The sewing machines have arrived!

Richard was able to pick up the 4 donated sewing machines and 1 knitting machine in Lusaka and bring them back to Ndola. Now he is viewing an instructional DVD to learn how to use the machines. He is excited that the machines are able to do alot of various tasks such as sewing button holes. Most machines available in Zambia just do simple basic stitches. But he has no building to use for teaching the people how to sew. He needs to find a location in the marketplace to rent, or he needs to finish his house and install electricity. Both options will require funding. There are many who are anxious to begin learning to sew so that they can support themselves. Please pray that God will supply the funds needed to get the ministry started.

Richard's church, Emmanuel Worship Center, is still growing and has moved from Gilbert's house to the local school. They rent the school for $22 a month. They are trying to build a good relationship with the school's headmaster and are offering help to 10 orphans who attend the school. They will enroll them in the feeding program that they are beginning in July. The church has decided that they will support the Saturday feeding program for orphans in the community. Pray for this young church body which is made up of very new believers who do not come from churched backgrounds. They have a heart to serve the poor even though they themselves also struggle with hardships. May the Lord reward them for their faithfulness and growing trust in His provision. I will be mailing some donated clothing and sewing supplies to them this month. If you would like to help with the shipping and customs costs, it would be much appreciated!! Thank you.

Training Widows in a Skill

Help women like Dora be able to leave the life of prostitution and be trained in a skill like sewing to support herself. Dora has led a long life of prostitution and is known in her village as the "mother of prostitutes". She has lost her front teeth to the violent situations she has been in. She recently gave her life to Christ and wants to leave her trade and help her "girls" to find a better way to support themselves. They need a skill like sewing to earn money. Richard is ready to train these women, but needs funding to buy supplies and more sewing machines for training.

Richard also has the opportunity to hire an elderly man to teach orphans how to make sound equipment like radios or amplifiers, or to make instruments like guitars so that they can earn funds to attend school. These things cost money, to buy fabric and thread, or the supplies for building sound equipment or instruments. Is anyone interested in supporting a widow or an orphan to help them better their future?

Richard needs funds to finish his ministry house

Richard went to Lusaka this weekend to pick up a donated sewing machine and knitting machine that he can use to train needy widows in a skill. His house still does not have a roof, so he won't be able to train them there. He is in need of funds to put a roof on his house so that he can open it up for ministry. If he can train widows and older orphans in a skill like sewing or knitting, then they will not have to turn to prostitution or stealing to eat. It will cost about $2000 to put a roof on his house, to buy the tin and supplies. Once he has a roof, he can install electricity in the house and also have the equipment be secured from theft.