Linda Chanik

Renton, WA 

Making purses for Sew Powerful this summer has been pure joy (I love the new, easier pattern)!  Twenty so far, but that’s not the story.  When I saw the email asking for stories I deleted it thinking I did not have anything special to tell.  Then I remembered a couple years back to an answered prayer that shows God’s faithfulness, perfect timing, and His clear blessing on the Sew Powerful ministry.

One Sunday I visited a church that was new to me.  That morning Jason and Cinnamon happened to be giving a presentation about Sew Powerful.  I was inspired by the program and excited that something as simple as making a purse could make a tangible difference in a girl’s life!

Two years earlier I had won a sewing machine at the Washington State Fair and had decided to donate it somewhere meaningful.  It had been generously donated by Quality Sewing and Vacuum.  I had recently bought a machine from them plus had accumulated several machines over the years and did need another one.  So I simply prayed and asked God to show me who I could give it to.  Two years later God led me to that Sunday morning service where I learned of Sew Powerful.  I was touched and amazed by the program and wondered if this was where the sewing machine should go.

After the service I asked Cinnamon if they could use a sewing machine.  She asked me a bit about it.  When she heard it was a new Baby Lock sewing machine she told me they had been planning to buy a Baby Lock machine in the next couple days.  It would be used to promote their fall internet event they were hosting that very week!  I was thrilled! In His perfect timing, God blessed me, the Sew Powerful ministry and the person who won the machine. To God be the Glory!

That was a couple years ago.  I did not get around to making any purses right away, but did tell others about this amazing ministry.  In the process of telling folks, I met a woman who has made 42 so far!  I decided if she had time, then so did I.  I love to sew and each purse is an opportunity to play with color, fabrics and fun embellishing ideas.  Like I said in the beginning, making these purses is pure joy.

Psalm 27:14:  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.