SheHelps the Mother Who Deserted Her

She Helps the Mother Who Deserted Her
Ntombi Ngevu (akaNophelo) joined our sewing class in 2008. She stood out immediately as a warm, caring lady with a sweet smile that totally disguised the pain she endured. She had no prior knowledge of sewing but applied herself diligently and showed the same work ethic in computer class. Ntombi has now mastered even the technical aspects of the sewing machines. "I have moved from the basics and now I can sew as well as use a computer," she proudly declared recently. She is now able to earn a decent wage making traditional dresses for weddings and special occasions and soon with be part of a team that makes products for a major trading company in the Cape. Nophelo and her husband support both sides of their family and this support includes Nophelo's mother who abandoned her family after they arrived in Cape Town. With her husband's encouragement and her pastor's help she was able to forgive her Mom and now helps out financially with her half siblings. Her wish for Evangeline is: "I pray that you will receive even more than you give. The Bible says the one who gives is more blessed than the one who receives."

An entire family depends on her

An Entire Family Depends on Her
Noncedo Lutshetu came to Evangeline after hearing through the village grapevine about the sewing and computer program that we teach to the women. She completed the program in December 2009 and was given a sewing machine that is given to all graduates of the class. As a result she is able to support a family of nine-her parents, siblings and some extended family members, none of whom have jobs-on a small government grant and what she earns from making bags and various items that she can sell. With a ninth grade education and a HIV positive diagnosis, she felt coming to Evangeline and learning a trade was a chance to help herself and her family. She relishes reading the Bible we gave her and now attends church every Sunday. "You are the most wonderful thing that has happened to poor people in Masiphumelele. your help and support is a blessing," were here words when she graduated our class

Congratulation Mellon graduates

The morning was filled with such emotion when seven women from the Mellon Housing class received their completion certificates after three month of hard work. Weeping Nowethu Megali hugged Paul Blake, social director for the Irish philanthropic developer who builds hundreds of low cost income houses for people such as these ladies. "This sewing was my dream, but I had nothing, " she said. I had no money. Now this is my own skill and I am sewing. Thank you, thank you she sobbed." I was so happy that Evangeline Ministries could join with Living Way and the Mellon community to make Nowethu's dream come true. I had the privilege of addressing them and I congratulated them on a job well done. I encouraged them to work, not only for themselves and their families but also to help others in their community.

It was a win win for everyone. The women learned their new skills and Evangeline's teachers got the chance to expand their influence in the community as well as earn extra income. When the Mellon group began looking for a sewing program, Evangeline Ministries fitted nicely into their plans. We were in place with the teachers and equipment on the nearby Living Way campus to work with them. "For Mellon Housing this is an exciting day, " Blake said. "You all look beautiful and you have empowered yourself, you have taken a step forward.' One thing more is needed however. These women patterned their class after the Evangeline class with one big exception, they did not receive a sewing machine as will the December 4 Evangeline graduates. We could give each one a new sewing machine for $150 each. I pray you might find it in your heart to help us do that.

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