8/14/2013
By Dr. Sarah Smith, Anderson United UMC
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Bangkok child seen in a dress from Anderson UMW.
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Anderson United Methodist Women (AUMW) have successfully completed another year of "sewing love through mission" and living the true meaning of mission, which is love in action. This year AUMW shipped 110 dresses to the Little Dresses for Africa (LDFA) national headquarters in Brownville, Michigan. Over the past three years Anderson UM women have made over 500 pillow case dresses and over 50 shorts for little boys around the world. A delegation of volunteers will travel to Malawi to deliver these dresses and other dresses from across the United States to little girls in 49 countries within Africa. AUMW ladies and other UMW seek many ways to help and assist others throughout local communities and globally. This is only one example of how God's love through everyone has resulted in care and hope for the most vulnerable children. In addition to Malawi, these dresses are helping girls in Venezuela, Zambia, Uganda and even Bangkok as reported by the director and founder of LDFA, Rachel O'Neill.
According to the founder, the United States have sent close to two million dresses to 49 countries of Africa and 17 countries outside of Africa. "That's a lot of little children who are being blessed in the name of Jesus because of your hard work" as expressed by Rachel O'Neill. Being a part of this mission has brought inner joy to the many ladies sewing their faith for God's children in need.
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| A member of the sewing ministry smiles for camera. |
The Anderson UMW organization was one of the first according to LDRA headquarters of the UMW groups in Mississippi during 2010 to be spotlighted on NBC's Nightline program special segment entitled, "Making a Difference." Many of the dresses made by the local ladies were shown on national television.
Since beginning this project, AUMW members have been blessed to share and spread this experience with others throughout the state and families across the nation. AUMC members are especially thankful for Charles Gibson and his family for donating most of the materials used for this project. They are also grateful for others who helped to make this miracle come true by the grace of God. For more information about this project and other mission outreach programs, or to join the Anderson UMW, call 601-982-3997.
