Gather the berries, all that sunshine made into scarlet Gems of sweet, and taste the sweet goodness of God— as you brinG real Good to the world. it happens every early summer, when the newest strawberry plants bloom, when i’m out in the Garden makinG decisions. while i bend over each new strawberry plant, press the delicate white petals between thumb and index finGer— and then just pluck it off.
Prodigal Pottery works directly out of King’s Home, a women’s shelter outside of Birmingham, Alabama, for women fleeing homelessness and domestic abuse. They work to employ, equip, and empower women in need in the name of Jesus.
Some of the women who work there are residents of King’s Home Shelby, which is a long-term shelter offering safety and care for women and their children for up to two years. In addition to the artisans from King’s Home, Prodigal Pottery also employs women from WellHouse, a safe house outside of Birmingham, Alabama, for women fleeing sex-trafficking.
This order of yogurt pots for The Grace Case has been a concrete way to provide work for all of the artisans of Prodigal Pottery. Painting the bowls was especially therapeutic for two of the new artisans on the Prodigal Pottery team because of the simple painting that they require. This order inspired the team to work harder together and become better as a team.
yo G urt pots : set of 4
RETAIL VALUE: $64
Made by Prodigal Pottery in the USA
Dishwasher safe. Do not use in oven.
These Yogurt Pots are a timeless addition to any kitchen. Handmade with earthenware clay, the versatile bowls are perfect for yogurt, sauces, or desserts. Add classic charm to your kitchen while making a meaningful impact.
In the fall of 2018, Alicia met a charming man and enjoyed their time together, but soon experienced blackout periods after their outings. One day, she awoke tied to a bed in an unfamiliar room, realizing she had been drugged and was now trapped in a cycle of abuse and human trafficking.
Despite being heavily drugged, Alicia planned her escape, waiting for the right moment to flee. Eventually, she found an opportunity to run and made it to safety. Although authorities initially dismissed her, they later returned to question her after hearing similar stories from other victims.
For years, Alicia struggled with trauma, using alcohol and substances to cope. With the support of an advocate, she joined The WellHouse, a faith-based program for trafficking survivors. There, she began to heal, rediscover her identity, and build her mental and moral strength. Surrounded by others with similar experiences, she found solace in her faith and a supportive community.
Now a graduate of The WellHouse program, Alicia continues her journey in their transitional apartments, working full-time, attending college part-time for an accounting degree, and rebuilding her life. She has transformed from a victim into a determined and courageous survivor, committed to sharing her story and helping others escape the horrors of human trafficking.
Dilshad Hussain, a 37-year-old master craftsman from Kundarki, started working with Noah’s Ark 21 years ago. Born into a family of grassroots artisans, Dilshad and his brothers were determined to establish their own workshop rather than work for others. With the support of Noah’s Ark, they built a workshop and began a partnership that transformed their small business.
Specializing in stainless steel cutlery and other items, Dilshad and his brothers have maintained a model fair trade workshop, adhering to all records and safety measures. Their exceptional craftsmanship even earned them a donated die press machine from one of their buyers, enhancing their production capabilities.
Noah’s Ark has improved the working and living conditions of their artisans and contributed to social causes. Through their collaboration with Noah’s Ark, Dilshad and his family have preserved a tradition of fine craftsmanship and uplifted their community, embodying the spirit of resilience and dedication. Valuing the education they missed out on, the brothers aspire to establish a free school for street children in their village.
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.
RETAIL VALUE: $28
Made by Noah’s Ark in India
For best results, wash by hand.
RETAIL VALUE: $44
Made by Noah’s Ark in India
For best results, wash by hand.
The Grace Case has partnered with Noah’s Ark to bring these classic pieces to your kitchen. The Stainless Steel Berry Bowl, perfectly sized for washing berries, combines functionality with timeless design. The Stainless Steel Serving Set, including a beautiful cake server and cake knife, are ideal for serving your favorite desserts with a touch of sophistication.
Whether you’re enjoying a family breakfast or celebrating a special occasion, these handmade items add elegance to your table while supporting the talented artisans who crafted them.
so on this new plant?
there’ll be no strawberries this year.
it’s what all the Good Gardeners tell you; it’s what the Gardener of our souls tells us about how to truly taste the
“pick off all first blooms to ensure subsequent harvests are more plentiful.”
if you ever intend for the strawberries to produce heavily throuGhout the season, you have to choose to sacrifice the first harvest, so that all the Growth and enerGy can be more efficiently invested into producinG later crops. which is to say: cut out that which seems Good…— to invest in the best. it is the law of life: early sacrifice for later bounty.
berry G ood tea towel
RETAIL VALUE: $22
From Ziyada in India
100% hand-spun, hand-woven cotton
Machine wash separately in cold water, line dry 21” x 26”
The Berry Good Tea Towel is a beautiful blend of tradition, artistry, and impact. Crafted from the finest Indian cotton, each towel begins with hand-spun cotton yarns, delicately woven on traditional wooden looms in India. The production of these ultra-soft, quick-drying towels helps preserve traditional weaving practices in India and provides dignified employment, empowering families to break the cycle of poverty.
Ziyada (Zee-yah-duh) means more—more hope, help, happiness, and health—for you and our world. Ziyada provides meaningful employment in North India, offering quality and beauty through each product they create. This collaboration with The Grace Case generated 1,070 hours of work for 24 artisans, transforming lives with access to education, nutritious meals, savings, and hope. Each order for MHG Clubs sparks change, fostering hope, dignity, and freedom in their community.
Every stitch sewn speaks of the change we can make together. Partnership with Ziyada invests in the dreams and aspirations of artisans and their communities, crafting empowerment and transformation, one piece at a time.
Members of The Grace Case can use the code MHGclubs20 to receive 20% off their order from ziyada.org.
Malo, a skilled sewist and mother of three, exemplifies excellence in leadership at Ziyada. This tea towel project for The Grace Case enabled her to step further into her gifts of management. Ziyada has witnessed Malo transform her life after coming from a difficult background of abuse and extreme poverty. When she started at the organization, she was a reserved individual struggling with severe depression. Now, Malo is a leader who lives with joy, dedication, hope, and confidence. Her evolution is a testament to empowerment and community growth.
RETAIL VALUE: $8.95
Made by Women’s Bean Project in the USA Yields 10-12 scones. Contains wheat.
The Women’s Bean Project Cream Scone Mix is made with the official Denver Tea Room secret recipe. Soft, flaky scones are the perfect complement to a hot cup of coffee or tall glass of iced tea. Add in butterscotch chips or berries for an indulgent treat.
Ahlecia was homeless, sleeping on people’s couches, and uncomfortable with her situation. She felt insecure and didn’t have the right mindset.
Within two or three months of being at the Women’s Bean Project, Ahlecia got her own place. This major achievement had always been a dream for her so she wouldn’t have to sleep on others’ couches or floors. Having her own home allowed her to feel comfortable, have privacy, and be the adult she was meant to be.
This year, Ahlecia found the strength to leave a toxic and abusive relationship. Looking back, she feels grateful for the experience as it taught her what to look for and what she deserves. Being at the Women’s Bean Project helped her find herself, understand her worth, and discover who she wants to be in life. Ahlecia credits much of her progress to the support she received from the Women’s Bean Project.
Women’s Bean Project is a Colorado 501(c)(3) non-profit social enterprise that supports women striving to create lasting change in their lives by establishing stepping stones to selfsufficiency. They believe all women have the power to transform their lives through employment. They envision a day when barriers to employment are eliminated, when employers hire based on talent and potential rather than background. They hope all women who want a second chance can go to the Bean Project and find the community, support and confidence needed to improve the future for themselves, their families, and the community.
RETAIL VALUE: $32
Made by Gitzell Fairtrade in Ghana
Kinkahe straw and leather
The Small Market Basket is handwoven from natural, dye-free kinkanhe straw and features a sturdy leather handle. This versatile basket is incredibly durable and perfect for multiple uses, such as a crafting caddy, plant holder, tabletop centerpiece, and more.
Kinkanhe straw, also known as vetiver or elephant grass, is eco-friendly and aids soil and water conservation. This helps smallholder farmers with environmental rehabilitation efforts, including erosion control and polluted land and water remediation. Embrace sustainability and style with this beautiful, multifunctional basket.
Being handmade, the baskets may have slight variations in style. To reshape your basket after shipping, soak the main body (avoiding the leather) with warm water. Once the basket is wet, you can mold it to the desired shape. Dry in the sun or a dry space.
Gitzell FairTrade is a BIPOC, women-owned, US-based fair trade home decor brand working with African weavers to produce handwoven baskets. With a mission to improve the livelihoods of families in Africa, the organization supports weavers whose primary livelihood is smallholder farming.
The income from weaving complements farming and provides crucial income for education, health, and clothing, changing the lives of the people of Bolga and reducing migration to urban areas for jobs. Weavers receive 50% of the basket’s cost upfront for materials, ensuring profit upon completion. More than 250 women contribute, each weaving three baskets a week.
can be
Good thinGs that are bloominG. it can be hard to remember why you are pruninG, why you aren’t doinG all the thinGs. because there’s a counter-intuitiveness to it, this pluckinG off certain life activities that will yield good fruit. some miGht even think it foolish to pare back.
yet it’s the pruninG of seeminGly Good leaves— that can Grow a better life. to allow later seasons to yield the lonGed-for abundant crop.
Not only did your purchase of The Grace Case provide dignified work for artisans around the world, but one hundred percent of the profits go toward funding the work of Mercy House Global.
—
it takes courage to crop a life back
but it’s exactly the way to have the best crop of all.
