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How did this ministry begin?

The patchwork quilting ministry started in Kaposvar, Hungary, in the fall of 1998, with the Baptist pastor’s wife, Gabi Tisza and I.M. missionary, Verna Sutton sharing a vision for friendship evangelism. Gabi presented this concept of evangelism to the ladies from the church and a few made a commitment to try it. Patchwork had just recently been introduced in town and women were becoming more and more interested in learning this skill. Verna had a little quilting experience and some resources that could get a group started. The ladies believed that some quality time spent doing patchwork together would help in building relationships with their friends and acquaintances. From the beginning their goal was to pray for and take whatever opportunities they had to share the love of Jesus with the women God sent to them. About thirty ladies participated that first year. They were so eager and ambitious that before the year was over the group was hosting their own exhibition. Because of the success of this unique ministry, word spread to women across the country, and the leaders decided to plan a retreat where they could reach out to even more ladies for a whole weekend. Quilters who love Jesus were invited from North America and they not only taught new quilting techniques but shared how God had transformed their lives. (Always with a well-trained translator.) This first patchwork retreat was a huge success in every way and has now become an annual event. In the last few years some of the Eastern European quilters have joined the Americans and are teaching alongside them. This ministry has spread to cities and villages in neighboring countries. God is drawing women to Himself !

Who can take part in this ministry?

Anyone who has a vital relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and desires to use his/her gifts in serving. (Women and men have been a part of our retreat team who do not teach patchwork but work in the kitchen, measure and cut fabric, counsel, teach/preach, and help with various other tasks that need doing for this event to run smoothly.)

Patchwork retreats . . .

. . . are a great place to offer both non-Christian and Christian women a safe, non-threatening environment where relationships can begin to grow and women can discover their purpose for living.

. . . provide Christian women opportunities to give away some of what God has given them, by sharing their ideas, resources, creativity, skills and natural talents. (Colossians 3:16,17)

. . . give us a platform for sharing our story, the design of our life that bears the fingerprints of God. In sharing our experiences, we have the opportunity to model and explain what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

. . . are yet another place where we can reflect the character of Jesus. (II Cor. 2:15-17)

. . . provide us an opportunity to offer encouragement and help build up our sisters in Christ overseas, as we work together for the common goal of reconciling women to God.

. . . create a natural setting where we will use our spiritual gifts in serving women.

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