Beauty for Ashes Nepal
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The integrity, intelligence, compassion and determination with which Glenda lives her life inspires everyone who has the opportunity to meet her. Who she is and what she is passionate about has been poured into every aspect of Beauty for Ashes. To hear the stories, see the beautiful creations sold, and watch the development of this very special business in Nepal, leaves no doubt that God's hand is on Glenda and her business. And not just on Glenda and Beauty for Ashes, but the very deserving young women who benefit from being a part of her mission.
Missions has always been a part of my soul. I have traveled to many countries for missions and even lived and worked in a church in Copenhagen, Denmark. Currently my sister, brother-in-law and their two children are missionaries in the Dominican Republic. My sister-in-law and her family have been missionaries to Peru and Spain for many years. To share the gospel of Jesus Christ, to disciple, and to provide resources to help people truly live a life with fullness of joy, despite their past or current circumstances, is absolutely everything. It is such an honor to be able to partner with those on the front lines in other countries. Serving God and fulfilling the calling He has placed on our lives is often far from easy, but everyone has a special role to fulfill. We will continue purchasing fair trade items and supporting anti-human trafficking organizations, which is a part of how we hope to help build up young women around the world. Top Buttons has a great selection of the exceptionally beautiful hand crafted jewelry pieces from Beauty for Ashes in both of our Boutiques. This is a collaboration that we look to expand as it is our desire to support this organization and the many women it benefits.
The words below were written by a staff member from Beauty for Ashes.
When I first met Binti (name changed to protect identity) she was fearful and anxious. With eyes nearly always averted, she rarely smiled. One morning she was so overcome by fear, she nearly passed out. Lightheaded and shaking from anxiety, it became clear she believed the lie so many women around the world believe; that she had no value.
Life in Nepal for women is difficult. They are responsible for taking care of not only their own family but also their extended family and in-laws. Cooking, cleaning, washing clothes by hand, and looking after children makes up most of their day. They rise early in the morning before everyone else to make tea and finish their day by being the last to eat dinner and then washing all the dishes. Often seen as second-class citizens with little rights, they struggle to make a living when they don’t have a husband or family. Those who have fallen prey to trafficking or exploitation are especially vulnerable to further abuse and poverty with little to no means to support themselves or their children.
Beauty for Ashes Nepal (BFANepal) is a gift items and accessories manufacturing company. We are privileged to walk alongside women breaking free from fear and shame through the transforming power of Jesus Christ. We employ women who are marginalized by society and those escaping exploitative situations. Many of our women have been told by society that they are not and will never be enough.
Within a few months of working with us, Binti became bright, more courageous, and full of joy. She carried herself differently and had the confidence to believe in herself. Through Christ’s love, Binti discovered the truth that she is valuable and loved abundantly.
We at BFANepal are incredibly honored to partner with Top Buttons as they empower young women to believe they are beautiful, encourage them to know their value, and present it to the world without compromise. As Top Buttons helps young women in the U.S. find confidence in who they are created to be, they are also helping women in Nepal learn who they are in Christ by purchasing products made by us. As Top Buttons is teaching on topics involving self-esteem and purpose, BFANepal is also teaching Nepali women to be bold in their identity in Christ instead of being caught up in the shame so many women experience. We may be on opposite sides of the globe, but we are united in our missions to bring change to the way women see themselves, present themselves, and love themselves. - Erika Beelen
