Imagine saving souls and fulfilling dreams in a region where darkness, AIDS and poverty conspire to prevent both. That was the longing of Keith Strugnell, director of CBN WorldReach in East and Southern Africa.

He envisioned combining discipleship and vocational training for new Christians.

"The seed of this idea was planted in my heart three years ago when I heard of new Christians, former prostitutes, who often ended up back on the streets because they could not support themselves," said Strugnell. "I thought there should be a practical side of discipleship to try to prevent this."

Life-changing opportunity
Imagine how those who are saved from such a fate feel.

Jodie Nelson, director of outreach for Operation Blessing International, recently visited South Africa where OBI is cooperating with CBN WorldReach, the Nehemiah Partners and Sewing the Seed to provide life-changing opportunities for unemployed Africans.

Working on a project.

"The students were excited but very shy," said Nelson. "When you have not been able to support yourself and then suddenly you have a chance to change your life, it can be overwhelming."

Productive partnership
The agencies have partnered to provide sewing machines and training to new Christians. In a country where unemployment stands at 45 percent the opportunity is very precious indeed.

It took more than three years to bring the idea to fruition because of the lack of equipment. Strugnell looked into buying sewing machines in South Africa, but they were too expensive.

That's where OBI and the Nehemiah Partners stepped in, purchasing, transporting and distributing 300 machines in South Africa and Swaziland for the project.

Experienced instructors
The Nehemiah Partners recruited Andrea and David Blow from Fargo, N.D., to do the training. The Blows have owned a sewing machine business for 47 years.

Andrea Blow tutors a group of students.

Relatively new Christians themselves, the Blows had already been to Mexico to teach sewing. They jumped quickly at the opportunity to extend that project to South Africa. "We felt very strongly led there," said Andrea.

The Blows spent two months in South Africa, training students-more than 120 of them--selected by local pastors. At least half of the students will become trainers themselves, said Strugnell.

"Some had some experience sewing, some were totally green," said Strugnell. "All were young in the Lord."

Local church the key
That the sewing takes place under the auspices of the local church is key, said Strugnell. "We want to make sure there is a spiritual emphasis. We want to communicate the Good News as we produce a product."

The focus on discipleship includes stewardship and tithing, said Strugnell. The pastors hosting the training are encouraged to require a tithe of the proceeds of the sales from the students and to require up to 40 percent more to be directed back into the enterprise.

David Blow teaches sewing machine repair to two eager students.

Business skills emphasized
Poverty is so profound in South Africa that the students may be tempted to spend all the money they earn, but sound business practice requires reinvestment. The students will be required to make such a commitment.

They will also be schooled in marketing their goods. Some may go to local markets, but many of the items target tourists. "We are encouraging them to find markets outside the townships," said Nelson, "because there isn't that much money there."

Program deemed a success
By all accounts, the project is a successful one.

"It's still very early, but there's great promise," said Nelson. "The people are excited and the pastors are very excited to be able to impact their communities."

According to Strugnell, the same principles may also be applied to helping people learn other life-giving skills, such as gardening.

Students display their finished projects.

The Blows rate the program as a success, but claim they received more than they gave. "The people we went to teach taught us," said Andrea. Their faith in the midst of abject poverty was remarkable; their faces full of faith and joy were a miracle to behold.

"The people we had gone to share the love of the Lord with showed us how to walk victorious in Christ."

Passing the joy on
Strugnell hopes that the faith of the students will shine forth as they market their goods to the public.

"When they sell their products, hopefully there will be a smile on their faces and a song in their hearts," he said. "We hope they will be moved to share their faith with others as well."