of the most difficult to exhibit.
Gentleness is a response between people.
Gentle behavior involves showing kindness, patience, and respect toward others. “Gentleness is an active trait, describing the manner in which we should treat others. Meekness is a passive trait, describing the proper Christian response when others mistreat us,” author Jerry Bridges explains.
How do we become gentle people? We look to Jesus when we think about the Fruit of the Spirit, and we reflect on his gentle nature when he said of the little children, “Let them come unto me.” We can become more gentle in our interactions with others by practicing empathy, self-control, and kindness.
Gentleness isn’t being weak or passive; it is humility. It’s treating others how we want to be treated, especially in the face of being mistreated. Gentleness is power under God’s control.
This fall, as you dry your dishes and hands with your soft kantha towels and set the table with family and friends, let these items serve as a reminder that a soft answer turns away anger. Choose gentleness.
gentleness
Kantha Kitchen Towels | Set of 2 $28
MADE BY ASHA PROJECT IN INDIA Mango Wood Pumpkin Trivet $24 MADE BY NOAH'S ARK IN INDIA
Felt Envelope + Mini
Inspirational Cards $6.50 MADE BY STREET HOPE IN KENYA + FEATURING SANAA ART BY TEEN MOMS IN KENYA WHO HAVE BEEN RESCUED FROM DESPERATE SITUATIONS
Kantha Kitchen Towels | Set of 2
MADE BY ASHA PROJECT IN INDIA
Your Kantha Kitchen Towels are hand-stitched from three layers of recycled saree material, making them soft, absorbent, and fast-drying. Measuring 25.5 x 19.5 inches, each towel carries the unique charm of being well-loved, with patches and small imperfections that tell the story of the woman who first wore it. Each towel represents the work of three women, contributing five hours of labor to help break the cycle of poverty for their families. Colors and patterns of each towel will vary. To care for your towels, wash gently and tumble dry.
Asha Project
Asha Project was founded to empower women in India and break the cycle of poverty in their communities. This initiative addresses issues like lack of clean water, human trafficking, child marriage, and forced labor, aiming to restore hope and drive change.
Through programs like their sewing initiative, Asha Project provides training and employment for women, enabling them to earn a sustainable income. For example, this order of kantha kitchen towels for MHG Clubs passed through the hands of 45 women in four villages, providing them with 12,750 hours of work. It had an incredible impact on the artisans’ lives. The steady income helped the women support themselves and their families, creating economic opportunities that will have longlasting effects. Additionally, the order provided Asha Project with the opportunity to continue developing and empowering their artisans.
By promoting fair trade principles and offering handmade products, Asha Project fosters a brighter future for women in India. Through ongoing support and collaboration, they uplift families and create pathways to prosperity and hope.
MHG Clubs members can receive a 10% discount using code #MHGClubs at ashaprojectindia.com.
Noah's Ark
Mango Wood Pumpkin Trivet
MADE BY NOAH'S ARK
IN INDIA
Handcrafted by Noah's Ark in India, the Mango Wood Pumpkin Trivet adds a touch of autumnal charm to your home. Its intricate design will elevate your fall table. Celebrate the season with an ethically made, beautifully crafted accent that supports artisan communities.
Noah’s Ark was established in 1986 with the sole objective of artisans' welfare and education in Moradabad, India. They support artisans through fair trade practices and provide training in the production of quality products for overseas markets. Noah’s Ark uplifts the downtrodden of society, using their profits to invest back in their community with many social projects related to education, health, water, and sanitation.
Anupama
Anupama has worked at Noah’s Ark for more than five years. She works in quality control, checking that all of the products are ready to ship. With her earnings, she is able to support her family and send her children to good schools.
Pumpkin Bread
MAKES TWO LOAVES; TOTAL TIME 1.5 HOURS
INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour, leveled off into a measuring cup
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cloves
INSTRUCTIONS
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1½ sticks (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 (15-oz) can 100% pure pumpkin
Preheat oven to 325°F with oven rack in the middle position. Grease two 8” x 4” loaf pans with butter and dust with flour.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until well-combined, then set aside.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until just blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating for a few minutes, until very light and fluffy. Beat in the pumpkin. It’s okay if the mixture looks grainy and curdled. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined.
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 65 - 75 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaves cool in the pans for about ten minutes, then put them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Fresh out of the oven, the loaves have a deliciously crisp crust. If they last beyond a day, you can toast individual slices to get the same fresh-baked effect.
The bread can be frozen for up to three months. Once it is completely cooled, wrap it securely in aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Recipe from www.onceuponachef.com
Felt Envelope + Mini Insprirational Cards
MADE BY STREET HOPE IN KENYA + FEATURING
SANAA ART BY TEEN MOMS IN KENYA WHO HAVE BEEN RESCUED FROM DESPERATE SITUATIONS
This duo is the perfect way to send some encouragement to a friend or loved one. Tuck them into a lunch box, or leave them on a desk as a thoughtful reminder of care and inspiration.
The set of three Mini Inspirational Cards fit perfectly inside the hand-stitched felt envelope from the women of Street Hope in Kenya. Through their work with Street Hope, these artisans have overcome adversity in Mathare slum in Nairobi, showcasing the transformative power of opportunity and empowerment.
The cards feature Sanaa art by the girls of Rehema House, the maternity homes founded by Mercy House Global in 2010. Rehema House provides sanctuary and support to pregnant teen mothers who have faced devastating circumstances, offering them a chance at a brighter future.
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.
