April 2008

Rahab’s Rope Update

We are now beginning our fourth year in the ministry of Rahab’s Rope. We have seen God do many great and mighty works. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this beautiful picture we see God creating in the women of India. We feel we have reached a certain level with the women and it is now time to reach to the next level. As I mentioned in my previous letter to you there is a unity among the current women that we have not seen until now and it is only possible through the transformation of God in their lives. We feel 2008 is a pivotal year in what God is doing with the women. The growth spiritually and physically is amazing. As with any growth there are needs and that is the reason for this letter.

Many of you have asked how you can help. I would like to put our current needs before you and ask you to pray how God can use you.

Basic Needs

As we have had hundreds of women come through the center over the last three years many of our basics are beginning to wear out and need replacing. Example: while we were there this past week a cooker exploded and burned the arm of one of our residents also as a result of the explosion it broke the gas cook top and it must be replaced. Many other cooking utensils are wearing out as well as bedcovers and other miscellaneous items that are used on a daily basis. Individual cost of these type items will range from five to two hundred dollars.

Growth Needs

As we are growing and the number of women we are training and employing increases so does the need for more equipment and tools. At this point we need one area and supplies for training and one for actual production. Concerning our vocational training in sewing, we are in immediate need of five commercial sewing machines for production,one commercial machine for embroidery and five domestic machines for training. The cost of the commercial machines is approximately $280 and the domestic machines $175. We also need more sewing supplies such as scissors, tape measures, needles,a new cutting table, etc. In our jewelry making department we need a sturdy working table and more tools for cutting, crimping, stringing, etc. These items are all minimal in cost.

New and Upcoming Growth

This year we will begin several education programs with many of our girls. We will begin with Beauty School and Business Training. We will also implement a concentrated program for teaching English through a correspondence program as well as personal one on one teaching through a retired American English teacher. During this last trip to India we visited two Beauty Schools and a Salon in order to gather information and put together a presentation for you. Beauty School requires six months of training and if you are interested in sponsoring a lady for this course of education please contact me for the details, as it would require too much space here.

Special Needs

We currently have one special need. One of our new ladies whom we have actually hired as a staff member is in need of housing repair. Her name is Puspa and God has miraculously transformed her life. She lives with her grandmother, parents, brother and aunt in two rooms totally about 300 square feet. As we visited their little concrete home we witnessed it has no doors, no flooring, no electricity and needs painting. Since Puspa has received Christ into her life, so has her grandmother and aunt. With tears in her eyes, Puspa expressed her gratitude toward God in all that He has done since her belief in Him. The approximate cost for making her home more livable will be approximately $1500. We believe through God’s love in action her entire family will be changed.

Special Programs and Occasions

Throughout the year we have several special times for the women. I thought I would list them all in case you would like to sponsor all or part of one of these events. Christmas Celebration: As you know our Christmas Celebration is our largest single outreach program. The celebration cost approximately $15 per lady and this past year we ministered to 900 women. We rent a facility in town, cater a large buffet meal, give each lady a new dress and a special need item. The presentation of the day is evangelistic in nature as the love of God is shared.

Easter: On Easter we provide a special service and meal for the women that live and come to the center for worship that day. The Easter Celebration expense is approximately $200.

Outside Educational Seminars: Ex.: Human Rights, Mother and Childcare, Cooking Classes We can usually send forty women to one of these classes for approximately $125, for all 40 not each.

Birthdays: Once a month we have a party for everyone with a birthday that particular month. The birthday party cost approximately $50 for cake and refreshments for 40 women.

Many of you have asked about the monthly expense of each lady. That has been a difficult number to calculate due to many variables. However, at this point, through finally attaining a good consistency with a great group of women we are able to do this. The approximate cost for each woman at the center is $125 per month. This covers ten areas, if you would like a breakdown please contact me.

We hope to have the above list, in detail, on our website soon. If you have any questions about any thing please feel free to contact me.