Missions is tough. Often it requires living in proximity to people who are so poor, their desperation drives them to steal. The consequence: our missionaries have their stuff stolen all the time.For example, Julie Anderson, an AIM missionary to Swaziland, was out shopping yesterday and when she returned, her car (containing a brand new laptop) was gone. She doesn’t live on much, so this was a devastating loss.
It leaves you asking, “Where’s the hope?” How do you reach people whose need gnaws at them constantly? It’s not enough to give them the good news, they need “a cup of cold water” – a tangible demonstration of love. One of our strategies to combat poverty in Swaziland was started by Julie herself. We help Swazi women become entrepreneurs by helping them sew and sell their own purses.
Some 80 or 90 women have learned how to make purses. We then have visiting Americans cart the purses back to the U.S. for sale. When a purse is sold, the money is transferred back to Swaziland and to the woman who made it. What happens then is usually under the radar, but Julie just posted this blog to give us an example.
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“A while ago my friend Nomsa told me I needed to come to visit her home so she could show me what she has done with money she’s earned through Timbali Crafts. Nomsa is a precious woman, who works hard, never complains and has a beautiful smile. Yesterday afternoon Ellie and I, and a few other friends, were able to visit the home of Nomsa and her family. Nomsa and her husband, their 6 children, 3 other children they care for, and her husband’s mother all live on the same homestead.
Nomsa’s house is small, only one room made from stick and mud, with a very leaky roof
that was threatening to cave in during heavy rains. There were several other similar stick and mud homes/rooms shared by the family members and also a concrete block home (one room) for the grandmother. What Nomsa was so excited to show us was the nearly finished concrete block house/room that they have been able to build using money she had earned through the purses she sews. We captured some great pictures during our visit, but I wish you all could have seen Nomsa in person yesterday-she was BEAMING with the excitement of visitors to her home and showing off what the Lord has provided.
It was such a good time of rejoicing with my friend. There was one less chicken running around their yard yesterday afternoon, as Nomsa had also prepared a meal for us! At one point during our visit I walked around to the other side of the house to see what Ellie was up to and found her with all the other children sitting in a circle on a grass
mat. The children had been playing cards and were trying to include Ellie. Just as I came around the corner I saw one of the girls help Ellie adjust her hand of cards and then say, with her british/swazi accent, “Now shut up, and play the game.” It was hilarious. Ellie had a blast playing with all the kids.”
mat. The children had been playing cards and were trying to include Ellie. Just as I came around the corner I saw one of the girls help Ellie adjust her hand of cards and then say, with her british/swazi accent, “Now shut up, and play the game.” It was hilarious. Ellie had a blast playing with all the kids.”
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I’m so happy for Nomsa and her family. This was a great story. Well done, Nomsa, and well done, Julie!
Oh no!!!! Isn’t this the car that she just got repaired after being in the shop forever?!?
Sigh….
Praying for her but so glad to hear the encouraging word, too. The gals around here are LOVING their new Timbali purses. 🙂
This is a beautiful thing. We should all be more grateful!