Sewing Generosity

Diaconía is an organization that currently serves as our local partner in Paraguay. Together, we seek to empower women to flourish in all areas of life – economically, relationally and spiritually. Antonia joined one of Diaconía’s very first trust groups more than 12 years ago with a friend in her community. At the time, she had only one small table top sewing machine and was making jackets to sell at a local market.

She took out her first loan for approximately $60, sold her small machine, and bought a larger industrial sewing machine. Five years later, Antonia began working with a chain of supermarkets in Paraguay providing clothing to sell in their store locations. Over the years, she has made several different clothing items for the store. Currently, she is dedicated to making pajamas and nightgowns.

Antonia also makes scrubs for medical professionals. While visiting Diaconía, one medical student asked her to make him personalized scrubs for his upcoming residency. 

“I’m so excited that my product was taken to another country thanks to the opportunity that Diaconía gave me,” Antonia commented. “I always tell the other women in my group to persevere in what they start because that’s how we get ahead and it’s a beautiful thing. I may not have a big workshop, but I dream with my eyes open!”

With the help of a micro-loan, Antonia has already fulfilled so many of her dreams. She expanded her sewing workshop, put her son through university and built a small roofed area off of her house where she can provide meals for the children in her neighborhood despite her own needs. Through Diaconía’s chaplaincy program, Antonia also had the opportunity to hear about the love of God and be mentored and encouraged one-on-one and in a group setting.

Antonia’s generosity has inspired a pay-it-forward movement in her community, in the Diaconía team, and, we hope, in the lives of each one of our readers and friends all over the world.

It’s amazing the change we can make in the lives around us when we take on a spirit of gratitude and turn it into outward generosity. We continue to thank God for our incredible team, the health and protection He grants us every day and the humbling work He has entrusted to us.