|
Ask anyone who knows me and
they'll tell you I love crafts. The boxes of incomplete
projects and unused supplies will testify. My favorite "works"
have been those with a purpose. Making something to hang on my
wall, or in this case, around my neck, is one thing. But to
make something for someone else to enjoy takes on a whole new
meaning.
When I learned I
had a talent for jewelry making, I dove in head first. It
wasn't the idea of making jewelry that drove me. It was the
thought of what I could use this talent for; in this case,
helping the millions of orphans around the world.
I need to back up a bit.
My husband and I are the founders of a non-profit organization
called the Sea of
Faces Foundation (www.seaoffaces.org).
We provide financial assistance to Christian families adopting
internationally. As the executive director, I constantly keep
my eyes open for ways to support our mission. When my jewelry talent came to light,
my heart and head immediately turned to the foundation. God
has richly blessed us, and partly through TGB, has allowed us to
assist twenty-nine families so far.
The Giving Bead name comes from the Shel Silverstein
book, The Giving Tree. It's a heart-wrenching story of
the sacrificial giving of a tree to a boy, turned elderly man.
While I in no way hold a candle to the tree, I consider the freely given time and talent for children around the world an honor and
privilege.
While thousands of children
are adopted every year, there are millions more who will never know
permanent love and security. My heart breaks for those left
behind by disease, famine or unspeakable circumstances. I want
to do everything I can to support organizations who care for these
precious children of God. That's why I'm committing the
proceeds of the sale of every piece of jewelry you'll find at
The Giving Bead to select
non-profit organizations whose missions "provide
care, feeding, medical attention and adoption assistance for the
more than 143 million orphans around the world."
With every purchase you make from TGB, you will be making an
immeasurable impact.
Thank you for visiting The Giving Bead, where inspiration and
compassion come together. Please join me on this journey to
give these pieces a purpose. If you have questions or comments,
please e-mail them to
info@thegivingbead.com.
To God be the glory,
Jennifer Cunningham
Owner, Designer
|
