Sewing Seeds

Hi! I’m Lindy, and I’ve just returned from a whirlwind five-day trip to Honduras. Our church has had a friendship with New Life Children’s Home for about five years now. Home to 44 children, currently ages 8-18, New Life was founded by a Texas couple in 1995.

Lindsey and I first ventured to Honduras in 2013 when our South Korean student Jimin wanted to go on a mission trip. We decided to accompany her, and I never dreamed that I would return to New Life three more times. Wanting to contribute, we took a sewing machine to try to teach some kids to sew. Our lessons were a bit chaotic with all of the 51 children wanting to participate or at least watch.

Sharon Roelke and I were recently helping Donna VanSickler complete some little dresses for Liz Jackson’s work in the Philippines. Sharon suggested that we should go to Honduras to teach sewing. Donna was on board and three more team members joined our little group. God knew the skills and strengths we needed, including Rebecca Carpenter and friends Teresa Daniels and Maribel Aguilar, a hairdresser. God miraculously provided funds, donated sewing machines, and supplies.

We spent three intense days in our makeshift sewing and hairdressing workshops. Flexibility was key as the projects we had planned didn’t work out, but new ideas flowed and materials were found. We had more boys than expected and needs were identified, so we adapted.

New Life’s goal is that the children will graduate with God’s Kingdom established in their hearts. We enjoyed fellowship and worship with these amazing kids as we shared our passions. We left them with hairdressing tools, 6 working sewing machines, and supplies to continue exploring. Some will be able to instruct others; some might establish a trade.

Did we change the world in five days? No. We gave as we were led and got closer to what God inspired almost five years ago. “If it is from God, you will not be able to stop them.” (Acts 5:39) Our trust is in the God who loves those children and directs their paths.