The Work of Our Hands is a nonprofit, retail outlet, supported by volunteers, which markets gifts and crafts made by artisans in developing countries. Our name is taken from Psalm 90:17: "May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands." Volunteers from many churches and civic organizations in the Pella area, work together to provide an outlet for handicrafts from artisans around the world who would otherwise be unemployed or under-employed. 

The Work of Our Hands is one of a growing number of nonprofit, Fair Trade shops across the United States and Canada that sell Fair Trade products. The products in our store come from artisans living in impoverished circumstances in over thirty different countries around the world. In addition, we sell books that focus on cultural diversity.

The Work of Our Hands also supports these artisans by helping to start shops similar to ours across the country. Our interest-free start-up loans have helped start shops in Orange City, IA; Des Moines, IA; Hickory, NC; Rochester, MN; Mechanicsburg, PA: San Jose, CA; Richmond, VA; Harrisburg, PA; Tucson, AZ; Overland Park, KS and Iowa City, IA. In this way, our efforts have a ripple effect throughout the country. Funds are still available for new store start-up loans; Feel free to contact us in writing if you or someone you know would like to open a nonprofit store.

The Work of Our Hands has had the opportunity to send four of our store volunteers on Educational Learning Tours to other countries, enabling them to meet artisans where they work and live. They are all available to give presentations about their experiences. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in having one of them give a presentation to your organization or group.