Sewing for charity, making purses for Sew Powerful, quilting, girls, Zambia, sewing, volunteers, love, prayers, Lusaka, jobs for women, school, importance of education

We are Sew Powerful, How a Global Community of Seamstresses Is Changing Zambia One Girl at A Time, 2^nd edition. By Jason G. Miles and Cinnamon, © 2016 & 2020 Jason G. Miles and Cinnamon, all rights reserved.

The Sew Powerful Podcast shines a light on the people behind the mission to keep girls in school and create purposeful products in Zambia. Join us every week for a new 30-minute episode to meet new people, hear inspiring stories, and learn how you can join us in this global movement. Whether you sew or not, make purses or not, you will find something to enjoy in every episode. Listen today.

Host: Jan Cancila

Guest: Leslie, Natalie Wellman, Shirley, Sharon, Chris (from Iowa), Angelia Johnson, Kathryn, Laura, Mary Ann, Jan, Sue, Millie, Linda, Donna Moscinski, Chris McMullen, Chris (from Texas), Jan, Deborah, Jean, Betty Johnson, LaQuita, Sue Banman Sileci, Torey, Julie Winchell

Jan Cancila, Host 00:04

Welcome to the Sew Powerful podcast. This is your host, Jan Cancila. You know the sound of my sewing machine means it's time for another episode. So let's get started.

Jan 00:20

Hi, this week's episode is something different. I hope you think it's fun. I certainly find it uplifting. This past week, I asked you to call a special phone number and leave a message. And I asked you to start out by saying your name and city and then answering one of the following questions: 1) The reason I volunteer for Sew Powerful is or 2) what I like best about Sew Powerful, or 3) the best thing that happened to me last week was or finally 4) I'm asking for prayers for. Some of you chose one of these topics and some of you chose all. I have to say this has been one of the most fun episodes I've ever recorded. And listening to your uplifting messages certainly made my week. I hope you enjoy.

Leslie 01:18

Hi, this is Leslie and the reason I volunteer for Sew Powerful is that it gives me a purpose for the skills that God has given me and because I know it's important to love my neighbor as myself. Love you. Bye.

Natalie Wellman 01:39

Hello, my name is Natalie Wellman. I'm from New Hope, Alabama. And the reason why I like Sew Powerful so much is number one, I love the cause, helping girls stay in school. And number two, I love to sew the purses. They are an outlet for my creativity. God bless you. Thanks. Bye.

Shirley 02:05

Hi, this is Shirley in the Greater Houston area. And I just want to tell you a little bit about what I like about Sew Powerful. I am especially fond of the connections that I'm making. I am connected to the seamstresses and the girls and Zambia. But I'm also connected to women around the world, and some few men, too, around the world, sewing purses. It's just a vital part of what Sew Powerful is: connection. The second part of that is that we are empowering women and empowerment through education is going to change the world. Thanks. Have a great day.

Sharon 02:54

Hi, my name is Sharon. I'm calling from Moline, Illinois. The main reason for volunteering for Sew Powerful is their mission behind the little purse, which includes education, food, water and hygiene, health and good jobs. You may find more information about this all-volunteer ministry at Sew powerful.org please check it out. Thank you.

Chris 03:23

Hi, I'm Chris from Iowa. The reason I volunteer for Sew Powerful is I have always been drawn toward missions and Sew Powerful is a way for me to use my God-given talents to be hands and feet of Christ by sewing purses, encouraging others to sew purses, praying over each package of purses before I send it on its way and to encourage others in supporting this worthwhile ministry.

Angelia Johnson 03:50

Hi, my name is Angelia Johnson and I'm calling from Vancouver, Washington. And one of the reasons why I wanted to volunteer for Sew Powerful is that it does really impact the girls' lives in Africa. And I think that's a really great thing to do. I also like the fact that it's, you know, an easy thing to do. The purse is nice. And like I said, it really does help girls in need, have a future. And who couldn't and wouldn't want to give them something as simple as a purse to impact their lives dramatically for years to come. Thank you.

Kathryn 04:32

Hello, my name is Kathryn. I live in the United States. I am calling today to ask for prayers for my daughter who is traveling cross country to a new job. Thank you so much. Goodbye.

Laura 04:50

Hi, my name is Laura and I'm calling from Fremont, Nebraska. What I like about Sew Powerful is that they continually find ways to meet the needs of the people in Zambia, first with the sewing Co-Op, which employs local women to provide school uniforms for the students and then was expanded to make the feminine hygiene products, so girls don't miss school when they're on their period. I am fortunate to participate in Sew Powerful's mission by sewing purses and writing notes of encouragement for the girls.

Mary Ann 05:21

Good day my name is Mary Ann, and I'm calling from Wilbraham, Massachusetts. The reasons I volunteer for Sew Powerful are because I have a passion for teenage girls, creativity, and stitching with a mission.

Jan 05:33

Hi, this is Jan from Arkansas. The reason I volunteer for Sew Powerful is because I feel very strongly about their goal of keeping girls in school. I'm a retired teacher so I am all in when it comes to helping children get an education. In the model Sew Powerful has set up, I'm able to use my sewing skills and creativity (and not to mention the pile of fabric I have) to make purses that will enable girls to carry feminine hygiene supplies to school. Now the purse does to things: girls don't miss school due their period and and thereby fall behind. And they feel loved and encouraged because someone cared enough to make them a lovely gift. And also the washable reusable feminine hygiene pads are made by women in Zambia. Sew Powerful employs them to sew the pads. They earn a good living, they learn a marketable skill and have dignity in their work. I think Sew Powerful is a pretty amazing program. And I hope more and more people learn about it. And I hope that more people will support their mission through sewing and through donations.

Sue 06:53

My name is Sue and I'm from Oregon. The reason I volunteer for Sew Powerful is that I love the mission. I love the fact that we can hands-on see these girls receive the supplies they need to stay in school. I also love the fact that we provide their local jobs for the moms. I was fortunate enough to go to Zambia and I know that these moms truly value what we provide for them so that they can provide for their families. So with these two different areas of focus, I really feel that God is using Sew Powerful to change the Ngombe Compound there in Lusaka. And as we expand to Livingston and Chingola I know that it will be the same. And because we can be so hands-on it is very rewarding to see that God uses our efforts to help others. Thanks for this opportunity. Bye.

Millie 07:57

Hi, my name is Millie and I'm in Bristow, Virginia. And I am happy to volunteer for Sew Powerful because I can use my passion for sewing to enable young ladies halfway across the world to stay in school and get a good education.

Linda 08:25

Hi Jan, and all of the Sew Powerful family. My name is Linda Faught and I'm calling from Mesa, Arizona. I started sewing for Sew Powerful in 2018 after I retired, because like a lot of the other ladies, I was looking for a way to sew and be creative with a purpose. Jan introduced me to Sew Powerful, and the day I read about it on the website, I felt like it was exactly what I had been looking for. I love it so much because of the wonderful people who give so much of themselves to make the charity such a success. The Facebook group is filled with the nicest, upbeat and enthusiastic members from all around the world. It's so great to get to know them all. We also have the opportunity to watch videos of the girls in Zambia and a lot of the women that have been hired to make soap and reusable pads. Every video touches my heart so much. The whole experience has really enriched my life. I'd also like to ask for prayers for my sweet sister-in-law who fell and broke her hip and wrist last week. She's in a lot of pain and currently in a rehab after spending a week in the hospital. She doesn't sew purses for Sew Powerful, but she is a member of the Facebook group. And she's a very generous donator so thanks everyone, and goodbye.

Donna Moscinski 09:55

This is Donna Moscinski from Chicago, Illinois. I wanted to share with you and the purse makers and the Sew Powerful supporters the best thing that happened to me last week. I've been making purses since 2016 honoring my life's rhythm along with my commitment to the purse making. Some months I do real well, many months I don't. This summer, I'm moving out of the house I've been in for 35 years. And so my purse making time has taken a big hit. But in getting ready for this move, I took down all the quilts that I've had hanging up and looked at some of my stock and just realize I have way too many things. So I did it post on my blog and connected it to my Facebook page, that if anyone was interested in getting any of my quilts (some are brand new, some are used, some have been hung for years) that all they would have to do is drop me a note, make a donation to Sew Powerful and the quilt would be theirs. Well, I'm thrilled that out of all the quilts I put up, the majority of them have gone and I know that there have been some great donations made to Sew Powerful for this. I'm I'm loving knowing where some of my most precious quilts are going. I feel good that I'm doing something for Sew Powerful even though I'm not actually making purses. However, I have moved all of my fabric, and I think that I will get back to purse making very soon. Blessings to all.

Chris 11:37

My name is Chris McMullen. I'm calling from Blue Springs, Missouri. The reason I volunteer for Sew Powerful is because I taught middle school students for many years and this continues my passion for girls that age and for sewing.

Chris 11:51

Hi, my name is Chris. I'm calling from Tomball, Texas. What I like about Sew Powerful is the spirit of the leadership team and the way they dedicate themselves so much to improving the plight of young girls in Africa. The best thing that happened to me last week was watching the example set by our Olympic athletes, of sacrificing teamwork and the way that I that motivated me to do even more. And I'm asking for prayers for a friend of mine, Shirley, who is suffering from cancer and needs the lifting up of prayers to help her in her recovery. Thank you.

Jan 12:26

Hi, this is Jan and I'm calling from Texas. The reason I volunteer for Sew Powerful is I feel like I can really make a difference. I know that the girls in Zambia need our help to be able to go to school, and the adults need help with employment, and that's something that we can contribute to as well. It's just such a win-win, the dignity of work and the benefit of education.

Deborah 12:53

Hi, my name is Deborah. I'm a Sew Powerful chapter leader for the Lacy~Oly Crafty Sewers in the state of Washington. I volunteer to help ensure school girls and Zambia, Africa stay in school and obtain educational opportunities. And it's amazing that a simple handsewn purse and inspirational note card has such a positive impact on these lovely young ladies. And that is what keeps me involved.

Jean 13:20

I am recording this message on behalf of Jean Rix. Here is her message. Hi, my name is Jean and I live in Kent in the UK. The reason I volunteer for Sew Powerful is that it is a win-win situation. The girls get to go to school and gain confidence to attend all month, and hopefully love the little bags they receive. And I get to enjoy my sewing on my vintage machine. Thank you Jean.

Betty Johnson 13:53

Here's the message I received from Betty Johnson, one of our Regional Coordinators. Betty happens to be traveling out of the country so she sent me a Facebook message and this is what she said. What I like about Sew Powerful is more than just one thing. First, I love the mission of the organization. Next, I like that everyone is involved as a volunteer. And I like that we partner with World Vision to have our purses shipped to Lusaka. Next, I like being part of an organization whose members strive for a common goal together, like oars all rowing in sync in the same direction. I like the professionality of the leadership and the way they include the members on different projects. Thanks Betty.

Laquita 14:43

Hi, this is Laquita Herrin from Kingsland, Georgia, in the USA, the best thing that happened last week was I was able to get in my variety pack of belt webbing from HomeSew.com and finished my second purse to be able to send to Sew Powerful. So you're just a blessing, to have this group and to have these women that share their help is a blessing. Thank you.

Sue Banman Sileci 15:13

Hi. This is Sue Banman Sileci calling from Sao Paolo, Brazil. What I like most about Sew Powerful is that we have a bunch of people all working together on one project, doing good work and getting the job done. It's such a great community. Bye Honey.

Torey 15:34

Hi, my name is Torey. I'm calling from San Jose, California. I like so many things about Sew Powerful. First, the leadership of the organization recognizes that we are not the experts. They empower and involve the Zambian leadership to drive decision making and direction for the ministry. Second, they give real jobs to women in the community who then are able to support their families in a dignified manner. And third, they ask all of us to use our God-given gifts and talents to help keep girls in school. And fourth, I get to buy fabric. It's a win-win.

Julie 16:15

Hi, this is Julie Winchell from Arlington, Washington. What I love about Sew Powerful is not only are beautiful purses being created to be filled with supplies to help the girls in Zambia stay in school all month long. But I also love the fact that the women of Zambia are being empowered by the jobs that Sew Powerful offers them so that they can build a better life for themselves and for their family.

Jan 16:43

If what you've heard today inspires you to want to make a difference, I urge you to explore the Sew Powerful website at www.SewPowerful.org. That's SEWPOWERFUL dot ORG. The website has great information about the organization. It's where you can download the free purse patterns or even make a donation. We hope you will join us again next week when we bring you another Sew Powerful story. Thanks for listening. Now, go out and have a Sew Powerful day.