OUR STORY — COUNTRY WOMAN MAGAZINE ARTICLE, 12/08
Nativity Creativity: This family ministers through Christmas miniatures.
From their South Jordan home in Utah, Ginger and Garrick Hyde and their children spread joy through the world. They discovered a wonderful way—in a manger.
“For years, we’ve collected international Nativities,” Ginger says. “It’s fascinating how each culture represents the Christmas story.” Yet their hundreds of crafted creches are more than a hobby for the Hydes. They’re a year-round means for helping others.
“In 2003, we began purchasing one-of-a-kind Nativities handmade by artisans from third-world nations,” she explains. “Figuring we were helping industrious people provide for their families, we bought another and another. At last count, we had 241 sets.
“Friends asked us where they could find similar ones, which inspired us to start a family service project we call World Nativity. We buy creches made in Asia, Africa and Latin America at the price the artisans ask. Then we sell the sets at a modest profit and return the proceeds to charities that assist people in developing countries.”
Currently, the Hydes work with more than 50 Nativity makers, from Kenya to Senegal to Sri Lanka and beyond. “We find them through missionaries and folks we know who are visiting or working in those countries,” Ginger says. “It’s a miracle how God brings us together.
“Many of these talented people had been supporting entire families on less than $500 a year. One of our Nativity orders can triple their annual income. More important, they appreciate the opportunity to work for a living and maintain their dignity.”
Global Goals
Originally, the family sold most of the Nativities on eBay. A year ago, they designed a Web site to sell directly to the public. “The bulk of our customers are not collectors of exotic art,” Ginger says. “They’re just good people, who want to reach out to those in need.”
Since the project began, World Nativities has sold over 1,100 creches and donated about $35,000 to charity. “Garrick and I research humanitarian programs, which we then discuss as a family,” she says. “Our children decide how contributions are allocated. The money has been used to dig water wells in remote villages, provide tuition to students, sponsor orphans and furnish loans to women starting businesses.”
The creativity of third-world artists is amazing, Ginger says. “In our personal collection, we have a Nativity made of orange peels from Colombia, one from Peru fashioned from gourds, and a set from Mexico constructed with old car parts,” she says. “Others are made from wheat, cornhusks and banana leaf fibers.”
The Nativities are a year-round project to which the family devotes 20 hours a week. “Chloe, 16, and Alec, 14, track our inventory and pack sets for shipping,” Ginger says. “Hannah, 10, makes thank-you notes each customer receives with their Nativity. And 5-year-old Everett mostly enjoys playing with the animal figurines in the stables.”
A Nativity “Museum”
Two years ago, the Hydes hosted their first Nativity open house, displaying more than 100 sets from their collection. Some 900 people made appointments to take a guided tour through the sacred scenes.
“We set out as many as will fit in our living, dining and family rooms,” Ginger says. “Whenever possible, we place photos of the artisans next to the Nativities they made. It helps guests make a personal connection to families all over the globe and understand the challenges they’re facing.
“A lesson we and our children have learned is that an average family with average resources can change the world by serving others. Every time I see the Holy Family in a Nativity scene, I know it can be done.”
Editor’s Note: For more on World Nativity, contact the Hyde family at 1-801/282-0800. Go to their Web site through ours, clicking “Links.”
Photo Credits: Baciphotography.com
© 2008 Country Woman Magazine
From their South Jordan home in Utah, Ginger and Garrick Hyde and their children spread joy through the world. They discovered a wonderful way—in a manger.
“For years, we’ve collected international Nativities,” Ginger says. “It’s fascinating how each culture represents the Christmas story.” Yet their hundreds of crafted creches are more than a hobby for the Hydes. They’re a year-round means for helping others.
“In 2003, we began purchasing one-of-a-kind Nativities handmade by artisans from third-world nations,” she explains. “Figuring we were helping industrious people provide for their families, we bought another and another. At last count, we had 241 sets.
“Friends asked us where they could find similar ones, which inspired us to start a family service project we call World Nativity. We buy creches made in Asia, Africa and Latin America at the price the artisans ask. Then we sell the sets at a modest profit and return the proceeds to charities that assist people in developing countries.”
Currently, the Hydes work with more than 50 Nativity makers, from Kenya to Senegal to Sri Lanka and beyond. “We find them through missionaries and folks we know who are visiting or working in those countries,” Ginger says. “It’s a miracle how God brings us together.
“Many of these talented people had been supporting entire families on less than $500 a year. One of our Nativity orders can triple their annual income. More important, they appreciate the opportunity to work for a living and maintain their dignity.”
Global Goals
Originally, the family sold most of the Nativities on eBay. A year ago, they designed a Web site to sell directly to the public. “The bulk of our customers are not collectors of exotic art,” Ginger says. “They’re just good people, who want to reach out to those in need.”
Since the project began, World Nativities has sold over 1,100 creches and donated about $35,000 to charity. “Garrick and I research humanitarian programs, which we then discuss as a family,” she says. “Our children decide how contributions are allocated. The money has been used to dig water wells in remote villages, provide tuition to students, sponsor orphans and furnish loans to women starting businesses.”
The creativity of third-world artists is amazing, Ginger says. “In our personal collection, we have a Nativity made of orange peels from Colombia, one from Peru fashioned from gourds, and a set from Mexico constructed with old car parts,” she says. “Others are made from wheat, cornhusks and banana leaf fibers.”
The Nativities are a year-round project to which the family devotes 20 hours a week. “Chloe, 16, and Alec, 14, track our inventory and pack sets for shipping,” Ginger says. “Hannah, 10, makes thank-you notes each customer receives with their Nativity. And 5-year-old Everett mostly enjoys playing with the animal figurines in the stables.”
A Nativity “Museum”
Two years ago, the Hydes hosted their first Nativity open house, displaying more than 100 sets from their collection. Some 900 people made appointments to take a guided tour through the sacred scenes.
“We set out as many as will fit in our living, dining and family rooms,” Ginger says. “Whenever possible, we place photos of the artisans next to the Nativities they made. It helps guests make a personal connection to families all over the globe and understand the challenges they’re facing.
“A lesson we and our children have learned is that an average family with average resources can change the world by serving others. Every time I see the Holy Family in a Nativity scene, I know it can be done.”
Editor’s Note: For more on World Nativity, contact the Hyde family at 1-801/282-0800. Go to their Web site through ours, clicking “Links.”
Photo Credits: Baciphotography.com
© 2008 Country Woman Magazine