Experience the World Market

No Passport Required
No jetlag, no lost luggage, and no $9 airport sandwiches! Celebration of Hope’s World Market brings international shopping right to Willow’s doorstep, so you never have to leave town.

A Hand Up
Top-of-the-line designer items, everyday products, and Fair Trade foods, each handcrafted or grown by artisans and farmers across the globe, will be available for sale around church service times on April 26-27, April 30, and May 3-4. “By purchasing a Fair Trade item, you help break the cycle of dependency,” said Nathan George, founder and CEO of TradeasOne, Willow’s vendor partner for Celebration of Hope. “You give a dignified way of earning a living. You give a hand up, rather than a handout.”

How Fair Trade Works
Fair Trade connects local artisans and farmers lifting themselves out of poverty with buyers who pay a marketable price for their products.

The increased income provides a living wage for the seller, and the surplus profit funds infrastructural community improvements like medical clinics, water systems, and schools. It’s a win for not just the seller, but for her entire community.

In addition, any item boasting a Fair Trade label has met stringent criteria to earn that label. Fair Trade means decent wages, humane working conditions, and environmentally sound manufacturing practices.

Using Business to Spread the Good News
“Willow Creek’s World Market is one of the largest Fair Trade events of its kind,” said Nathan. “TradeasOne links artisans from around the world with buyers, to engage the Church in the developing world.” This historical event uses business as a means to bring the good news of Christ to people and allows Willow Creek to be the hands and feet of Jesus.