Wow—time really does fly when you’re having fun. And it seems to fly even faster when you’re building a business while raising six energetic boys! Between creating and producing our all-natural products, connecting with our growing online community of Rooted enthusiasts, and fulfilling orders (all while navigating the technical challenges of a budding business), our greatest work—loving and caring for our six sons—keeps us on our toes every single day.
May brought a familiar transition for many of you: shifting from school rhythms to the slower, sun-soaked days of summer. Here in the Summers household, we’re learning the dance anew this year, after the unusual school-to-summer schedule of 2020 left everything upended. For us, May marked the return of graduation ceremonies and birthday parties—events that didn’t happen last year—reminding us of both the joys and the milestones that make life so rich and full.
Amid the busyness and transitions of our own lives—and thanks be to God, emerging from lockdowns and masks—we are reminded that for many of the world’s poor, the effects of the pandemic remain a harsh, daily reality.
As we prayed and reflected on where to invest our Rooted tithe—our “Good For Others” commitment to dedicate 10% of all Rooted sales to uplift the poor in developing countries—a post on Facebook from a dear friend studying abroad caught our attention.
Phillip Douglas and his family are living in Nepal while he pursues a Master’s degree. They are an inspiring, dedicated family, intentionally serving among communities with limited resources and little access to the Gospel. Recently, the Douglas family mobilized friends and supporters to provide critical aid to families struggling under the latest lockdowns.
Phillip shared:
“With the recent spike in COVID cases in both India and Nepal, the entire country of Nepal is now in a complete lockdown. Most daily wage workers are not allowed to work and earn the $2–5 per day that they would normally rely on. Their situation is critical!”
This glimpse into the struggles faced by families in Nepal reminded us of the urgency and importance of our Good For Others giveback—and why every sale at Rooted For Good can make a tangible difference in lives far beyond our own.
Phillip went on to share:
“With your help, 41 families have received food for roughly 30–40 days—food that many of them perhaps would not have had otherwise. Thank you for your kindness and willingness to share your resources with some of our brothers and sisters here in Nepal who are in great need!”
The afternoon after Phillip and his family, working alongside other local volunteers, distributed the food, he texted me:
“Brother, I’m so humbled but pumped up right now. With your donation, we were able to serve 41 families this morning. I actually felt like God wanted me to serve a particular little village with your donation. There’s a young pastor who started a church in this little village. We served the area near a brick factory where people probably make 200 rupees per day—under $2! We gathered about 30 people into a little tin chapel they use as a church, and I got to share the Good News a bit with them, encourage them, and pray with them. Both Christians and Hindus alike—so praise God, and I am so thankful to you and Brooke for opening that door for me!”
Stories like this remind us why our Good For Others commitment is so meaningful. Every sale, every gift, every act of generosity has the power to provide food, hope, and spiritual encouragement to families in desperate need around the world.
For our part, we at Rooted are deeply honored to have your support and trust in our small business. It’s because of you that together we can make a tangible impact for so many in need! Every purchase, every time you share your love for your favorite Rooted scrub, essential oil, or skincare product, each 5-star review, and all of your engagement on Facebook and Instagram—each of these actions is making a difference. For the families in Nepal this month, your support translates into meals they can actually feel and rely on at every mealtime. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
Joseph Summers
