Stitches of Grace: A Heart to Serve.
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
James 2:14-17
Here in the United States, it’s been many years since we’ve needed to make our own clothing or relied on a sewing machine. I remember my grandmother tirelessly working on hers, spending what seemed like night and day sewing Christmas presents and other items for the family. We had a running joke that whenever Christmas was approaching and my mom mentioned buying gifts, my grandma would say, “Oh, don’t buy him one—I’ll make him one!”
One year, I had my heart set on some hand puppets I’d seen on a popular TV show. My grandma heard about it, and instead of my mom buying the puppets from the store, she made them herself from old fabric. As a seven-year-old, I was a little disappointed on Christmas morning when I didn’t get the store-bought puppets. But looking back, that story shows how different life was then.
Today, things have changed in many ways here in the United States, but in Haiti, sewing remains an essential and integral part of daily life. In Haiti, countless people still rely on sewing as a vital means of earning a living. Whether it’s in the bustling factories of Port-au-Prince, where garments are mass-produced, or in the more rural areas, where individuals sew by hand to provide clothing for their families or to sell within their communities, sewing continues to be a crucial skill. It represents both a livelihood and a creative outlet, offering many Haitians a path to self-sufficiency and economic stability in the face of ongoing challenges.
Recently, we were blessed with the opportunity to support one of our leaders in Port-de-Paix, Sister Yolette, by providing her with a foot-powered sewing machine. Yolette, with her heart full of love for Jesus and her deep commitment to serving her church, has used this sewing machine to earn a small income by making and repairing clothes. But beyond that, her true passion lies in helping others. Her skills recently made a profound difference for three children whose father had passed away, leaving their mother, Lovemika, struggling to care for them. In Haiti, school uniforms are mandatory, and Lovemika could not afford to purchase them. Without hesitation, Yolette stepped in, sewing uniforms for the children so they could attend school. Thanks to her selfless act of love, these children were prepared and able to start their school year. You can read more about Lovemika and her children’s journey here. Yolette’s life and her love for the Lord are a beautiful example of how putting faith into action can be a powerful witness to God’s love. Her willingness to serve others, not just through kind words but through meeting real, tangible needs, perfectly reflects the heart of Christ's teachings and serves as an inspiration to us all.