CiH Graduation Day

On Saturday, we had the joy of graduating 4 women from our skills training program.

These four women have been through a lot. One is a woman who didn’t get to go past grade 4 in school because she had to care for her siblings. One woman has been abandoned by 3 husbands over the course of 18 years. One woman has suffered abuse from her husband. And one woman has lived life hearing that she’s unworthy and useless.

But these identities aren’t the ones they now carry.

Jesus has used Clothed in Hope to proclaim liberty to the captives, to bind up the brokenhearted, to comfort all who mourn. To give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, a garment of praise instead of a faint spirit. It’s more than sewing and empowerment. It’s soul restoration, redemption, and an invitation to be called His daughter- worthy, valued, beautiful, special- all by His grace.

I (Amy) founded CiH back in 2010/2011 with a vision of Isaiah 61. I never thought that it would be seen so vividly, so tangibly, so boldly. And I never imagined I’d ever get to see how real, how beautiful, how powerful it is in the lives of women in the Ng’ombe compound. Do yourselves a favor and google/look up Isaiah 61:1-4, 10-11 and praise God with us that Jesus came to bring this victory and Truth to us all, and is proclaiming this so boldly over the lives of the women in our program.

And it is the MOST beautiful thing to witness and be a part of. We don’t deserve an ounce of this, but our hearts are bursting with praise that the Lord has invited us to be a part of His work here in Zambia in the lives of these women. Only grace. Grace upon grace.

Rejoice with us today. God is doing GREAT things here in Zambia (and in the US and around the world). He is inviting all to His redemption and love.

Enjoy a little photo/video diary of the day’s celebrations- celebrating the incredible accomplishments of these brave and intelligent mamas, and celebrating the grace and love of Jesus that is truly changing a community…

The graduates made a special request for a "snap" with Wyatt :)

First graduates along with the current 2 training classes, supporting their friends and celebrating the HOPE they all experience. Incredible to see how God continues growing this program!

Each lady (like Yvonne, pictured), had to complete practical exams, sewing a baby dress, button-up shirt, trousers, 7 panel skirt and custom dress design. The ladies also made their own designs for their grad dresses which they sewed in only 2 days!

Congrats, Maureen!

Congrats, Yvonne!

Congrats, Patriciar!

Congrats, Anastasia!

Thank YOU to ALL who support us prayerfully & financially who help make this possible. We couldn't do it without you! I hope you can see by the smile on each face (ours included) the joy that you bring through partnering with us in this. Your impact is in the here and now, as evidenced by this graduation, but it is also so very far-reaching. 

And if you're interested in partnering with us but haven't yet, now is the perfect time! Join our team to continue spreading hope through Zambia: http://www.clothedinhope.org/our-team/ We are currently at 66% of our support goal (as our salaries/livelihoods are completely donor-funded) and would be so grateful if y'all would prayerfully consider joining us.

With Love,

A&W & the ladies at the Chikondi Community Center