Restoring Hope

Hope Restored

That is what this Evangeline Ministries

2009 graduation was all about. Never have I seen the women look lovelier. The design of the clothes which they made in order to complete their assignments, was more intricate than ever. Rev. John Thomas, founder of the Living Hope work with which Evangeline is associated said this. "You are a restorer of hope." We celebrated hope for women, all of whom would never have had this opportunity without us. They worked hard and well. Class attendance was almost 95 per cent. They deserved their sewing machines, bibles and all the other things, aprons, blankets, track suits they made and you could see the pride and joy in their faces.

I was impressed that this class had made some of the most decorative dresses I had seen to date.

Avril Thomas, who directs the work of the support groups from which several of the women came, encouraged them to use their gifts well and, while, like the one man in the Bible parable who hid his coin, she could understand their fear at perhaps starting their own business, God would help them overcome that fear. My friend Dr. Peter Kjeseth lifted their hearts when he told them in their own language, "you give me great joy. You have suffered, but you are making something out of your suffering."

This was the second graduation for the year and the 6th since EM began its ministry here in Cape Town. We have given away 65 sewing machines to deserving students.Some of them have found jobs, others work making bags and one has even started her own restaurant. Yes, we have given hope as the women testify. It was so good to see former graduates attend as well.

At this Christmas time when we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ, it is right that we together work to be restorers of hope, wherever and whoever we are. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who, according to His great mercy,has caused us to be born again to a living Hope through the resurrection of Christ from the dead." (1 Peter:3)