Mission complete - more blankets to Mali!

Rod, Malia and I met the missions team heading to Mali this Saturday, July 16.  We gave a short presentation and handed over the blankets.

Our prayers are with the team.  They have a difficult journey to get them to Koutiala.

Heavenly Father,  We lift up this team you have put together for just this mission.  We pray for safe travel. For all the bumps to be smoothed out before they even get to them.  We pray that each member have extra grace and love as they travel for many hours with new companions to a place that is so very different than home.   Lord pour out your spirit upon them as they become your hands and feet.  May your Holy Spirit give them all they need and more to finish the task you have prepared for them to do.  Thank You Jesus that you are already at work in their lives, real and tangible and thank you for what you are about to do.


In Jesus Name,  Amen

Thanks Team, for being apart of our ministry to the families of Koutiala.  God Bless!!

Serving Him in the Spirit,
Rod, Kathy and Malia

Psalm 126:5-6  Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.  Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow,will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

A "Singer" that still sows!!

About a month ago while Malia, Rod and I were at a dinner for the missionaries from the hospital in Koutiala, Mali, we met a woman who heard about our ministry.  We were talking to her about how we had had several women come to the  "block parties" who had never sewn or have not sewn in a very long time.  They were happy to help and with a little training they were sewing x's and taking kits home to make a blanket for a baby and mommy in Mali.   The woman asked if we could use another sewing machine to help with the ministry.  We said yes and she donated a sewing machine to help us make blankets and help other women to do the same.
Here is the interesting part of the story, the sewing machine was her sister's.  Her sister, an avid quilter and Christian, had used this machine for years.  Her sister had died of cancer within the past year and her sister's husband gave the sewing machine in hopes someone could be blessed...so she gave it to us.

This sewing machine is from the 1950's, I have ordered the instruction manual online.  We have tried the machine out and runs like a gem, Praise the Lord!!  Malia and I feel humble to be the vessels God is using to make blankets and pray for the families in Mali and the women who serve in this ministry.  Only God can use a young girl and some blankets to break the hearts of Christians and bring the lost to Himself.

Dear Jesus,  Oh what a sweet and tender God you are!  You are so creative, You are so compassionate and loving.  Lord bring comfort to this woman who gave this machine to us.   May you be glorified by the work that will be done with it.  May Your Name one day be praised by those who receive the blankets made in Your name.

Psalm 126:5-6

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.  He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. In Jesus precious and Holy Name, Amen

Blankets for New Day Orphanage

God is so good to provide more opportunities to pray for the brokenhearted in Africa.  We are making blankets for orphans in Zambia, Africa.  New Day Orphanage in Mapanza, Zambia, is just getting off the ground.  They received their 1st 4 orphans this month (June'11).   Their little faces are so sweet and we just can't resist wanting to serve them in this very special way.  We are making 10 prayer blankets and 1 for the Zambian house mother. New Day's vision is to have 10 houses with 10 orphans in each.  Each house will have a Christian, Zambian mother who will be responsible for caring for the children, getting them and dressed for  school, doing their laundry by hand, bathing them, singing to them, praying with them getting them ready for and putting them to bed.  She will be their mother.  These children will stay at New Day orphanage all their school years.  They will be provided with 1) a biblical world view,2) Zambian culture and 3)an excellent education.  All of these things will make them leaders in their community one day.  (That is the prayer).  All along coming to know Jesus as their personal savior and receiving the love of  family in Christ.
We have had another block party and have handed out and received back 10 finished blanket kits as well as one blanket for the Zambian mother.   It has been such a joy to be apart of this project.  Having names and faces of the 1st 4 orphans has made the prayers even sweeter.  All the blankets have been bathed in love and prayer with blessing cards and photos of the seamstress/prayer warrior.
To find out more about New Day Orphanage go to  www.newdayorphanage.org   or www.tidwelladoption.blogspot.com.

Thank you to all who helped out on this project.  It was a quick turnaround and God was faithful to provide seamstresses and fabric to complete the project on time.  The blankets go to Kansas this week and the container they will be in, will go at the end of June.  Praise the Lord.
I pray the love of Christ will touch these children and change them from the inside out.  I pray these children will give their lives to Christ and in turn grow and mature to serve their country with love and compassion spreading the gospel to the whole continent of Africa.  In Jesus precious name Amen

New Day Orphanage summary of who they are...

 Prayer New Day Orphanage:

Who are they and what is their vision?

New Day Orphanage is in Mapanza, Zambia Africa

The orphanage vision is based on 3 principles:

1.        Christian World view

2.        Zambian Culture

3.        Quality Education

Here is a portion of a blog post by Blu Tidwell, one of the current missionaries at the New Day Orphanage:

“Where are we heading?  Consider this: It is estimated that there are 1,100,000 orphans right now in Zambia.  That is about 19% of the population 18 years old and younger.  The reality of being an orphan and providing for oneself is not pretty.  A typical child laborer will earn somewhere around $3 per month (Child prostitutes earn considerably more: $6.30 per night.)1  And even though there are other orphanages working in Zambia, it would take 11,000 orphanages housing 100 orphans each to meet the need that exists in this country.  On one hand, statistics like these make things seem hopeless.  On the other hand, however, there is a huge potential for the spread of the gospel. 

Early Christianity experienced tremendous growth, in part, because Roman law allowed for the abandoning of children.  Christians would take these orphaned children, care for them, and teach them the word of God.  It's a great example of God taking a horrible situation, and making something good from it. 

New Day Orphanage has a chance to do the same thing.  The concept isn’t difficult.  God’s desire is that believers care for orphans.  We live in a place where orphans abound.  You put the two together, and it’s fertile ground to see just how far God wants to take this ministry.  I really believe that the impact from what we do (And by “we” I mean all of us.  Those at home praying, architects designing buildings, volunteers who come and build, individuals and churches who are sacrificing to see this dream fulfilled), will be more than anything we can imagine.  It has the potential to change an entire nation.”

Profile of a child entering New Day Orphanage

Here is an example of the 1^st children to come to New Day from an excerpt from Darbi’s (Blu’s wife) blog:

“Sisi is 6 years old, and she is a double orphan. Her mom died when she was 9 months old and her father died 2 years ago, but she has been living with her aunt since her mom died. She is in Grade 1 (Kindergarten equivalent) and speaks NO English. The aunt and uncle who have been raising her are both HIV positive.

Muchoni is also 6 years old, and he is Sisi's cousin. His father died when he was 2 months old, and his mother, being young and having only one child, didn't want the responsibility and left him with the father's family, so he has been raised by his aunt. His mother is still living but has not lived with him since he was about one year old, making Muchoni a single orphan, or a double orphan due to abandonment.

Both children arrived with the clothes on their backs--no bag, no toys, and no extra clothes.”

A whole church prays...

Malia and I had the privilege to lead our church in prayer over the rag blankets that were to be sent to Mali, Africa on May 21st.   We had blankets on the tables where the congregation sat.  We invited them to lay their hands on the blanket, to consider the individual woman who would receive the blanket and her family.

As I looked out over the congregation (the Church)I saw whole families bowing their heads in prayer, hands laid on blankets and we heard the low murmuring of individuals praying.  We lifted up the women's physical and spiritual needs.  It was awesome!!  There was the presence of the Holy Spirit in that place.

Later that week 32 blankets were loaded on to a large cargo container which is headed to Mali. It should arrive sometime in August.





Rod, Malia and I had the opportunity to attend a dinner sponsored by our church,  Christ Community Church.  The event was in honor of the doctors, nurses and staff of the Koutiala Women and Children's Hospital.  It was such a blessing to meet such dedicated people, people who love the Lord and are walking in obedience.  These missionaries spoke of doors opening in Mali to the gospel. It is so exciting to be a small part of what is going on in Koutiala, Mali.

Thank You Jesus for what you are already doing and what you are going to do.  Amen.

Recital fund raiser was a huge success!!!

Thank you to Mrs. Terry Walters!!

Her piano students met the goals of the Malian Blanket Fund raiser, which were to get them to practice their pieces for the recital and also to raise enough money to make a blanket per student (20 students at $15 per blanket). They did it, they raised $300.14.  Way to go students!

Mrs. Walters began the afternoon off by telling of the audience a little about the fundraiser and the hospital in Koutiala, Mali then she introduced Malia and interviewed her about the ministry and how it began.  Mrs. Walters then surprised us with the check for $300.  What a blessing!

After the recital there was a reception with treats and juice and we had set up a table with some of the blankets and a slide show of pictures of all the babies that had received blankets as well as those who have helped at the "Block Parties".  We had many well wishers and even additional donations.  It was a great time. The students did a wonderful job playing their piano pieces and Mrs. Walters was very proud of them all.




Now the question is ...what next?  As I am writing this Malia is sewing her 5th blanket in this batch and I made one myself last week.  We have 10 kits left and the due date to have all blankets done is May 15.
We've begun to receive many of the completed blankets back.

Would you pray for what our next steps should be.  We have this generous donation which will make many more blankets we just want to be good stewards and to be in God's will.

Dear Jesus,  Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You that we can trust that You are in control and have had a plan for each of us since the beginning.  Lord, guide us with Your wisdom, show us the doors You are opening and a closing.  We trust you with all  our hearts.  We will do the next thing and wait on the Lord.  We are excited to see what comes next.  Thank you for what you are about to do
In Your precious and Holy name
Amen

Block party #2 and seamstress/Prayer warrior kits

Our last Block party was another success!!!

• number of helping hands - 7
• number of novice seamstresses attending - 3
• number of additional kits made - 12
• total number of kits -32
• number of kits handed out on Sunday 4/17 -16
• days until complete blankets are due - 17 days
• total money raised by Terry's piano students-TBA Sunday,  May 1, at recital

Thank you once again to Julie McClannan for opening her home for Block party #2.  Thank you to the ladies who came and helped out.  You have no idea how grateful and humble I am that you all sacrificed your night of this ministry.

Just a note on praying of the recipients of these blankets.  Malia and I agree that we call these blankets prayer blankets.  We want to remember each individual woman and her family in prayer.   In each kit is a prayer sheet and another sheet describing family life and statistics of the people of Mali.  One of the key points of prayer is for the fathers/husbands of the women in Mali.  The hospital is an opportunity for women to hear the gospel message but often the husbands refuse to allow their wives to get the help from the hospital.  There is also fear all around the community; fear of husbands being angry at their wives for pursuing Christianity, fear of local medicine doctors and cultural superstition and fear that Allah will punish them if they were to consider Christianity.  Even if you don't have the time or abilities to make a blanket, would you please pray for open hearts, blankets to be used as tokens of love and conversation of the one true God who loves them enough to send His son to die for them.

I am so grateful to have this ministry, to serve and to see all the hearts that have come along side Malia and I to bring glory to God through it.  Thank you 

Your Sisters in Christ,

Kathy and Malia  

What a Block Party!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the women of MUMS Christ Community Sarpy Campus!!!
What a night!  We met at Julie McClannan's house, 13 women of all ages, mothers and daughters, we cut sewed and put together blanket kits.  Wonderful fellowship with sisters in Christ.

Cutting the squares...

Why?  Something greater than just blanket making.

A recap of the blanket ministries humble beginnings:

•  11 yr old Malia pledged to make one rag blanket for a mom and baby (which was the mayors daughter) in Koutiala, Mali, 
• Malian Blanket Ministry (MBM) supporters financed 6 more blankets to be sent with the Medical mission team to Mali in February 2011.  Mission accomplished.  
• Over $200.00 donated with more to come from a fund raiser by piano students.
• Blankets completed = 2
• Block Party #1    Kits made 18!!
• Another Block Party #2  scheduled for 21 April, same time same place.  Sew, sew,sew!!
• Fund raiser complete May 1st
• Block party #3 & #4 TBA
• Blankets due 15 May at  Sarpy Campus. For more info email 7huttons@gmail.com
• Container going to Mali, to be filled 21 May 2011 arrive August 2011.

We took a short break in our project to pray and reflect on why we are making blankets.  This ministry is not about blanket making but the prayer we will lift up for each woman and baby who receive the blanket.  In each kit there is a prayer guide, prayer suggestions for the families in Koutiala.  Mali is a Muslim country.  Women are often thought of as property and husbands often forbid them from going to the Christian Hospital to deliver their babies which put the mom and baby at great risk.  These soft blankets are tools for us to express love for them and to pray specifically for each mom and baby that God has already chosen for each blanket.  After the blankets from the kits are completed we are asking the seamstress to take a picture of themselves with the blanket with a note of blessing to the receiving mom.  In turn we are asking the nurses at the hospital to take a photo of the mom, baby and blanket to send back to us so the seamstress can continue to pray for her.  Intercessory prayer, for the town of Koutiala starting with one mom, one family at a time.  What will God do?  Look what He has done with this small ministry.  Imagine what He will do next!

I can't wait!!!  Thank You Lord Jesus for what You are about to do!!  In Your Name I pray  Amen!!

What's the hardest thing you had to do today?

Mine was planning a week of meals for a family of 7, cleaning out the refrigerator of the leftovers from last week and driving to Walmart about 7 miles.  Walking the 50 feet to the market door, push my huge shopping cart around the store to carry my pre package and prepared food and household items.  Then purchase them with the credit card from my wallet which my husband freely trusts me to decide and purchase, put my groceries in my car, drove to my house about 7 miles away (a 10 minute drive) push the garage door button to open my garage door, aonther button to open the hatch of my van and carry my groceries, with the help of my children, about 8-10 feet into the house and put them in the pantry, refrigerator and freezer.  I pulled out the meat for dinner then read a book to my girls put them to bed and worked on other projects.  Dinner was made a served in about 45 minutes.  Dishes washed in about 20 minutes.  Whew!


Some Challenges to women of Koutiala, Mali.


I wrote an email to Jessica, the Head nurse at the Koutiala Women and Children's Hospital, to thank her for her help in delivering the last batch of blankets and to ask her some more questions about life for the women who come to the hospital.  Here is a portion of her email. 


'll do my best to answer your questions. Some of the challenges women
in Mali have: they tend to be viewed as property, they are "bought"
with a dowry...so they tend to not have a lot of rights. We've often
had women express interest and even belief in the gospel, but they
don't feel they can make a decision to accept Christ without
permission from their husband or father. Women in Mali (and women who
come to the hospital) work very hard. They pound their grain to make
"to" (one of the very common local dishes, a bit like a thick cream of
wheat cereal that is eaten with sauce), they wash clothes by hand, get
their water from a well (some, especially in villages, may have to
walk some distance to  get water), they cook over an open fire
outside, go regularly to the market to buy items for sauce for their
meal (they don't have fridges so can't stock up on fresh things), and
do much of this with a baby tied on their back and maybe carrying some
load on their head. There are some women who have bicycles or mopeds,
but many women do walk wherever they go, or depend on their spouse or
another family member to give them a ride on their moped. Life tends
to be more about survival, less about planning and getting ahead.

Most women who come to our hospital are from the few neighborhoods
closest to the hospital -- they come on foot, bicycle, moto, or taxi.
There are people who come from a distance with public transportation
or a family member, or who are referred by one of our village clinics
and come in by the village clinic ambulance. Ina (Ina gave birth to twins
and received 2 of our blankets) was probably brought
in by moto/moped or taxi and lives in Koutiala, so she didn't have far
to come (a few miles).  I'm pretty sure she was in labor when she
arrived at the hospital. I'm guessing Ina will have a young female
relative to help with her babies, or her older children, so there will
generally be someone who can go places with her to take one of the
babies so she doesn't have to carry both. Many Malians live in a large
compound with other relatives, or other families that may not be their
relatives but rent from the same landlord. There are usually family
members who can take care of children who are at home if their mom is
at our hospital (or sometimes it might be one of the older siblings
taking care of the younger siblings).


Lord break our hearts for what breaks yours


This is life in Mali.  Even though there are some things that we could do to make life easier in the physical realm such as financing wells, providing medical assistance for common illnesses like dysentery or head aches or vaccines, life in Mali is still going to be hard.  What if these women (families) could live in their circumstance with out fear, with out drudgery and with out weariness?  The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians;

  I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:10-13 


We can't send freezers,mini vans or car seats over to help these women but we can pray for them to have joy in their daily "hard" life.  They may not know how hard it really is, especially compared to our Westernized life, but what if they had a hope of something bigger than to just survive?  What if they knew that they could have life and abundantly?  Contentment, purpose and the love of a heavenly father that they have never known.   No more fear other than the fear of the Lord.   


Here is a scripture, a suggestion for prayer. 


   For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (missionaries, dr.s, nurses etc.) You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.  The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,  for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. 
1 Thessolonians 1:4-10  

  I pray whole families and communities would receive the gospel and be transformed in a way that would lead to the gospels impact to be seen throughout all of Mali, the region of West Africa and the entire continent of Africa.

Heavenly Father,
Use these blankets to your glory, may they be catalysts to Your truth and of Your love for all man kind.  Thank you that we can join you where You are at work in the hearts of the people of Koutiala, Mali.  We thank you for what You are about to do.  In Jesus Name,  Amen

Due date moved up!! Mid-late May!

Heres the latest update on the blanket delivery: we will need to send the blankets with the container which will be going to Mali in mid to late May due to arrive sometime in August. ( Craig Walter is setting up someone to take charge of the blankets, their distribution and photos on the Mali side). Yikes!!  Due to the number of blankets, (20+) the missions team going in July, won't be able to carry them.  SO!! After praying we are moving forward and are moving up some things on the calendar in order to make the most of our prayerful sewing time.  Our church MUMS group has offered to have a emergency block party April 14 to get as many blankets as we can.  The piano recital fund raiser will conclude on May 1st which we will have more money to get more fabric.
Malia and I know that this is now a bigger project than just the 2 of us so we are going to make up kits for others to make blankets to send to mommies and babies in Mali.  The kits will include 30 squares, directions on how to assemble the blanket, prayer card and stationary/envelope to send a blessing.  Also we are requesting the seamstress to send a photo of herself so the mommy can put a face with the blessing.  
God is so good!  I can't wait to see what he does!  

Christ Community Church Old Mill Campus - Missions sermon - Malia

On the last Sunday of the Global Summit conference at Christ Community Church , Craig Walter, missions pastor at CCC, gave a sermon about current mission field issues and mentioned, along with a picture of Malia, our blanket ministry.  Here is the link go to the Global Summit sermon, her picture is near the end at about 20:13.  How exciting!!

http://www.cccomaha.org/media.php

"Isn't that cool!! " says Malia, "I never thought this would happen!"  
What will God do next!!
I can't wait.

Thank you Note from a mom in Mali

This is a note from one of the mom's who received 2 of the blankets (she had twins).  How exciting!!  Please continue to pray for the women and babies who receive these blankets, that they feel the love of Christ and begin to ask questions about Him which could lead them into His loving arms.

For Malia:

Hi Malia,

Greetings from Mali! Below is a letter from the mother of twins who received blankets you made! She wrote the letter in French and I have translated it into English below. Just FYI, here in Mali, there is no mail delivery at people's homes, and only a small percentage of people have a box at the post office -- whereas cell phones are more prevalent, which is why she gave you her family's cell phone numbers. If you want to be in contact with her at some point and you e-mail me, I'll have her number from this e-mail and can try to call her to relay your message. She is still in the hospital with her premature twins who are progressing well.

Thanks so much for blessing moms and babies here in Mali. The blankets you made are beautiful!

Gratefully,

Jessica Schaeffer

Director of Nursing, Koutiala Hospital for Women & Children

Dear Malia,

I am sending you this letter to thank you very much. The babies like your gifts very much -- the blankets are magnificent and they please the babies and their parents. The babies and their parents wish you much happiness, success and longevity. The babies (twin girls names Fadina and Mariam) would love to be your friends; they would be happy if you stay in correspondence. The babies thank you very much for your gifts, and they greet you.

Here is our telephone #:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. We live in Koutiala, Koko Darsalam II.

Until next time,

Ina Kone

A Note from Mom...

Note From Mom:   Lessons learned.  Being a home school mom I try to look at every opportunity and activity as a chance to train my children up in the way they should go.  This ministry has been a wonderful tool in Malia’s education as well as her discipleship.  All the sewing, measuring, cost and benefit analysis, ripping of seams with tears of frustration, telling about her feelings so we can communicate them in the written form, working with dad on the new letter style and editing, time lines, dead lines; not to mention learning to be obedient, diligent, practice, take correction, seeing God’s hand, producing with purpose, discussing issues of poverty, parenthood, the difference in knowing Christ and walking in darkness.  Wow!!  It’s almost an entire education in one beautiful Providential package!!

 What have I learned?

I have learned that obedience = do the next thing=God’s provision.  Malia was obedient to God’s prompting of her heart and then He prompted others hearts in turn.  We would get the 1^st blanket done and send it off and more money and fabric show up. Then the next 6 get done and before the plane lands in Africa we have an offer to raise more money and donate more fabric with a possibility of 20 or more blankets!  Obedience. Do the next thing. 

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?”  And I said, “Here I am. Send me!”  Isaiah 6:8   

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”  John 15:7-8

Praise the Lord!!   Please continue to pray for the mothers and babies of Koutiala, Mali and for this ministry and Malia as she learns more and more about God and His purposes for her.

Serving Him,

Kathy  

Blanket update

First of all I want to thank all the people who have helped with this ministry.  People like Grandma’s, who gave money and time to teach me better sewing skills, my mom who helped with the many things that needed to be done, the ladies who donated fabric and money to make blankets, the Medical team to Mali who brought and presented the blankets to the mom and babies of Mali and those who have prayed for the ministry.

                When we received the photos from the Mali team I couldn’t believe that those tiny babies were wrapped in the blankets I worked on.  There was even on set of twin girls. They each received a blanket of their very own.  All the babies were preemies and looked so teeny in those huge blankets.

 

                Amazingly, while the Mali team was gone, Mrs. Terry Walters called us and asked if she could have a fund raiser with her piano students to help raise money for more blankets!!  We said yes, thank you!  The fundraiser is very successful so far ($40 in 3 days!).   God is good!  He is opening up people’s hearts freely.    It is like, we make the blankets and then someone comes along and says “Do you need more material or money for your blankets?”  It sometimes feels like we can’t even keep up.  What a great problem to have.  We started with 1 blanket, then made 6 blankets and at this time we believe up to 20 blankets for the next Mali team in July.  WHEW!!!  We even have the MUMS group offer to set up a “block party” where they will come one or two nights and cut squares for the blankets.  Once again God provided a way.

Again, thank you for trusting me to make these blankets, for trusting me with your money, time and resources.  

Okay, let’s go make some blankets!!!  God bless you! -  Malia

A Note from Mom...

Note From Mom:   Once again, I am very proud of Malia, she has stayed on task as far as wanting to continue what she started.  We took a month or so off to work on personal diligence and organization skills and she has proven to be very trustworthy.  Thank you for supporting her in her ministry.  All praise to God! For only He can move a heart towards Himself.  Please continue to pray for her as she continues His work for her and in her.  Thank you again!

As for the moms and babies who receive these blankets, my heart it that we bathe the blanket in prayer so that they feel the hope and love of Jesus through these small gifts and the care they receive in the hospital.  It’s hard to be a mom, imagine being a mom raising children in poverty, sickness and not knowing your Creator.  Please pray for each family that receives these blankets;    

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,”   Colossians 2:2

Serving Him,

Kathy  

Thank you for your help...

Thank you for trusting me with the money and the fabric donated to make the blankets.  I know that 10 years old are sometime “flighty”.    This is really fun for me to do, it is getting easier every time I sit down to sew and I know a little baby will be very happy. 

Love to all,

Blanket update

NEW BLANKET UPDATE:

1. Over Christmas we received more fabric and $50 to buy more fabric.

2.  My grandmother came to stay with us while my parents were on vacation. She taught me more about sewing and improving my skills. Thank you Grandma Hutton.

3.  I have finished 4 blankets.

4.  My mom has contacted the team leader for the next Mali trip, Dr. Vaughn Wenzel, and he was excited to help us out.  He would like 6 blankets (4 more to go) 1 for each person on the team to hand out and for me to do a presentation at their last meeting on 13 Feb.  They depart 17 Feb.

5.  Two blankets to go.

Getting Ready to send more blankets...

Hi, it’s Malia again with an update on our first Mali blanket.  I was so excited when we received the pictures of the mom and baby who were given the blanket.  Here is a small part of the email we received:

Lynn Holt, team leader for Mali trip emailed us with details of the blankets journey. “When we arrived in Koutiala, Martha, the midwife told me that the Mayor of Koutiala's daughter had just delivered her baby at the Women's and Children's hospital the day before.

She (the midwife) thought it would be a great testimony if we gave the quilt to her. As you can see in the pictures, we read her your note, showed her the picture you sent, and swaddled the baby in the quilt.  We also went back the next day before she left and took the last picture. ”

I was so encouraged by these pictures of the little baby swaddled in the blanket and by the smile on the mom’s face.   I am encouraged to continue making more blankets.  

A Note from Mom...

Seeing my daughter selflessly give of herself and then get so excited about serving others was the incentive for me to work with her.  This experience has done as much for me spiritually as it has for Malia.  Rod and I are so proud of her.

Mom and Me Time...

This has been a very fun activity to do with my mom.   We encourage you to do it with your daughters, granddaughters and nieces.  We spent some time thinking about the mother and the child.   Talking about what they might need, what difficulties they might have, the doctors and nurses, their families, husbands and other children and that they may come to know Christ.  We prayed each time we sat down to sew. We pray for guidance for our hands as we made the quilt and that it would be fun for the both of us.  

Wanna Help?

If you are interested in supporting this small ministry there are 3 ways to help:

You can donate money. We believe that a quilt can be made for about $15.00. 

You can donate new or scraps of flannel.  We have found the cheapest and most variety at Walmart. 

or if you want to pre-cut squares, they are 8x8 inches.  We need 60 squares for a blanket.

Why I wanted to learn to sew...

Hi, my name is Malia Hutton.  I am making rag quilts for babies in Mali, Africa.  I was earning money by selling lemonade, cookies and brownies from my lemonade stand called 7^th Heaven, in our back yard, which is next to the golf course.  I was going to use the money I earned to buy a sewing machine.  When I heard a Double Your Impact sermon God worked in my heart to make blankets for the new babies being born in the hospital in Mali.  I liked this idea because it was easy, cute and my little sister has a rag blanket which she received from our church in Virginia. She loves this blanket.  This would be our prototype.  My mom liked the idea of being able to pray for a new mom and to meet a specific need. So I talked to Pastor Steve about the idea and within a couple of weeks we had a due date for our first blanket on October 24^th  to be delivered to a new mom in Mali on November 3, 2010.

My mom and I had no experience sewing, much less making quilts.    With a lot of help from the Holy Spirit, the internet and a nice lady from the quilting store we finished the quilt and it was delivered to a new mom in Mali.