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Experience the ever expanding phenomenon that is the flea market, in this behind the scenes look at the event. Discover the hearts of those who contributed to making this day a success…
Gerard, Mr Cheap Clothing…
“My work actually starts a few months earlier at the depot, where we receive donations and do the first sorting. We receive all sorts of things! We have to throw some items away; clean clothes, tag it, fold it and put it back in boxes in different categories. It’s a huge task that takes 10 of us over 6 weeks. It’s a big responsibility and asks a lot of energy and patience, as everyone is a volunteer and it often happens that there aren’t enough people for the task at hand. This year we had 316 boxes of cheap clothing! I don’t know if I can explain how much work that represents!
I encourage brothers and sisters who help us, that we must see each box that we sort as contributing to the advancing of the Kingdom. The Flea Market is an extraordinary opportunity to give our lives, and sow for the kingdom! For me, it’s a way to invest in what God is doing for His church; participating in the revival and restoration of leaders, and in announcing the gospel! I don't hesitate to give myself for this from 7am to 10pm for the months that lead up to the Flea Market.”
Michel, the Chef …
"I start work 4 months early just to organise the teams. The kitchen is a large department: this year, 125 people participated! I have someone in charge of stocking, another in charge of buying, and another of donations... it’s a huge team as all the Mauritian churches are involved, especially the Port Louis church, which I look after.
This time we were blessed with beautiful uniforms, which are essential for hygiene, and meant that the 125 strong team, were dressed professionally!
This year’s exploit was cooking 85 kg of noodles, 50 kg of rice and 345 portions of grilled meat with only two teams, working from the previous midday. We were ready, at half past midnight, except for the BBQ that had to be cooked on the day, of course!
Behind all this, was the vision of the fruit of our work, that is what was driving us; I think that everyone is aware that, without the gospel, none of this would have been possible. I am very grateful for the motivation and the commitment of my brothers and sisters in raising funds for the mission in Africa.
Kamla, The Committee, Mrs Everywhere at… the same time!
“This is a very special time for me, these few months represent a time apart in the year where I contact donors, organise and collect the donations. We look for garments, as well as fresh foodstuffs for the kitchen, at low prices; everything that isn’t used in shops, homes and hotels interest us. We are grateful for what the Mauritians give! There are brothers and sisters that take time off to come and help, or to collect donations.
The sisters and I spend a lot of time in prayer, constantly asking the Lord to guide us and open doors for us, I organise the teams that work in the sorting depot, and for the day of the sale, that’s 400 people to find, to train and place in teams according to each department. Being in a team works our hearts, we are confronted daily, and we work in submission of heart with our brothers and sisters, this is the great challenge of each year… roll on next year!
Mackenzie, Mr Plants!
"I sell plants. Some are donated to us from nurseries, others from private contributors. I also cultivate plants and sell them.
The Flea Market is an opportunity for me as a servant of God, and the whole church, to serve the Lord together, this is the life of the church! I serve the Lord with my entire family, my wife, daughter, son and daughter in law all raise the plants together.
I had an African brother staying in my home, and he was so blessed to see the work the church took on to fund missions to Africa. He was awed by the enthusiasm of the church!’
Gilbert… The Committee, Mr Ready for anything
"The Flea Market has grown tremendously in the last 3 years, in size, in funds raised, in amount of people involved. For the first time, we started to have new brothers and sisters who joined us in the planning, and in order to take over one day.
With the committee, I make sure the everything runs smoothly, in all the organisation leading up to, as well as on, the big day. On the day, we coordinate 400 volunteers and 2800 visitors. I follow up on sales progress throughout the day, which means we can take appropriate decisions to liquidate excess stock, move around merchandise, and use empty stands. The rest of our stock will be distributed throughout the churches and other charities. This year a large amount of our remaining stock will go to Rodrigues.
We learn each year, through what worked and what didn’t, and so evolve and grow, so as to offer a better service. We’ve gained a certain expertise and reputation over the last 5 years. One flea market covers the cost of a national leader’s conference in Africa… encouraging, n’est ce pas?!
Brigitte, the Committee, Mrs Administration
"Since 2002, I work with a team in the administration of this big event. It’s 3 months of intensive work. We must think of everything: collecting donations, putting up the stands, preparing and decorating them, ticketing, pricing each object… As well as all this we have to manage 400 volunteers, train them according to their different departments.
I feel that the Lord has given us talents with which to bless His church. The Flea Market is the golden opportunity to use our gifts to participate in this great challenge, in serving the Lord and His Church. It’s also an opportunity to discover the hearts of those around us. It’s impossible to do such an event without the help and commitment of everyone involved.”
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