Women gradually drift in to the meeting room. Chatter and laughter spill out from the room, as each woman waits her turn. One by one, they approach the table. Isabel spreads out a king-sized patchwork quilt, Lia shows off a wall hanging, and others bring quilts or dinner mats that they have made. 

The leaders meet with each woman to inspect her work and to pay her. Their crafts are then sold in Bolivia and throughout the world. After the business, the women gather together for a time of worship and devotions. For some, this is their introduction to the Christian faith.

Lia's story
Lia joined the group 2 years ago and is very thankful for all the new friends she has made. The extra income helps her to buy food for her family. This past year, Lia began a journey of faith, and now she meets with an enquirers group at the church. 

Lia is creative and skilful. She has designed several new appliqués for the women to make, and she is now taking on more leadership responsibilities. Through writing out instructions, teaching others how to make her appliqués, and helping to assemble the project kits, Lia has been a blessing to the ministry. 

’In Stitches – Sewing Hope for Bolivia’ has been providing supplementary income and Christian fellowship to women in Cochabamba, Bolivia since 1991. Originally known as the Dorcas Group, it was founded by SIMer Michelle Beech. She gave craft classes to the women who came to her home begging for money. 

As the group grew, they moved into a local church. In 2001, the focus was narrowed to quilting projects. Over the years, other missionaries and Bolivians have become involved. Now ‘In Stitches’ is being handed over to and sustained by the Bolivian women.

Get involved
Would you like to support these women by purchasing one of their quilted handicrafts? Visit the In Stitches website at www.institchesbolivia.org

Alternatively, you can contact Bronwyn.bain@sim.org for more information. While this project is almost completely self-sustaining, your financial gift can help the women to cover large expenses. Currently, they are hoping to buy a quilting machine to make their work easier.

Please pray:
• for a new location to store fabric and plan kits, as they have outgrown their current location.
• for the women to continue to grow in their love for God and each other
• for the women to be able to take on the financial aspects of the project
• for God to help them learn to run the website as part of their business
• for the women to take ownership of the group as it takes a new direction under Bolivian leadership

If you would like to commit to praying for the women of In Stitches, please write to Bronwyn.bain@sim.org

If you would like to make a gift to this ministry, please send it to the SIM-UK office, marked for project 91208. Alternatively, you can give online by clicking on the link below.

DONATE ONLINE