December 2015 Cape Town, South Africa
To God Be the Glory, Great things He has done!
Dear Evangeline Friends:
The marvels of this incredible year, 2015, have left me at a loss for words!
On Saturday December 12th, my alma mater, Eastern University St Davids PA, awarded me an
honorary doctorate (Doctor of Humane Letters). Robert.G. Duffett, President of Eastern
University described “Wendy as a passionate and dedicated worker who has devoted the last 35
years of her life to work as a journalist, speaker and servant in the church.”
It was a wonderful event attended by my family and dear friends and an honor, so unexpected
but such a joy to receive.
I share this with everyone who has made and who continues to make Evangeline Ministries a
vehicle of transformation for disadvantaged and HIV positive women in the township of
Masiphumelele, Cape Town, South Africa.
Read more…..
When I heard the invitation from Dr. Tony Campolo and stepped onto the magnificent grounds
of Eastern College in 1973, I could never have imagined the turns my life would take. All that
has happened demonstrates the verse that has shaped me for more than 40 years, “Every path He
leads us on is fragrant with His loving kindness and his truth” (Psalm 25:8-10)
Graduation 2015
On Saturday 21st November, EM’s second graduation for 2015, 24 students enthusiastically
demonstrated their newly acquired sewing skills, learned over the past six months, with some of
the most beautiful garments made in our ten-year history of ministry. It was a day for students
who had successfully completed the requirements of the six-month semester to be awarded
certificates in Basic English, Basic Computer and Sewing and receive their new sewing machine.
They were so delighted that they danced and whirled and whooped for joy!
This was a class of committed students. With about one month to go, violent protests erupted in
Masiphumelele. This led to a time of turmoil and fear and we lost some days of instruction but
our students were determined to graduate on time. They came an hour earlier to class and stayed
an hour later so they could complete their assignments and finish their garments. For them it was
a time of unity in the face of upheaval in their community. Faith wrote: “ I still feel the joy and
think of the togetherness we had last Saturday as one big family joyously celebrating what we
learned through Evangeline Ministries. Thank you for engaging yourselves in brightening up our
community with these skills.”
“I am so proud of myself” said Tarisai” in an after graduation note. “I already finished sewing
my bedroom curtain from scratch of my own design. I can’t believe I earned this sewing
machine at no cost at all. I love it sooo! much!”
“The only certificate I ever received was my birth certificate,” said Nyasha., an excellent student.
“Today I received three.” She plans to go back to school to finish her
matric. “I want to make my grandma proud and everyone who has
supported me.”
“When I arrived here, I didn’t know anything,” Landelwa said, but
now I can do sewing for my children. I am so happy to know I can
make something with my own hands.”
“I knew nothing about the computer when I came here,” said Busiswe.
“It was my dream if I did not have a job to sew. Now I know how to
use the computer and how to sew! I am going to the Eastern Cape and will make aprons with
my machine so that all people can see what I am doing. I want to say thank you to Wendy who
has offered herself to people like us who are not able to afford to go to an expensive school!”
Cultural Importance.
At the graduation, 22 of our students wore traditional garments. As one of my professor friends
pointed out to me,” Your graduates who have proudly made graduation dresses in traditional
style and colors are honoring South African history and culture through the medium of state-ofthe
–art Western developed, MODERN sewing machines.” What a contribution to make!!!
In Masiphumele, they are far away from their traditional home and culture and must try to adapt
to the western culture that surrounds them. Weddings, funerals, Christmas, Easter and any other
major event calls for traditional dress. They are not sold in stores and they are very expensive to
buy from people who make them. This gives our graduates a sure income as they are much in
demand. Changing lives, building self- esteem and helping disadvantaged students to succeed
through the grace and love of Jesus Christ is our mission.
As we get ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who came to love, save, heal and
transform, we at Evangeline Ministries say Thank You for all you do to help us take this message
to South Africa.
We sincerely ask you for your continued help, prayer and financial support.
You can donate via our website at evangelineministries.org or send to 5501 Merchants View
Sq#277, Haymarket VA 20169. Your donation is tax deductible.
Evangeline Ministries wishes you a Merry and Blessed Christmas!
Sincerely in Christ
Wendy
Wendy Ryan
Evangeline Ministries:; [email protected]
“Every path He leads us on is fragrant with His loving kindness and his truth” (Psalm 25:8-10)
Check out our new website at evangelineministries.org
