Freedom Stones

So, I never actually shared the third part of my giveaway from last week. So, since I finally decided on which necklace to send my friend Candice (the big winner!), I thought I would share the information with all of you, so you can support this great ministry too!

Freedom Stones began in 2005 as a ministry in Thailand, to bring freedom to women and children who were caught in a world of exploitation and human trafficking.

The women in Thailand make the jewelry, the jewelry is sold here in the US (to friends like YOU!), and the proceeds go directly back to the women and children, to provide an income to those in communities most vulnerable to trafficking.

And, I'm so excited that this business has now expanded to Ghana! Leah Knippel, the founder of Freedom Stones, has begun a new partnership with Touch A Life, to provide income options for these families who see no way out of poverty, except selling their own children into slavery. The Ghanaian jewelry is beautiful and all the beads are made from recycled glass in their area.

The best part: Not only do they train the women (who they call artisans) in jewelry making, they also guide them through a two year educational program on how to manage their money, plan for their family long term, and run their own business. They teach biblical truth to these women about taking care of their children, and living out the gospel in their lives. I was amazed to hear how well-planned this entire ministry is, and how they are reaching the hearts of these families through the mothers and women. This is changing entire communities!

They are showing Christ in such real ways, and are helping these women find hope in what seems to be hopeless situations.

I love their signature clasp, handmade in Thailand, representing "breaking free" of the handcuffs of slavery:

So, how can you help, you ask? :)

You can buy your own Freedom Stones necklace, bracelet, or earrings, and share the news with others! Their website is being redesigned, so you will be able to purchase online within a week! In fact, they hope to have all jewelry available for purchase for VALENTINE'S DAY! So, tell your hubby to visit them here!!

Then, come back again in April, because the Ghanaian jewelry will be officially online too! (It's really beautiful and looks totally different!)

Some other ways to help:

*Join their mailing list or follow them on Facebook or Twitter and stay informed of their current work.

*Donate online to help them increase their inventory and do more (did I mention that EVERY bit of their profits goes to these women?!)

*Host your own party! Freedom Stones has just begun hosting home shows in the DFW area! If you would be interested in hosting your own show for your friends or family, let me know in a comment or by email, and I will pass your information along.

I think this is such a great way for us---moms and women in America---to directly affect the quality of life for moms and women in Africa and Thailand...and we can do that by shopping!

Leah Knippel, of Freedom Stones, is yet another example to me of someone listening to God's call, of dreaming big and going after it, and of using her gifts and talents to stand in the gap for widows and orphans across the world.

Hope you find a piece just for you, your mom, your sister, a good friend...or your wife. :)

And, Candice...yours is on its way!!