An unemployed person struggles with self-respect and insecurity. When a family’s income is small, they lack food and often go to bed hungry. In order to break this curse and to make our believers independent and provide employment, we started two sewing centers to help local people discover and develop their talent in this area. Our sewing centers provide those in need with tools to increase their income. Our sewing centers have given a new ray of hope for a brighter future, to people who previously had no hope.
Last week two groups of our tailoring center students, 31 students in all, graduated from the program. One group had completed the course four months ago, but had not yet received their certificates. They entered the program as unbelievers, and most are now believers.
Testimonies From The Sewing Centers
Sister S*
Sister S* testified that the sewing center was a blessing to her. She said, “My life has changed since I began attending the sewing center. My husband has been bedridden for the past year and I am now the sole bread winner for my 3 children and husband. We lived in a state of depression because there was no one to support us. After completing the training, you gave me two sewing machines. This enabled me to start my own sewing business in my village. Slowly my sewing skills improved and perfected, attracting many customers from the nearby villages. Now our life is stable, and things are far better than before. Today, prayerfully, and with your help, we have started another sewing center, and 28 students are enrolled so far. More than all this, Jesus has come into our lives and he has transformed our lives and our families.”
Sister T*
T* has now been married for seven years with three children. She lives in a very remote village. The roads are poorly maintained, the people live in poverty, and travel outside the village is very difficult. Her husband works in the nearby town, but he only comes home once a month. Sadly, T*’s three-year-old daughter fell ill and because she could not afford adequate medical help, the child died. Because of this tragedy, she felt the need to earn some money herself, to help the family. She came to our sewing center and completed the six month program. The sewing machine provided by us has been a huge blessing to her family, and now she is able to earn money by stitching clothes and pillow covers. She proudly testified that last week she bought a gas cylinder for cooking. Before that, they cooked with firewood and dried cow dung. She said a gas cylinder has been her heart’s desire for many years.
Sister B*
B*, a Muslim woman, says “I never, ever thought that church would do this kind of social work. It has been my privilege to join the sewing classes. For small stitching needs, we had depended on the tailors who charge a lot of money, which we have been unable to pay due to our financial condition. But from now on, I will save the money, and save for the future of my children. I will also tell others about this training.”
Sister L*
L* says “From my childhood I had a desire to learn tailoring but there was no tailoring center around. Our only source of income has been from whatever my father earns. But now it is a great blessing for me to learn tailoring and help my family financially.”
“Sowing” into “Sewing”
Seeing the life changing impact and the lives that have been touched through sewing centers, we are praying about starting more sewing centers in this area. The only way any of this is possible is through your prayers and financial support. Please consider giving to our sewing center programs. Your investment will forever change the lives of these women and empower them to provide for their families and communities.