Building Lives International

Local Ministry

We have always viewed one of our priorities as giving back to the community. Some of the organizations that we support include the Lynchburg Historical Foundation, Friends of the Market, Lynchburg Community Market President, Lynchburg Makers Faire, Downtown Association, Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, Academy Center of the Arts, Goodwill Industries, Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg Humane Society, Miller Elementary Theatre, Habitat for Humanity, Co.Starters , and our very own Building Lives International (Tejiendo Vidas Internacional). The latter is our own ministry through which we serve our local community and support students in third world countries by helping them with their education and provide housing for them and their families.

We have had the privilege to support Postpartum Virginia Support at the annual Ladies Luncheon which was held in Arlington, VA at the Washington Golf and Country Club.

One of our greatest joys is being able to routinely teach public school children who are brought to the Lynchburg Community Market for field trips. During this time, we have the opportunity to teach them about the process in which artisans make items to support themselves. We are also able to share with them how each year we are able to go to the artisan’s home country to not only visit with them and build relationships but to also help them in physicals way such has aiding their children in education and building them a home.

As part of our ministry to the local community, Dwayne provides premarital counseling and performs weddings for the local students.

Curtis and Jessica

Nathan and Erica

Eman and Katelyn

Another part of our ministry to the local community is being there for local families who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Jeff and Deborah Keeling at the funeral for Jeff's brother, Blair, who went home to be with the Lord.

Dwayne also fills in at local churches throughout the south and regularly teaches at Men's Retreats.

2017 Aim High Men's Conference
Milford, Iowa

2018 Aim High Men's Conference
Milford, Iowa

International Ministry

Through our ministry, we empower artisans in third world countries and local artisans by sourcing items directly through them. In so doing, we ensure that producers get a fair price for their product. In particular, for those in third world countries, this serves to reduce poverty, provide for the ethical treatment of workers, and promote environmentally sustainable practices. In turn, our customers can purchase products with confidence that they are doing so in line with their values and principles.

Moises Rayo lives in Esteli, Nicaragua, and is the first one in his family to have the opportunity to attend college.

We also love not only visiting our artisans, but to also build relationships with them, and be a part of assisting them with the education of their children and meeting some of their physical needs.

Congratulations, Jarixa! She is one of several students who is sponsored by Building Lives International. The funds given by this ministry allowed her to successfully complete her high school studies. She is the first one in her family to do so and we are so proud of her and equally honored to be a part of her journey. Her plans are now to go on to attend college, and Building Lives International will continue to support her as she works toward her educational goals. Jarixa lives in Esteli, Nicaragua.

Congratulations, Marling! She is one of several students who is sponsored by Building Lives International. The funds given by this ministry allowed her to successfully complete not only high school studies but continues to provide for her as she studies at unversity. She is well on her way to becoming a teacher! We are so proud of her and equally honored to be a part of her journey. Marling, lives in Esteli, Nicaragua.