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WMU offers handcrafts in home shopping parties


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP)–Woman’s Missionary Union, auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention, is joining the home shopping craze to market a variety of native handcrafts from countries such as Pakistan, Thailand, Jordan, Mexico and Tanzania.

The WorldCrafts marketing approach has been piloted with 12 to 15 home parties, resulting in satisfactory consumer response, according to coordinator Joyce Mitchell, WMU associate executive director. While creating a unique missions learning experience, the new marketing approach has provided a sales outlet for the indigenous crafter who lacks adequate income possibilities, Mitchell reported, noting WMU is working with the crafters, all of whom are women, through Southern Baptist personnel in the various countries.

“Access to a formal distribution structure for crafters is often limited,” she said. “With the establishment of the WorldCrafts marketing and distribution network, WMU, SBC is pleased to participate in the economic and spiritual development of crafters throughout the world and to provide a tangible reminder for missions awareness for the purchaser.”

The 1996-97 WorldCrafts catalog features more than 50 handcrafts, including attractive bolo ties, clip earrings, pierced earrings and decorative pins made by the women of the North Dakota Plains. Other products are colorful quilts made by the women of La Caldera, Coahuila, Mexico; African dolls and unique potholders made by Tanzanian women with tie-dyed, batik and other traditional African fabrics; and Christmas tree ornaments, table runners and nativity scenes made by Thai women.

To request a WorldCrafts catalog, call WMU at 1-800-968-7301.
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    About the Author

  • Bob Murdaugh