A Threads of Blessing Story
A Threads of Blessing Story
Submitted by Threads of Blessing Ministry Director Helen Schnelzer
Doreen lives in Uganda and is a breast cancer survivor. She has four daughters, whom she is raising as a single mother. Following her surgery, she went for breast cancer counseling and met Linda. Doreen and Linda became close friends - so close that they discussed their desire to expand their fellowship and joy in the Lord to include other women. Linda had heard a woman speak about Threads of Blessing and the fellowship they had during their weekly meetings. So they went to a meeting, where, besides feeling the joy of the fellowship, they were each given a piece of fabric, a needle, and some embroidery floss, and told to “go and try.” In a short time, they each discovered their talent with a needle and thread and were producing beautiful embroidery, which provided for their children’s education, and much more.
Here is Doreen’s testimony:
“Threads of Blessing has not only been a blessing to me, but also to my family. I learned about this great group when I went for counseling for breast cancer. I am a survivor. When I joined, I was lost, confused, and didn’t know my next step because of the cancer. The treatment was long, so I lost my job, and my husband deserted me. Threads of Blessing has empowered me emotionally and spiritually. My health has greatly improved. I can now support my children. I have bought land and sheep and built a house, and I can be helpful in my community. Thank you, Threads of Blessing. You have given me and my children a second chance in life.
In gratitude to God for the blessings she has received through her embroidery, Doreen teaches her young daughters and their friends the gentle art of needlework.
Linda, Doreen’s breast cancer counselor, visited an orphanage near her home and asked to teach the children how to embroider. Many of the children’s caregivers have also joined the group. Linda and Doreen have traveled great distances with our Ugandan Director, Sunday Dhugira, to visit the groups, praise God, teach, encourage the women, and further the fellowship we all share in Threads of Blessing.
Here is Linda’s testimony:
“When I joined Threads of Blessing, I was a very lost soul. Through our weekly fellowship, I have grown spiritually and emotionally, and I am now a blessing to my children, family, friends, and community. I have learned to be patient and trust in the Lord, and the time I spend threading my pieces has calmed me. I have also learned to read and understand the Word of God. Through my needlework, I have read so many wonderful things from the Bible. I have gained financial freedom, friendships, and peace of mind. Through this blessing, I have gained humility. My family is blessed, and my home is peaceful. Thank you so much, Threads of Blessing.“
Sadly, Linda died last week very suddenly. She was only 40 years old. We have all been devastated by the news, particularly those in Uganda who have felt the warmth of her smile and learned from her teaching. God’s ways can be painful for us to bear or to understand. May God rest her soul in peace. For Doreen’s part, she has committed to traveling to the orphanage to encourage the children and their caregivers, and take on Linda’s legacy.
The Threads of Blessing ministry supports women in Uganda and transforms lives. Proceeds from each item sold are returned to the artist in Uganda that created it. Stop by and check out some of the beautiful items in the Threads of Blessing workshop in the basement of the diocesan headquarters in San Antonio at 111 Torcido Drive. For additional information, contact Helen Schnelzer or visit threadsofblessing.org.
