Vetiver grass handicrafts

The women sit on the floor of the church in a large group and each one of them is busy making something from Vetiver grass. One is making a hat, another one a bag and a third one a basket. When they finish something, it is collected centrally with the goal of being sold in town. A record is kept of the products each person makes so that the proceeds also go to them. A small percentage goes to the church.

I am visiting with the Meyah churches of the GPKAI in West Papua, and this is already the third round of 'Vetiver handicrafts' workshops for the congregations of the Meyah language group. Everyone in the language group is a member of the GPKAI, but economically it is difficult for people to keep up with the demands of modern life. This also makes it difficult to support their pastors and evangelists, so they were looking for ways to move forward economically.

More than a decade ago, they planted a lot of Vetiver grass. Initially to combat soil erosion along the road from the city to their villages. A year ago they discovered that they can also make money from Vetiver grass. At their own expense they had a team from Thailand come over to teach them how to make handicrafts from Vetiver grass. Those trained by the Thai trainers now train others through these 'Vetiver handicrafts' workshops. In the nearest town of Manokwari, they have signed agreements with several shops so that their products can be sold there.

It is encouraging to see the vision of the GPKAI church. The Meyah congregations are fully committed to helping their members and their leaders move forward economically. A great example for other churches.