The Trumpet Sounds - Hope to Victory

Faith, Craftsmanship & The Beauty of God’s Gifts

Jennifer Beckford

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Have you ever thought about the hands behind the things we love? The wood carvings, pottery, jewelry, and textiles we admire are not just objects—they are the result of dedication, skill, and God-given talent.

In this episode, I share my eye-opening experience in Ghana’s Aburi Cultural Village, where I witnessed artisans using basic tools to create breathtaking works of art. This visit made me reflect on how often we take these things for granted and how we should appreciate the work, skill, and wisdom behind them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The beauty of craftsmanship and why we should honor those who create.
  • A biblical perspective on wisdom, creativity, and the works of our hands (Proverbs 24:3-4 & Ecclesiastes 2:26).
  • The importance of gratitude for both God’s creation and human skill.

🙏 Let’s reflect, appreciate, and pray for artisans who pour their hearts into their craft.

📌 Listen, Subscribe & Share! If this episode blessed you, leave a review and share it with someone who needs encouragement.

#FaithAndCreativity #HandmadeWithLove #SupportArtisans #GodsWisdom #Gratitude #FaithPodcast


About the host:

Jennifer Beckford is the founder of the Nicholas Stewart Project, a loving mother, and a believer in the power of community development and its resilience.

For as long as she can remember, Jennifer has been passionate about helping others. Throughout her adult life, she continues to give her time in the service of helping others, even when, on occasions, it seems impossible!

Jennifer says: “I feel compelled to do at least one voluntary task each week”.


Follow us:
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@nicholasstewartproject
Facebook: @thetrumpetsounds
LinkedIn: The Nicholas Stewart Project
Instagram: @_thensp






Here's a refined and well-structured version of your transcript:

A Deeper Appreciation for Handcrafted Art and God's Creation

Today, I want to highlight something that we often take for granted—what goes on behind the scenes. We walk into stores, see beautiful finished products, and admire them. Whether it's exquisite carvings, handcrafted pottery, plaques, or furniture, we bring these items into our homes without thinking much about the hands that created them.

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Ghana, where I met a lovely lady who runs a small restaurant in the Aburi Cultural Village. While there, I explored the back of the village and was amazed by the intricate craftsmanship happening behind the scenes. At the front, I saw beautiful handmade carvings, plaques, chairs, clothing, beads, and other exquisite works of art—all created with skill and dedication.

A Newfound Appreciation

Seeing these artisans at work gave me a deeper appreciation for the effort that goes into creating these pieces. These craftsmen use only basic tools, working tirelessly with their hands to shape wood, mold clay, and craft intricate designs. It made me reflect on how often we, as consumers, fail to recognize the labor behind the products we enjoy.

The Bible reminds us of the wisdom and knowledge God grants to those who please Him. Ecclesiastes 2:26 (ESV) says:

"For to the one who pleases him, God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy."

Similarly, Proverbs 24:3-4 (ESV) tells us:

"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

These scriptures remind us that the talents and skills given to these artisans come from God. Their work is a reflection of His wisdom and creativity.

The Hard Work Behind the Beauty

Many merchants purchase these handmade items in bulk and resell them, often undervaluing the artisans' labor. These skilled men and women put in immense effort, using their hands instead of machines, yet they are not always fairly compensated. We, as consumers, enjoy the finished products, but do we stop to appreciate the true cost of craftsmanship?

This experience also made me reflect on God's creation. Everything on earth—wood, clay, water, plants—has been given to us for a purpose. Yet, mankind often abuses these natural resources, forgetting to appreciate their value. Scientists and industries sometimes exploit these materials in ways that go beyond their intended purpose. But when artisans use organic, natural, and untouched resources to create beauty, it is truly something to admire.

A Call to Appreciation

My encouragement today is simple: take a moment to appreciate the works of others.

  • When you walk outside, look at the sky, the trees, and the wonders of nature—God’s creation is all around us.
  • When you visit a craft shop or buy souvenirs, think about the hands that made them.
  • Say a prayer for the artisans, that they may be paid fairly and continue to use their God-given talents to bless the world.

Everything we enjoy—our homes, our clothing, even the food we eat—comes from someone’s hard work and God’s provision. Let’s not take these things for granted. Instead, let’s be mindful, grateful, and prayerful.

May we always give glory and praise to God, who has given wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to mankind. Amen.