As refugees continue to make new lives in surrounding nations, obstacles and hardship are everywhere. But many are finding security, hope, and a new future through the work of our team training women in the region. And as they seek a new path forward, many are hearing the Gospel and turning toward the love of Jesus! Learn more about our work in these communities and how you can get involved today.
Meet four of these women!
Hila: From Teacher to Tailor
Hila is a 38-year-old woman from Afghanistan. Hila, her husband, and their three children were forced to flee their home country due to the threats and dangers posed by the Taliban. Hila was previously a teacher, but had to leave her profession and home behind in search of safety and security for her family.
The decision to leave was not easy, especially for her husband, who had served in the army and faced constant threats. Concerned for their safety, the family made the difficult journey to a nearby nation, where they now reside in a camp.
Life if their new nation presents its own set of challenges for Hila and her family. She remains determined to rebuild their lives and secure a better future for her children. She misses her role as a teacher dearly and hopes to resume her passion for education one day.
Currently, Hila is learning the craft of tailoring, aiming to become a master trainer in tailoring and sewing. She sees this skill as an opportunity to not only support her own family but also empower other women in similar situations. With determination and perseverance, she envisions a future where she can provide for her family and contribute positively to her community.
Hila’s ultimate goal is to establish her own tailoring business after completing her training, allowing her to generate income to support her children’s education and provide stability for her family. She remains hopeful for the future and is grateful for the support she has received thus far.
Mina: Embroidery and the Gospel
Mina, a 42-year-old woman, is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and an enthusiastic disciple-making movement (DMM) trainer. She has a deep passion for sharing the Gospel within her community and empowering others through her faith.
Despite facing personal challenges, Mina remains resilient and determined to provide for her family. She is a single mother to five children. Ensuring their quality education is of utmost importance to Mina, and she takes great pride in their academic achievements.
Following her husband’s abandonment and subsequent divorce, Mina became the sole provider for her family. Despite the hardships she has faced, she remains grateful for the support provided by her community center. Currently, she is undergoing training in embroidery design, with the goal of starting her own business.
Mina’s dream is to establish a successful embroidery business that not only provides financial stability for her family but also serves as a platform for sharing the Gospel and ministering to others. She believes that her business can be a vehicle for spreading love, hope, and faith within her community.
With determination and faith, Mina is confident in her ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success. She is thankful for the opportunities afforded to her and is committed to creating a brighter future for herself and her children.
Through her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and her entrepreneurial spirit, Mina seeks to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her, spreading joy and inspiration through her business endeavors and ministry efforts.
Hester and Asmaan: Sisters on a Mission
Hesther and Asmaan are two sisters originally from Afghanistan who have faced significant challenges due to the political instability and conflict in their homeland. Their father was a businessman, and their mother worked for the government. Their lives took a drastic turn when the Taliban seized control of Kabul. Their father was kidnapped, and despite the family’s efforts to secure his release, they were unable to meet the exorbitant ransom demands. Fearing for their safety, Hesther, Asmaan, and their family were forced to flee, leaving behind their home, possessions, and livelihoods.
They now reside in a camp in a nearby country, where they face challenges in finding employment due to legal restrictions on refugees’ ability to work. Despite these obstacles, they have found solace and strength in their newfound belief in Jesus Christ. Their family’s conversion to Christianity has brought them hope and a sense of purpose, and they actively engage in discipleship and sharing the Gospel within their community.
Hesther and Asmaan are determined to create a better future for themselves and their family. Inspired by the opportunities presented to them, they have embarked on a journey to learn the art of tailoring. Through vocational training programs, they are acquiring the skills needed to become proficient tailors, with the goal of establishing their own clothing business. By leveraging their talents and newfound skills, they hope to not only provide for their family’s financial needs, but also to empower other families in similar circumstances.
Hesther and Asmaan are filled with optimism for their future. They eagerly anticipate the day when they can graduate from their tailoring program and launch their business, which they see as a pathway to self-sufficiency and prosperity. With faith as their guide and determination as their driving force, they are confident that they can overcome the challenges they face and build a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones.
Through their resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering faith, Hesther and Asmaan embody the spirit of perseverance and hope, inspiring those around them to believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow.
*All names have been changed.
