by Charl van Wyk
The seeds you’ve planted have, by God’s grace, experienced explosive growth!
A year ago, we asked you, our ministry partners, to invest in the lives of unemployed women by supporting the purchasing of sewing machines and overlockers.
To do this, we required what is commonly known as 'ministry seed funding.’
In the world of business, this often refers to a ‘securities offering’ in which an investor invests capital in a start-up company in exchange for an equity stake.
In missions, we offer much more than just shares in a company because the “yield” is based on God’s economy: “…give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38
Your prayers and financial support are changing the lives of many women and their families. The sewing project was started together with an amazing woman called Marjorie who lives in the Stone Hill informal settlement.
Stone Hill is an informal settlement outside Durbanville, South Africa.
Many of the impoverished and marginalized population of Stone Hill have responded positively to the years of care and help local believers, with help from ITMI supporters, have invested there.
Marjorie joined hands with us by equipping unemployed women in the community with the skills that she gained from several years of working in a fashion clothing factory; they include clothing design, pattern making, and sewing.
Marjorie has intensively trained 18 previously unemployed women. The students have been taught pattern making, the proper use of the sewing machines and overlockers, and the construction of garments.
We celebrated your investment by the graduates presenting their creations at our 'Spring 2023 Ready–to–Wear Stone Hill Fashion Extravaganza'.
Our astute business coaches, who are developing the business acumen of our sewing ladies, helped secure orders of over 200 Christmas bags [at the end of 2022] – Praise the Lord!
We cannot thank you enough for your kind investment and partnership. God’s Word being shared by His people is having an everlasting impact in the lives of many. The outworking of a living faith changes the students, their families, their churches, and the community.
Steve Evers has advocated for and served the ITMI partners as ITMI Director since 2001. Approximately once a year, Steve visits with ITMI partners in their countries and brings stories back to encourage supporters. Steve enjoys photography and mechanics, (both hobbies that have greatly benefited ITMI partners!) Prior to becoming ITMI's Director, Steve served on the Board of Directors for 4 years. Steve lives in Arizona with his wife, Darlene.
