Wow, what a year!
It’s been an incredibly hard year for Haiti. Political and civil unrest, fuel shortages, and inflation are just a few things that have plagued the Haitians this year. A few months ago, our Port-de-Paix sewing school had to close for several weeks due to civil unrest around the city. About the same time, the Mole St. Nicolas electric company significantly reduced their power supply, which meant the sewing school didn't have power so the majority of the machines didn't work. Sadly, we also had to cancel our annual mission trip due to the civil unrest.
So many things.
But the Lord....He was faithful, and He carried us through.
Despite all of the challenges, 2019 turned out to be the best year yet for the ministry. So today we want to recognize some of the great things the Lord did in 2019:
The students made beautiful outfits for orphans and other children in their communities. For many, it was the first new outfit they've ever received.
The students learned how to make a variety of dresses, and they also started learning how to make boys' and mens' clothes.
We were able to purchase 8 pedal sewing machines, which don't require electricity, for the Mole St. Nicolas class.
Several students made and sold school uniforms this year. School uniforms are big business in Haiti.
A generous couple donated office space to house all of our sewing supplies donations.
People from across the U.S. donated fabric and sewing supplies. So much was donated that we were able to send two crates of supplies this year, one for each class.
We had a record-breaking Give for Good Louisville - raising $11,172.69 in a single day.
We were able to expand our staff by adding a Haitian Director to help oversee both schools. Also, no one was laid off, and all salaries were paid on-time each month, including the Christmas bonuses. This is something to celebrate, because unfortunately, many ministries in Haiti had to lay off staff this year.
For the first time ever, we were able to host Christmas parties and buy presents for both schools.
Thank You
Thank you again for your continued support of the sewing students, and for following their journeys. As a small ministry, your donations go straight to the field and make a real difference in the lives of the sewing students.
On behalf of our students and staff, we wish you and your family a very Happy New Year! We'll see you again in 2020.
2019 Highlights
Here's some pictures of the students (and some children) either modeling or holding their newest creations. We might have some future fashion designers in this group!
Sponsor a student. Change a life.
Interested in making a year-end gift? We have 17 students who currently need sponsors.
When you make a one-time or monthly sponsorship of $15 or $30, you give a student like Manoucheka the opportunity to learn how to sew. This valuable trade will open doors and change their life, their family's lives, and their community.
If you'd like to make opportunity possible for students in 2020, please join us as a one-time or monthly sponsor.