In an effort to help church members help themselves financially, Davao City church pastor Edmond Macaraeg motivated the members of the local congregation to start and spearhead the production of handmade flower cards through a series of seminar-workshops held every Sunday, beginning November 16 at their residence. This activity is being envisioned as a home-based livelihood program for our membership.

This program was first promoted as a nationwide livelihood church project in the early ‘90s. Members who then acquired knowledge and experience in handmade paper production technology and skill in the art of flower card production have been tapped to assist in the workshops.

In the midst of difficult employment opportunities for our members—who may also lack the skills and capital needed to put up competitive businesses—Mr. Macaraeg pointed out that this livelihood program could help alleviate their economic difficulties as long as they do their part.
Some of the outstanding features of this program are:

· The basic raw materials do not have to be imported, but is free for the picking in their home gardens, neighborhood, or nearby fields. The only two chemicals which need to be purchased regularly are caustic soda and chlorine powder.

· The project does not require expensive specialized equipment or tools, but common things at home. The only things that need to be initially purchased as equipment are silkscreen material and welded wire mesh. These are mounted on wooden frames constructed according to specifications. Also needed are several pieces of plain galvanized iron sheets cut into two specific dimensions for drying the paper pulp.

· Participants in the program can do the work in their own homes, at their own pace, and in their convenient times. Thus, they do not have to leave their household duties and responsibilities, nor do they need to be away from their homes and children. In this manner, they will also have no conflict with Sabbath rest day or the festivals.

The Davao congregation has already shipped to the US an initial 138 handmade flower cards, and produced the first volume catalog containing 48 flower card designs. This first order was sent to the Mortier family in Wisconsin, who also attended the Feast here.

With this series of seminar-workshops, we hope to train more individuals who wish to be involved and benefit from this livelihood program, which we pray God will bless. UNP