Part of the Annie’s Closet project includes launching sewing classes and providing material to the students and graduates so that they may start some entrepreneurial ventures that helps our core mission of providing clothing for people in need. The first Annie’s Closet sewing class started a few weeks ago in Hope Village. The class is taught by the chief of the village who spent many years working as a tailor in Zimbabwe.
In conjunction with the skill training, the students are also taught basic business principles in a set of classes compiled by Don Green. Keeping in alignment with the agricultural courses called “Farming God’s Way” we have been promoting in Malawi for years, Don is calling the business course, “Doing Business God’s Way”.
On Tuesday, the day before we left Malawi, it was my honor to teach the business class. With the aid of an interpreter, I proceeded to share the story, from Acts Chapter 16, of Lydia, the seller of purple cloth. I shared about how believing something or knowing something is not enough. We must take action on our knowledge and beliefs.
I also shared some tips on how to make better connections and how to network. I was not sure how this message would be received, but it turned out to be a big success. This was definitely one of the big highlights for me.
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| Don introduces me, while Godwins translates. |
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| The lesson started with the story of Lydia from Acts Chapter 16. |
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| What does it mean to network? Here is some core training on networking. |
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| Here is what you look like when you DON'T smile. |
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| This was one of the most attentive audiences I have ever had. |
