There were specific stations set up. Two tables of sewing machines, 3 ironing stations, 2 cutting tables, a doll making station, assembling of dress kits station.
A dress kit contained the two pieces for the front and back of the dress, elastic for the front and back gathering, seam binding for the arm holes and to tie at the shoulders, a pocket, and an embellishment or two. This was all color co-ordinated.
These kits were packaged in plastic bags for women to take home to put together. Of course, we also put together as many as we could on Saturday. All together we made 40plus dresses in sizes 3 to 12 and an ecology doll to put in each dress pocket.
(doll completely made from fabric and yarn scraps)
The rationale for a girl having a pretty dress in a third world nation is: she is then perceived to be well taken care of by her family (even though she may have no family). There are many, many children orphaned by the aids epidemic who are street waifs. Often the girls are transcripted into the sex trade and forced into prostitution in exchange for food and lodging. Even children who do have parents may live in ghettos made of cardboard boxes. A dress may enable a child to attend school. At the very least, it will lend her a little self respect.
The dresses are always hand delivered to the villages by missionaries. Two families from my church will be delivering dresses - one to Tanzania, Africa and the other with a Young Life mission to S. America. Dresses will be delivered by both of these families to the girls in the villages where they will be ministering.
If you're interested in learning a bit more about this ministry, Here's the link:
http://www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com/
I think this is a wonderful idea. I firmly believe that God's hand of protection will follow the dresses to assist in those girl's lives, and keep them safe as they wear them. My first thought (unfortunately) is that they may get beat up or raped for the dresses (so the dress can be sold), but that is my "flesh" thinking. I know God's got this all in His sight :) and that's all I need to know!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great ministry! Some children lead heart breaking lives. Thank you for being a blessing to some sweet little girls.
ReplyDeleteWow! That is so neat! I'm in agreement with Alonquin in prayer for the dresses to be safe and delivered in perfect condition. I love that you hand made them. I pray the Lord blesses your effort.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing!
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Sue
What a great ministry!
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS YOU! This is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to serve our Lord and Savior!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea. I'm sure these dresses will be cherished more than you know.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely ministry in all senses of the word. Thank you for doing this! I'm also praying the Lord blesses your efforts!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful group of ladies to put aside time to help all those little girls. I'm sure the girls will be so proud of their pretty dresses and dolls.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful ministry!!!
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing thing to do for others! and I bet you had so much fun with the other ladies!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! Blessings Niki x
ReplyDeleteI love this! Thank you for your gift to these girls...the sex trafficking industry is an ugly cancer and you have found a beautiful way to fight it!
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