In February 2007, the IBC Women’s Ministry began a program during Women’s Bible Study called Small Change for Big Change.  The idea behind this ministry was to collect loose “change” from women over a 6 week period and use the money to empower women for “change” in Africa.  Only coins were accepted – no paper money.  At the end of the 6 week period, a bit over $1,800 was collected.

In partnership with ALARM’s African Women’s Initiatives, the IBC Women’s Ministry funded a project with this money to train a group of women in Malakal, Sudan to learn the skill of tailoring.

To give a bit of background,  Sudan experienced nearly 50 years of war, during which time many women were left widowed and left with the responsibility of raising their many children and orphans.  The town of Malakal is on the border between Northern Sudan, which is mostly Muslim, and Southern Sudan, which is mostly Christian & Animist.  The town exchanged hands between the north and south several times.  It is now part of the government ruled by Southern Sudan.  The war destroyed the infrastructure and left thousands of widows the responsibility of raising their own children and orphans.  These women are very poor.  Most of the them had no chance to attend school, so they are illiterate and have no skills that can allow them to make a living to take care of their families.

IBC Women’s Ministry and ALARM came alongside a group of women in Malakal that had been meeting together every Saturday for fellowship, encouragement, bible study and prayer.  Some of the women in the group were Christian, and some were not.

The available funds allowed 6 of the women to attend the Malakal Vocational Training Center where they learned the skill of tailoring.  The women learned how to create a pattern and sew clothing.  After the training, the women were provided with sewing machines so they could start a business.

The women were so excited.  They said that they never expected to be given such a wonderful opportunity for a future.  They were thankful to God and Irving Bible Church for providing them this wonderful opportunity.

- Katherine Holloway