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 |
