I realize as never before how the work of Evangeline Ministries was born out of desperate need. We are about to start a new class and there was such excitement as the women came to tell us about themselves, their plans and more realistically dreams. I am not sure why but I was almost shocked when I realized that none of the ladies to came to us had had any work for a long time. They are desperate for something to do but there is so much more. I learned some things from them. Word about us is spread far and wide and each person came because of the recommendation of another woman. Others because they had seen the garments made by graduates. I am pleased to work together with a seniors club from Masiphumelele and four of their people will participate in the classes. Everyone committed to stay the course. None had even touched a computer before so that will be quite a challenge for the teacher. They all wanted to sew to start a business and none had any experience except for one lady who told me she was successful in selling tupperware! One woman perhaps summed it up best when she said she had done some sewing at school but never had a chance to learn properly. "I like sewing and this is my chance now," she said. And a word about the teachers, Namgamso, Paul, Mandisa and Rachel. I was so proud of them as they did the interviews, each one taking turns to ask the prospects the questions. We have a big responsibility to these students, something we gladly accept with God's help and yours.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Born out of Need
I realize as never before how the work of Evangeline Ministries was born out of desperate need. We are about to start a new class and there was such excitement as the women came to tell us about themselves, their plans and more realistically dreams. I am not sure why but I was almost shocked when I realized that none of the ladies to came to us had had any work for a long time. They are desperate for something to do but there is so much more. I learned some things from them. Word about us is spread far and wide and each person came because of the recommendation of another woman. Others because they had seen the garments made by graduates. I am pleased to work together with a seniors club from Masiphumelele and four of their people will participate in the classes. Everyone committed to stay the course. None had even touched a computer before so that will be quite a challenge for the teacher. They all wanted to sew to start a business and none had any experience except for one lady who told me she was successful in selling tupperware! One woman perhaps summed it up best when she said she had done some sewing at school but never had a chance to learn properly. "I like sewing and this is my chance now," she said. And a word about the teachers, Namgamso, Paul, Mandisa and Rachel. I was so proud of them as they did the interviews, each one taking turns to ask the prospects the questions. We have a big responsibility to these students, something we gladly accept with God's help and yours.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Another New Start!
It is so good to be back in Cape Town to begin again a new program in a New Year! Today I met with our teachers and before we even began our planning, an unexpected donor had left a most needed gift for us, a huge box of cloth that we can use for our classes. I do not know who it is but they had heard about Evangeline Ministries and wanted to bless us. We are so thankful. And then I learned from Rachel that our December 2010 graduates are already at work making beautiful garments for sale and I can hardly wait to write that story. Our first class will include some of the ladies from a Seniors Club in Masiphumelele and you can see them in the picture. The Living Way campus is beautiful, at its best in the summer and it was great to be welcomed back as part of what is a life changing program. So yes, we are ready for another new start.
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