Volume 2. Issue 4 Spring 2005.

#1 "From One House to the Next"

    On one level, my connection with INTO and Malisha and Francesca is very selfish.  First of all, they are two delightful young women who are fun to talk with and inspiring to be around.  They bring hope and joy into my life by who they are as well as by what they do.  Secondly, the merchandise they sell is simply beautiful!  Most of the Christmas presents I bought for my dearest of friends and family were purchased at the INTO sale which took place at the church where I serve.

    But on a deeper, more significant level, the connections so many of us have with INTO are spiritual and quite compelling.  The divine source of all of life yearns for creation to be in harmony, to somehow be united even in its wondrous diversity.  We humans recognize this sacred desire... but so often fail to realize it.  Every now and then we stumble across a means to fulfill God's will for nurturing the interconnectedness of life.  INTO is just such a means.

    When Francesca and Malisha preached at Franklin Circle Christian Church they introduced us to individuals and communities far from the daily lives of most, if not all, of the worshipers present.  Yet they bridged the two worlds effortlessly, giving us names, faces, and gifts of God's children thousands of miles away.  God's world became just a little more whole that day.

    Whether because of selfish motivations or for broader, more holy reasons, my connection with INTO is filled with possibility.  I pray more folks will soon become acquainted with this amazing organization -- for whatever reason!

  -Rev. Allen V. Harris, Pastor
Franklin Circle Christian Church    

(Disciples of Christ)  Cleveland, Ohio

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Volume 2. Issue 4. Spring 2005

#2- "View Points"

During the summer of 2004, Cleveland, Ohio was declared the poorest urban center in America.  As a native Clevelander and one of its public servants, I felt the sting of that disturbing news.  However, when I note the United Nations' announcement that worldwide poverty is one of its top priorities, I see that commitment and cooperation must transcend crying and complaining.  So, smiling easily, I share my experience with Illumination Nations Through Offering an opportunity and its subsequent impact in my life.

In late spring 2004, I met Francesca Barbee in the course of my employment at Cleveland Public Library.  On that occasion she told me about the INTO vision and work, I felt so much excitement that I could not stop
saying, "WOW!"  As time passed and "the routine" of my life sobered me, I left aside the effect of her news.  But, periodically the INTO story would re-appear in my orbit of "what's been happening."  I'd fetch and browse the literature.  One time I found myself reflecting on the years since 1989, when I first learned that "God is real."  Next, I thought about many of my efforts looking for, committing to, sticking with, celebrating or anguishing over, failing at, and quitting on the ideal-Be a help in others' lives.  Suddenly, I recognized that like true Christian missionaries before them Francesca Barbee and Malisha Richardson were validating the prayers, faith and struggles of all believers.

In the course of time I visited INTO at the Ohio City Open Air Market last summer and other venues throughout the year.  In that time I became a member and made several purchases from their collection.  By the way, I'm quite satisfied with all the products, both style and quality.

I'm convinced that supporting INTO IS a significant aspect of realizing my faith in God.  I feel I've joined with Christ through INTO to build His Church (Matthew 16:18).  This is the INTO deal, as I see it.  Certain people
(INTO) are organizing a dynamic exchange between peoples from two completely different worlds (local churches in Ohio and artisan families in Ecuador).  Both peoples are made part of this Christ-centered, Church-building work.  Each would give of their treasure.  Both would share in treasures which otherwise would be out of reach.  Both groups realize a blessing by God's hand through INTO.  Now that's beautiful!

This witness of INTO refreshes and challenges me to build the quality of my faith in God.  I may not fully realize any of my dreams; nevertheless, there's God's and Christ's love and care for me, therefore I'll be fine. Regardless of any disappointment, I can say with assurance because of God's hand in INTO business, I have been encouraged to "get about the business" of nourishing and developing my faith.  I have hoped my life, rather than lived in vain, would be one of commitment and cooperation toward justice for the poor.  Today, I feel more strongly than ever-God is real in my life.  Now, I appeal to you:  find God, believe God, show your faith, and support INTO! 

Thank God for Francesca and Malisha.  "WOW!"

Anthony Strickland,
INTO member

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Notes from the journey

Volume 2. Issue 4. Spring 2005

"Are you still there?"

   I am grateful to be able to sit down at this computer and write that business with INTO is going great.  We have new opportunities , we are being offered recurring invitations from places we've been and we are planning two of our largest fundraising programs yet.  However, looking back over the past year I must admit that I was not so sure that I would be able at this point to be so optimistic about the direction we are taking.

For anyone who has every started something from nothing what I am about to share is probably old news.  When Francesca, Henry, and I first began to venture into non- profit work we were all a little afraid, a little lost, and a little uncertain even, but the great thing about founding something from the ground up (especially right out of school) is there is nowhere to look but ahead.  There are no disappointments in your past to discourage you therefore pressing on is easier because you can only see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Well, time is a funny thing!  Its just like life ,time wears on every man and creates many changes...some good some not so good.

The year 2004 was difficult in that we were constantly going through changes and transition.  Francesca and I were working 4-5 jobs including INTO and getting funding was found to be even more difficult than we thought.  I found myself asking the Lord, "Are you still there?"  I began to wonder if He was still on our side, if He still agreed with what we were doing.  But, as I said before. time is a funny thing because it brings forth change.  I realize now that God was always with INTO even through a year like 2004 where transition was all around us.  I realize that it wasn't God who had left, but it was my own discouragement that caused me to feel like He was one. 

Today, I can honestly say I thank God for transitions, all the jobs, all the hard times, all the learning experiences and all the help that has come our way.  I can find joy in transitions now, because an organization should always be changing and growing. as we know growing pangs are painful.  So, this is a little thank you to our Father for STILL BEING THERE!

- Malisha Richardson
(co- Executive Director)