Fair Trade
Shopping can be such a trial. Dashing around the supermarket leaves little chance
to consider where the tea comes from, how the workers are paid
or what appalling damage coffee growing can cause the natural environment.
There are also dilemmas buying clothes such as the exploitation
of workers and our predilection for ‘fast fashion’.
We can help balance the scales by sourcing ethical alternatives.
Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;
all the weights in the bag are his work.
Proverbs 16:11
We are asked to pray for the church in Mandalay, Myanmar.
As the country opens to tourists, the exploitation of women and minors is evident.
Women and girls roll cheroots (cigars) under guard
and orphans housed and ‘employed’ to paint figurines.
Seven young men wait in the early morning to help
with luggage of two hotel clients, hopeful of a tip.
Loving God, we travel at the expense of others’ lives
and buy the goods to ease our conscience.
Forgive us although we know they need us.