Wilshire will become the first church to cooperate with the Baptist General Convention of Texas in selling “Good News Goods” to benefit workers in developing economies.

On Sunday, Oct. 26, Wilshire will host a sale of items that directly benefit impoverished people in some of the world’s poorest places. Good News Goods is a joint venture of the Christian Life Commission and Trade As One, an interdenominational ministry.

Trade as One sells “fair trade” products—everything from olive oil to lotions to purses and jewelry. These items provide jobs in the developing world and sustainable routes out of poverty.

“Too many of the things we buy contribute to injustice around the world,” explained Kevin Madsen, a spokesman for Trade As One. “People are oppressed; kids are in sweatshops; and Western greed drives corporations to prey on desperation in the developing world.

“These things break the heart of God. Fair trade is how we level the playing field. Fair trade ensures that the people actually making the products we use every day are paid fairly, treated with dignity and respect, and given a chance to break the chains of poverty and dependency. Purchasing these products keeps children in school and out of sweatshops, helps to prevent and free slaves, and gives a hand-up to the widows and orphans of our world.”

For example, C.K. is a young woman for whom the trauma of the Rwandan genocide and resulting hardships are an ever-present reality. Five of her family members were killed in the massacres. She and her mother survived for weeks by hiding in churches and lying under the bodies of people who had been killed there.

She started working at Cards from Africa last August. Some of her new co-workers invited her to stay with them until she got on her feet. Over the past year, with a steady income, honorable work, a safe place to live and people to care for her, hope has begun to flourish in her life.

Items available for purchase at Wilshire on Oct. 26 could make great Christmas gifts. For a preview of what will be offered, visit www.tradeasone.com.