August 2026

Since our last letter in May, we have seen some significant answers to prayers. We mentioned that we needed funds to purchase 4 new sewing machines for the sewing school and here they are fresh from the supplier. This is because of generous giving by donors, for which we are very grateful!

Here’s what the school looks like with the new machines in place.

Meet Immediatrice, a Student in the School

I am very thankful for the Dorcas Sewing School. I wanted to learn how to sew but I couldn’t find anyone to teach me. Once I was passing the school and it was holding the ceremony and celebration of the graduation of students who had completed the program. I was very curious and wanted to learn more so I came to get information and was warmly welcomed. And now I am learning to sew. The director and teacher help us a lot! I am married with one child. I wanted to learn to sew so that I can financially help my family. We are very thankful for the way that you continue to support the school. Thank you very much!

This project has had its challenges and setbacks but is starting to pick up steam. Originally designed to teach 10 to 12 students from the Dorcas school, it was almost stopped because of electricity outages and no students. Subsequently it has been reconfigured to take only a few students for limited hours and for the rest of the time it is a retail shop selling supplies and providing embroidery services.

We had planned and hoped that by this time the project would be self-funding but with all the setbacks this has not become a reality. However, this past month they have been able to generate enough revenue to pay the rent, so they are starting to pick up steam.

And they now have two students who are learning to use a serger and an embroidery machine.

My story is that after going through the first Dorcas Sewing School I was told that I could learn to use a serger sewing machine and an embroidery machine. This is really important for me especially since there are few women who know how to use these machines. I wanted to learn to use them because it will help me in providing for my family. I thank those who came up with this idea and the director and teacher who make this possible for me. I thank God and for those who thought of this project and I pray that God will continue to protect them.

While the women in this project experienced good yields this year in both of our fields growing corn, soybeans and rice the dry season has stopped work. When the rains come in September and October the women will again be working the land and planting.

• Wisdom for us to know when to next travel to Burundi as Ebola continues to be an issue.
• Participants in our programs to understand God’s love for them.
• Oholiab school to become auto-financing.

With much gratitude for your interest,

Leslie & Tim Boettcher