One word. Sent.
APSTL (say it "Apostle") is a Christian clothing brand run by one person in Launceston, Tasmania. It exists to start conversations about Jesus, and 100% of its profits go to the mission.
Four years in the making
I'm Ezra. APSTL has been in the works for the past four years. As passions have built and faith has deepened, it emerged as a symbol for believers to be encouraged in sharing the gospel with others.
My faith isn't a marketing angle. It's the reason this exists. APSTL is still just me: I design every piece and answer every email, and print-on-demand partners print and post each order.
Apostle, without the vowels
An apostle is one who is sent. Jesus sent His first disciples out, and He still sends His people. APSTL keeps the meaning and drops the noise: five letters, sent to the four corners.
Made to be asked about
Most of us find it hard to bring up Jesus out of nowhere. It's a lot easier when someone else starts. So APSTL designs are made to make people curious: a lamb crowned with thorns, a word they half-recognise, a cross in an unexpected spot. They ask, and you answer.
"…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)
Art first, logo second
No giant slogans and nothing shouted at people. Each piece starts with a passage of Scripture and a single image, drawn to look good whether or not you know the story behind it. Logos stay small or are left off altogether.
The quality is part of the mission too. A piece that feels good gets worn often, and a piece that lasts gets worn for years. Every time it's worn, the message goes out again. So everything is made to be comfortable, to hold up wash after wash, and to be the one you reach for first.
Clothing that sends
100% of APSTL's profits go to the mission: baptisms, Bibles delivered, practical support for people in need, and outreach through mentoring, evangelism and ministry. The Mission page explains how it works.
Why APSTL
Why does the spread of the gospel matter?
Because Jesus told His people to take it everywhere, and promised to go with them. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19–20) That command hasn't expired, and APSTL exists to help carry it out.
Why support missionaries?
Nobody can believe a message they've never heard, and someone has to go and tell it. "And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?" (Romans 10:14–15) The early church backed the people who went: "For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth." (3 John 1:7–8)
Why buy clothing instead of just giving?
Giving directly is good, and we'd never talk anyone out of it. Clothing does two jobs at once: it opens conversations where you live, and its profits support the work far away. Paul thanked a church that partnered with him "in giving and receiving", saying, "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit." (Philippians 4:15, 17) We see every purchase as that kind of partnership.
Is it right for gospel workers to be paid?
Yes. Scripture is plain that people who give their lives to the gospel should be supported by it. "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." (1 Corinthians 9:9) "In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." (1 Corinthians 9:14) That's why APSTL's profits go to the people in the field doing that work. (Ezra currently takes no wage from APSTL.)
Do I have to buy something to be part of this?
No. Buy something because you love it and want to wear it, not because you feel you have to. "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) And Paul's principle holds: "whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6)
Start with one conversation.