We needed a plumber last fall for a project at our house. After asking around for references we finally looked in marketplace. We immediately recognized Paul when he came to bid. Our kids are in the same Sunday School class, and we had crossed paths during pickup many Sundays. Now we know him.

I never knew the coffee shop near my office was owned and operated by Sharon, even though she sits just a few rows from us in worship! I'm glad I took a look in the marketplace list. Supporting her small business is just one more way to deepen my sense of community in our big church, and every purchase helps fund our church through alliance.

Adding my business to marketplace was easy. I never expected much out of it, but I've already had a chance to meet and serve 5 families from my church so far this year. Now I am participating in alliance so my business success funds the church at no cost to me.

We love meeting new customers through our free listing, and now we are giving back to our church by using alliance for our merchant services. It was easy to set up, and is generating about $140 per month for our church.