Phil and Emily were midway through their wedding preparations. However something about their plans didn’t seem right.
‘As we began to think about a gift list, we started to feel a bit uncomfortable about receiving so much stuff, and about that amount of money being spent on us,’ recalls Emily.
They decided to give their guests the option of giving to Tearfund’s Yemen Appeal. ‘It is such an awful situation that needs so much light bringing to it,’ says Phil.
The response they received was amazing. They still received plenty of gifts and enough ‘stuff’ to embark on their new life, but they said ‘We had lots of positive comments. We were delighted that so many people gave so generously!’
Alice and Andrew: ring of truth.
No fairytale wedding would be complete without a pair of shiny, beautiful wedding rings. The origins of the rings themselves, though, can be anything but ‘fairytale’.
Many diamonds and precious metals are tainted by bloodshed and violence, often exploiting workers and the environment. Andrew and Alice decided they wanted to ‘do no harm’ in the choice of rings for their coming wedding.
‘We did lots of research and brought up the topic of ethical rings with high-street jewellers,’ recalls Alice. ‘They weren't really aware of the issues, so we had some really good conversations with them.’
They looked at buying a bespoke ethical ring online, but cash was limited (and there were solar panels to buy). ‘It has been a challenge. But we think we've ended up with a good solution involving recycled gold from a ring I inherited, and we’ve bought some ethical diamonds to go with it. It’s arriving next week – I can’t wait!’
PLEASE PRAY
Look back at the stories briefly. See how so many people found simple ways they could use their interests, passions and talents to contribute, turning the weddings into generous, world-hugging events.
Now think: do you have a passion or a talent that you could be putting to positive use more – whether it’s for creation, people in poverty, or just people you know? Ask God to highlight a gift that you could put to work, blessing others.