Jun 28 2010
God Is Our Provider
It is one thing to give a person in need money and it is quite another thing to equip that person with a means of becoming self-sufficient. After two years in operation, Rivers of the World’s (ROW) Sewing School for Single Mothers in Tshikaji now has 49 ladies who have successfully graduated from our 12-month program.
Students at the school, located in the DR of the Congo, learn French, math, science, geography, sewing and scripture. Not only are we able to provide these women a well-rounded education, but upon graduation, each one is presented with a $200 sewing machine. We send them out of the school with skills, a sewing machine and we assist them in setting up a business that will enable them to be self-sufficient and help them to better look after their children. In essence, we are contributing to breaking the cycle of poverty that is brought on in this part of the world due to prostitution and sexual violence.
We are happy to report that out of the 19 first-year graduates from fall 2008, 17 women are earning a living for themselves. This is certainly one of the most exciting ministries ROW oversees. I am so proud of these single mothers for standing strong for Christ and for trying to make a better life for themselves and their children. If you are interested in providing funds to purchase sewing machines for future graduates, contact me, ben@row.org.
Moses was quick to warn the children of Israel that when blessings flowed to not forget their God. It is sad, but often true, that the greater the need in a person’s life, the more they cry out to God. When the need is gone, so too is their closeness to the Lord. ROW provides the education, skills and equipment for these women in Tshikaji, but we are quick to inform them that none of this would be possible without God. If you have grown a bit arrogant or prideful in your successes, remind yourself of what Deuteronomy 8:17-18 states:
“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.”
