By: Paula McNutt
Three years ago, while visiting with our church on a mission trip, many of the mothers in the Hope of Life/Causelife village started to learn how to make skirts for their children to wear to school. They had previously shared that getting the material and having them sewn was often a burden for them. The skirts that their children wore then barely fit and had been altered many times or simply looked worn out. Our ministry decided to donate the material needed for the skirts so the women learning to sew in the vocational school could learn to make these skirts for their children! In Guatemala, the school year begins in January and ends in October. Chris and I moved to Guatemala in January, so I immediately began sewing because many children needed new skirts for the upcoming school year. I was all they had to help them with this project—and I do not sew…none…nada (or speak the language, I might add). But, I was able to give a helping hand and learn how to use the machine to make the buttonholes. Although so much seemed to be against us, God was with us and we made it through. It always amazes me how God shows us a way when there doesn’t seem to be one. However, this year, Chris and I were praying for a teacher to help them to improve their skills and help them sew the uniform skirts. And as He always does, God had a perfect plan.
Kerry and Sharon are two volunteers I met that came from Michigan with their church. Once they came to Hope of Life, they planned to stay an extra month to be used in any way the Lord led. They both sew and were more than willing to help the ladies make a skirt for every child in the village. They shared their knowledge with these ladies and helped them understand the importance of each step in the process. It was so rewarding for all of us to see the joy brought to these mothers as they completed one skirt and began another. They were so proud of their work and began to become confident, talented and capable seamstresses.
The skirt project is now completed and every child has a new skirt! The women were almost immediately anxious to learn to sew something else. Kerry and Sharon plan to continue to teach how to use patterns in the coming the week! We are so thankful that they gave their time to share their knowledge and spread the seeds of love and hope to these women!
Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
