|
|
Welcome to our April Newsletter. This month we focus on one of the projects that we are partnering with: Evangeline Ministries. God bless and keep in touch. Bags of Hope Evangeline Ministries seeks to bring hope to women who live with HIV and AIDS. Missionary Wendy Ryan came to Living Hope from Virginia, the USA and saw the need for women in the Living Hope support group system to learn some skills to help them earn a living for themselves and their families. With the blessing of Rev. John Thomas, Chairperson of the Fish Hoek Baptist Church Community Trust, Wendy began sewing classes for the women. Out of these classes came the bag project which gives these women some greatly needed income. Once they graduate they are given a new sewing machine so they can do business in their homes. This development programme is growing into other communities and training now includes basic computer work. Living Way is working with Evangeline Ministries to promote and sell these bags. In accessing new markets, more bags will be sold in a variety of places. We are also expanding the range of products. All of this is aimed at the seamstresses earning a secure, sustainable income. As this progresses, so we will be raising up someone to take over the business altogether. The bags can be described as highly practical, African animal print cloth tote bags. They have inside, outside and side pockets that are decorated with hand cut wooden buttons. They are soft and lightweight and perfect for shopping and travel. They make wonderful gifts for overseas family and friends, as they are easy to pack and ship. You can be part of this sustainable solution to poverty. This is not about charity and handouts, it is about people earning their way out of poverty. You may be able to sell these bags within your business, circle of friends or church. Your involvement is highly valued as you are able to engage with a broad range of people – spreading the word and bringing people on board with this project. You can do this, knowing that your work will empower a group of seamstresses in Masiphumelele, Cape Town. Similarly, if you are interested in purchasing bags for yourself or family members, please contact Richard. How you can be part of this - Become a business mentor If you are a businessperson who would like to give back to the community and feel that you could be a mentor to an entrepreneur, Living Way would like to speak with you. We are wanting to mobilise businesspeople in the church to be part of the greater vision of Living Way. We can facilitate that relationship that you can use your experience and wisdom in the business world within God's Kingdom.- Sell Bags of Hope As mentioned above, the practical involvement of selling bags will go a long way in making the Bags of Hope a sustainable project. Please share with us how you see selling the bags in your context.- Volunteer There are many different ways that you can be part of the Living Way programme. These change from month to month as the programme focuses on different areas. If you feel moved to share some of your time and skills with us, please contact us. Our needs range from simple catering to designing flyers to research.Points of prayer
Poor nations are hungry, and rich nations are proud; and pride and hunger will ever be at variance. Jonathan Swift |
Therefore: we value and practice spiritual disciplines in the work environment and aim to provide opportunities for Christians and churches to engage with poverty.
PO Box 1700
|
Designed by NB Media |
