November 2022 Update

In entering the holiday season as believers, we think of the abundance of God’s blessings and then about the incredible gift of salvation that comes to us through Jesus Christ. This incredible richness which has been poured out over us motivates us to share that love with others.

The first part of our purpose statement (above) is the most important—sharing God’s love! This is the anchor and the reason for helping people in Burundi. We would not exist as an organization if we hadn’t first receive God’s love for us. It is why all sewing classes start with a devotional thought and prayer. It is why we are purposefully connecting our work with a local church which can further demonstrate that love to those who hear God’s loving call and respond.

One of the big upsides of our trip to Burundi this past August was that we could see and hear what we need to do to support the school more efficiently. We have been able to repair several of the sewing machines which were broken and purchased one new one so that the students now have 12 functioning machines to learn on, all of them treadle machines. We also were able to purchase an electric machine with the capacity to do specialty stitches including buttonholes.

Another upside from our trip is that we are now able to make our dollars go farther for both salaries and for graduation expenses. The major grad expense is for subsidizing about half of the cost of a machine so that graduates can immediately start using their skills to earn money. Our cost for graduation is $115 per student.

Huge need: We still need funds to pay the graduation expenses in January for 25 students. That comes to $2,875. Would you consider contributing?

If you would like to contribute you may do so by going to our Contribute page. Checks made out to Sowing Hope can also be sent to our address listed at the bottom of this page. Gifts of any amount are hugely appreciated!

The 24 women who are driving this project have divided into 2 groups working 2 different fields about 100 square yards. They work in teams of 3 and walk an hour to get to their field where they do all their work using hand tools—nothing mechanized) with babies strapped to their backs. Because most have several children (one woman has 13!) they rely on those who are not working that day to care for their children while they are working in the field.

Group 1 has been able to prepare the field and plant rice. They have had adequate water and are now in the process of weeding and fertilizing by hand. The crop is growing, and they are very optimistic of a good return.

Group 2 has not had as much success. First, they had trouble finding a field and then, because they were delayed, the rains were insufficient for planting. The rains have just started up they now are beginning the process of planting the rice.

Would you join us in prayer for the following subjects:
-For provision of the $2,875 needed for the next graduating class.
-For continued rain for the area around Bujumbura and successful cultivation of the rice.
-Strength and health for the women in the project.