Sew Powerful Podcast

Kicking off the new season of the podcast. Introducing Dana Buck. Reflecting on the first 15 years of Sew Powerful ministry.

The story of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego is a lesson in faithfulness and courage. Written and Narrated by Dana Buck Additional Voices provided by Caleb Son and ​Brandon Blue Devotional Thoughts Narrated by Kim Pratt Produced by Beneath Blue Skies Productions Music Credit: Adobe Music - "Ramadan Music Background" by KLAmedia, "Parable", "Ramadan Music Background" by TheRatu, "In Ramadan"

In this concluding episode of Season 1, Sew Powerful co-founder Jason Miles gives the background information behind his first Quarter presentation. He recaps Events, Chapters, the Facebook Group, the Purse Count, Funding, Expenses, and we talk about the new shipping option. In addition, Jan and Jason take a short walk down memory lane recounting the many great experiences in the previous 98 episodes of Season 1 of the Sew Powerful Podcast. There will be a Season 2. Dates TBD.

Besides her Sew Powerful CFO duties, Sue Kirby has taken on the role of Manager, National Shows and Events for 2022. In this episode, Sue announces the dates and places for upcoming quilt shows where Sew Powerful will exhibit. She also recaps the shows we have already complete. Along with host Jan Cancila, Sue shares experiences and tips for attending the shows. Finally, listen for a checklist of all the reasons you will want to participate in an upcoming quilt show with Sew Powerful. Scattered throughout are mentions of the many volunteers without whose help and dedication we could not participate in these shows.

A beloved member of the Sew Powerful family, Irene Davidson Thomas joins us in today's episode. Irene talks about her many Sew Powerful experiences, including three trips to Zambia and travels to Renton to help with unboxing the purses. We get a glimpse into her very interesting life and her fondness for not so typical pets. Irene explains why her heart is so drawn to Sew Powerful and offers some sewing advice along the way.

Jason Miles, Sew Powerful co-founder discusses social enterprise as modeled in Thomas Vozzo's recently released book, 'The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life.' Los Angeles-based Homeboy Industries is lauded for its innovative approach to dealing with those living in the 'Forgotten America.' We compare and contrast Homeboy to Sew Powerful and discover that both organizations operate with a remarkably similar approach. And the volunteers who serve both organization experience God's grace, growing in faith as they use their God-given talents to help those in need.

When life-long sewer, Jill Riffe discovered Sew Powerful it wasn't long before she was churning out purses by the dozens. Listen as Jill shares a couple of unique tips that help her be efficient, yet still have fun making purses. You may have missed Jill in the past couple of years. She explains the life changing event that occurred but what led her to return to Sew Powerful, even volunteering at QuiltCon Phoenix from far away Minnesota.

Meet Carla Robertson, co-founder and operator of the non-profit, Dallas Designing Dreams. This unique organization is a small business incubator, offering access to equipment and expertise to make entrepreneurs' dreams come true. Finding Sew Powerful brought Carla another opportunity to give back because her new Sew Powerful Chapter, Sew My Dream, meets in this studio and makes use of the fabulous array of equipment and creative space. Listen as Carla shares what motivates her to help dreams come true for her community and our schoolgirls in Zambia.

This week we introduced the Sew Powerful Purse Distribution video to two teen girls. After they share their own school experiences and promising futures, our guests give us their take on the video. They express empathy for the challenges the schoolgirls in Zambia face, offering encouragement for them. Our guests may be the youngest to date, but you will appreciate their maturity and compassion for girls living in very difficult circumstances.

Longtime Sew Powerful volunteer, Torey Elwell, shares her Africa connection in this episode. Not only does Torey volunteer with us to help those in Zambia, she and her husband are very involved in supporting a 700-student school in rural Ethiopia. Torey discusses the similarities and differences to provide an insight into the plight of those living in poverty in Africa. Torey also has several examples of great outcomes that will warm your heart.

Meet Region 6 Chapter Manager Sharon Helms. In this episode we are going to get to know Sharon, learning about her surprising hobbies and vocations. Sharon has been a Sew Powerful volunteer for a number of years. She has a creative way of introducing people to Sew Powerful, making it easy for them to become engaged. Warning: Sharon's passion for Sew Powerful is contagious and you will come away feeling the same joy in your heart.

Meet two Sew Powerful Quilt Show managers who give us the inside scoop as they prepare for their roles as Show Managers. Betty Johnson will oversee the Sew Powerful booth at QuiltCon Phoenix and Jan Paul leads the way at AQS Branson. Betty and Jan share how they have prepared, the materials and guidance they have received, and why they have taken on these roles. They also talk about the Quilt Shows themselves and the activities you and your families can enjoy if you make these shows your destination. Betty and Jan offer encouragement to anyone thinking of taking on this fun job.

Meet Linda Ronk. Linda has a most intriguing background including becoming an Air Force nurse at a more mature age than most enlistees. Linda, now retired, serves Sew Powerful as a Chapter Leader in Belton, Texas. She has set an ambitious goal for herself and has far exceeded it already. Listen as we learn why and how Linda, and her husband, support Sew Powerful so enthusiastically.

Sew Powerful co-founder, Jason Miles, shares exciting news about feeding hungry kids in the Ngombe compound. Through a newly established partnership, more than 4800 children will receive a hot lunch every school day. Listen as Jason explains how the program will work and miraculously, how God prepared one of our Zambian team members to take a leadership role in this amazing new venture. Be sure to listen to the end for a second announcement about a new launch and partnership.

We want to make sure that if you are new to Sew Powerful, you feel welcome and have a good understanding of what we do and why we do it. In this episode, Sew Powerful co-founder, Jason Miles talks about the various ways people find Sew Powerful. In addition, Jason introduces us to a brand-new concept: monthly Meet & Greet sessions conducted via Zoom. During these sessions, you will meet Jason and Cinnamon, learn about Sew Powerful, chat with other purse makers, and have a chance to ask questions. It's all casual, fun, and informative. Look for the schedule on the SewPowerful.org website under Serve With Us > Welcome, where you will also find free downloads and other great information. See you on Zoom!

In this episode Jan Cancila and Jason Miles change hats with Jason serving as host and Jan sitting in the guest chair. Service projects is a topic near to Jan's heart and in this episode, Jan shares the fascinating back stories for several organizations that have chosen Sew Powerful as the beneficiary of their service project. You will learn about a new volunteer role that has just been filled to put greater emphasis on supporting and developing service projects along with the various resources we offer service project leaders. Lots of shout outs too, so listen for your name.

Start the new year with a resolution to create your own personal mission statement. In this episode, Sew Powerful co-founder Jason Miles shares his personal mission statement and talks about the inputs we need to create our own. Read Acts 17:6 to find the foundation for Jason's mission statement. Several other passages, as well as references to various personality and work style tests, are provided that will help you develop your own mission statement. There is even a challenge to see where we are by December of this year. Happy New Year!

In our continuing series, Jesus and the Poor, Sew Powerful co-founder Jason Miles explains what we mean by 'Messiah Complex'. What is it? Why should we avoid it? Could our good intentions turn into bad outcomes if we are not aware? Comparing 1 John 3:16 to John 3:16, we look at the role of sacrificial servants and what this means for the Sew Powerful ministry in Zambia.

Jason Miles, Sew Powerful co-founder and Jan Cancila, Sew Powerful Director of Global Volunteerism explore what it means for Sew Powerful to be an all-volunteer organization. Jason leads us through scripture to understand how 'tent-making' supports this model while Jan points out how volunteering has touched her life and the lives of others in the organization. The conversation includes examples of how God has prepared us with talents and vocational experiences that we can bring to the ministry. Are you a retiree looking for ways to apply your experiences that will really make a difference? We would love to hear from you.

Let us love one another. From the name, to the operation, to those it helps, the Tikondane Garden Program exemplifies the message of 1st John 4:7: to love one another. In this episode we break down the origin of the program, how it works, who is helped and who are the helpers. Learn why some residents of Lusaka were wary to participate but have certainly changed their minds as the gardens have flourished. The Tikondane Garden program is another way Sew Powerful provides opportunities for those living in extreme poverty to change the trajectory of their lives.

The Sew Powerful ministry integrates opportunities for women in Zambia to earn a wage to feed their families, pay the rent and educate their children. In many cases, these women are widows or de-facto widows, serving as the head of their households while living in very challenging conditions. This is how we often think of this ministry serving widows. But around the world, Sew Powerful also serves our volunteer purse makers, some of whom may also be widows, by providing a spiritual, creative, and service outlet to serve, just as God has prepared us.

In this Thanksgiving episode Sew Powerful co-founder, Jason Miles, recounts the origins of the 3 Esthers Farm: how the fallow land was converted into a farm that now grows vegetables and fruit, how the name came about, and how God sent caretakers to get the farm started. Jason also shares what daily life is like for children and families in the Ngombe compound when they have absolutely no food. The introduction of the Tikondane backyard gardens is one step towards bringing food to families but Jason also shares that he is working to unlock strategies to bring lunches into more schools in Ngombe compound.

We continue our series, 'Jesus and the Poor' with Jason Miles. Today's topic is God's Heart for Orphans. We explore how Sew Powerful serves the orphans of Zambia, how this ministry may differ from others, and then Jason shares scripture that extols us to care for those in need. You will hear how Sew Powerful seeks out those most in need and why we do that. Learn what is truly at the heart of the Sew Powerful mission.

A recent blog post on the Sew Powerful website features a young woman named Frienda who recently graduated from being a trainee to a junior seamstress in the sewing co-op in the Ngombe compound in Lusaka, Zambia. We wanted to delve deeper into the impact local hiring has on a community, especially when extreme poverty affects more than half the population. Sew Powerful co-founder, Jason Miles explains how the jobs we provide, are life-changing for an employee, their family and an ever-growing circle in the community. Jason expands on the critical role donors play in ensuring children have an aspiration nurtured by working role models in their own homes.

In this second episode in our 'Jesus and the Poor' series, Sew Powerful co-founder, Jason Miles answers the central question: Why do we do what we do? And what's next? Following Eliyahu Goldratt's (The Goal) and Peter Drucker's (Management by Objectives) models, Jason talks us through our theory of change. What needs to change; what do you change to; how do you change? Jason compares and contrasts motives and priorities Christian versus non-Christian organizations implement when working with those living in in the most challenging and desperate conditions, as we do with those in Zambia.

Welcome to the first in a series of about a dozen discussions with Sew Powerful co-founder Jason Miles. Today we kick off the series called 'Jesus and the Poor' with some background information about Jason himself, and then we look ahead to upcoming episodes. In these future episodes, Jason will present the concepts and I will ask questions and even play devil's advocate. The idea is to bring all of us to an in-depth understanding of the planning, thought process, back stories, challenges and difficulties of operating the Sew Powerful ministry in Zambia. Be sure and include your questions in the comments section below.

Meet Freweini Mebrahtu, the 2019 CNN Hero of the Year. A native of the Tigray region of Ethiopia, Freweini leveraged her university degree to change the lives of women in her home country. She obtained a patent, took out a loan and opened a factory manufacturing sanitary pads. She employed women who had never held a job. She offered day care for her workers so they could countinue to earn a wage to support their families. All of this hard work came to a halt when a civil war erupted in Ethiopia in November 2020. Freweini educates us on the dire situation in her homeland that includes destruction, brutilization of women, and famine for a half million people. Freweini wants to use the platform afforded her by the CNN award to bring resolution to the conflict and resume her work in support of women at home. While much of the content of this episode is uplifting, there is some disturbing discussion of the horrors of this war.

Doryce Fitzgerald had never heard of Sew Powerful until her favorite quilt shop newsletter featured Sew Powerful earlier this year. When she read the article, the light bulb went off and soon Doryce and friends were off and running. In less than six months, the Santa Clarita Valley Quilt Guild's 81 members, with a little help from their friends, churned out 126 purses. Making it a true family affair, Doryce's daughter and son in law made a very generous donation to cover the cost of labor and materials for all those purses. Purse makers and members of quilt guilds everywhere will enjoy hearing how Doryce sponsored and supported Sew Powerful to get this project off the ground for 2021. Spoiler alert: We are on their books for 2022 also.

Meet a Star War aficionado who serves on the global leadership council of the non-profit Rebel Legion Star Wars Costuming Group. Katherine Winchell's hobby is costume making, all things Star Wars, and she is one of the principal organizers of the October 16, 2021, Rebel Reads webathon. Sew Powerful will benefit from the sale of special enamel pins offered during the event. In addition, Katherine has challenged each national and international Rebel Legion outpost to submit a video showing their Sew Powerful purse making progress, stirring up a little intergalactic rivalry. Please listen to the end because Katherine reveals her very surprising day job and it is literally out of this world. Literally.

Meet the proprietor of Sewpbox Productions based in West Hollywood, California. Russell Conte owned a retail sewing shop until he discovered his true passion: teaching others to sew. His portfolio includes fashion sewing, leather goods, shoe making and more. Russell is a university instructor in advanced sewing techniques and also serves as a Babylock ambassador. His video sewing lessons are very short and tackle just one targeted subject in a hyper focused approached.

Meet Susan Pfaff, purse maker and supporter of Sew Powerful. With a name like 'Pfaff' we all have to be wondering, "Is Susan related to the Pfaff sewing machine people?" You'll have to listen to get the answer, but here is a hint: Susan has traveled all over the United States as an Pfaff educator. Susan has even held the dreamiest of jobs: fabric store owner. Now retired, Susan has taken to YouTube with her charming video series, 'Let's Sew! KIDS' introducing the younger generation to the basics of sewing. Susan shares her purse making philosophy and much more in this week's episode.

Listen as we count down the 10 most listened-to podcasts of the past twelve months. Our eclectic assortment of guests includes Sew Powerful Regional Coordinators, Industry Influencers and others who just happen to have a passion for Sew Powerful. You will hear snippets from the podcasts to remind you why these ten episodes garnered so much attention. You might even want to go back and listen again...or for the first time. We also share a big announcement about what is coming in the very near future for the Sew Powerful Podcast.

Two weeks ago, we listened to Jason Miles talk about Mary, Martha and Lazarus in John, Chapter 11. (See Sew Powerful Podcast, episode 67) Today, Jason moves on to John, Chapter 12 and introduces several Biblical references to the poor and caring for those living in poverty, including Deuteronomy 15, Galatians 2, Acts 2 and Isiah 61. But Jason also quotes the New York Times and plays a clip from a local Los Angeles TV station. He reminds us to find the balance between faith with no action and action with no faith. As always, Jason includes great contemporary stories to illustrate the lessons he finds in scripture.

In this week's podcast we hear from Dana Buck. Dana is a Sew Powerful board member and author of 'The Sew Powerful Parables,' both in book and podcast formats. Today's engaging talk is one he recently shared with the congregation of Renton Christian Center. Dana focuses on John 12, verses 20-24 to help us understand how the broken can become beautiful. Listen for the story of the truck driver with a bad heart and the young widow with a life insurance policy. Then you will probably need a tissue, I know I did, as Dana reads his original work, 'Broken Teacups.'

The guest on today's podcast is the Sew Powerful co-founder, Jason Miles. Rather than an interview format, we are sharing the sermon Jason delivered to his church in July 2021. Using John, Chapter 11 as the basis of his sermon, the next 30 minutes or so will delight you as Jason weaves contemporary life into the story of Jesus' love for Mary and Martha at the time of Lazarus' death. And Jason wraps it up by helping us understand how Jesus loves each of us.

Ginny Buckley lives near Bristol in the UK. There she has organized sewing days, drawing in members of her church and local community to come sew a bag for Sew Powerful. In this episode, Ginny walks us through her planning process and how she arranged the room to ensure safety protocols, provide convenient access to the supplies, while still encouraging sharing and friendship. Ginny also reveals her secret weapon that draws in her bag makers and she literally shares the recipe for her success.

The voicemail episode is a compilation of voice mail messages left by our Sew Powerful friends. We asked them to finish these phrases and share their thoughts with us via voice mail: The reason I volunteer for Sew Powerful is…What I like best about Sew Powerful is...The best thing that happened to me last week was...I am asking for prayers for.... The result is an uplifting, interesting and fun listen as our volunteers tell us what is important to them. Enjoy.

Attention all machine embroiderers and friends of embroiderers. In this episode, the creative force behind the free Sew Powerful embroidery designs, Peggy Creighton, walks us through her process, explains ITH, and hints at what will be available in the months ahead. Peggy explains how to use her designs on your embroidery machine. Then she encourages all purse makers to engage with a friend who has an embroidery machine as a way to introduce them to Sew Powerful in a partnership of friendship and creativity.

As we celebrate the Olympics, meet the Marketing and Communication Officer for the Zambia National Olympic Committee, Felix Munyika. Even with an early defeat in women's futball (soccer) , the NOCZ is proud of its team's showing. Zambia sent a delegation of 50 athletes in 5 sports to the Tokyo games. Listen as Felix reveals how the Olympics in Zambia has parallel goals to those of Sew Powerful with a prediction our two organizations could find synergy in the future.

Sew Powerful's first exhibition in front of Pinterest enthusiasts will occur October 8-9th at the Pinners Conference in Indianapolis. Listen as Mary Inchauste, Show Manager, and Kathleen Broadfoot, the willing and able support coordinator, describe how they are preparing for this show. Their enthusiasm is contagious as they explain how a Pinners Conference might be different than a traditional Quilt Show. They elaborate on why they have taken on these roles, what tools Sew Powerful has supplied them, and why you too should consider volunteering to work in a Sew Powerful booth at a show near you.

Meet a remarkable woman with a passion for helping others. Using her own life experiences and her deep and abiding faith in the Lord, Barbara Stroup has compassion for those who find themselves in challenging circumstances. Listen as Barbara shares her life story, amazing world travels, words of wisdom and surprising connection to Sew Powerful.

Our guest this week has been with World Vision for nearly 30 years, and currently serves as their Chief Development Officer. Kathryn Compton is a dynamic and innovative leader who developed and leads Strong Women Strong World — a global Women's Empowerment initiative focused on bringing together influential and affluent partners who are dedicated to empowering women and girls through gender reconciliation in developing countries. Kathryn shares her background, world travles and illustrates why it is important for Sew Powerful to continue our work in Zambia.

Deborah Peterson is the Sew Powerful Chapter Leader of the Oly~Lacy Crafty Sewers. In this episode we learn about Deborah's interesting background but really delve into what it has been like to form a Sew Powerful Chapter. We talk about how she found new members, what materials she found helpful and how, through her outreach, she has brought more than a dozen new purse makers into the Sew Powerful fold. We talk about an upcoming Quarterly Chapter Leaders' meeting, which will actually take place the day before this episode airs. If you are thinking of forming or joining a Sew Powerful Chapter, you won't want to miss this episode.

Impressive credentials aside, Philippe Ayivor has been at the forefront of economic and social development in Africa since 1995. Whether it is working on water treatment infrastructure for impoverished communities or spearheading the work to bring vocational training to build a strong middle class in Africa, Philippe's work resonates with our Sew Powerful mission to bring the dignity of work to those in need.

Living life to its fullest in her adopted country, Myra Lehmann shares her interesting background and the path that took Myra, her husband and daughter to Sweden many years ago. What was intended to be a one year stay has turned into almost a 50 years residency. Myra explains her volunteer activities as well as her devotion to Sew Powerful. She even greets us in Swedish to start our talk.

Putting her passion for sewing to good use, Chris McMullen has found a very creative outlet for marrying Sew Powerful, her teaching experience and reaching out to her own community. Listen as a very new Regional Coordinator inspires us with ideas to help, not only the girls in Zambia, but how that same vehicle trains women in her home town who need to learn to sew as a way to support themselves, bringing blessings in a Sew Powerful full circle.

Another, in our series, 'The Real Husbands of Sew Powerful', features the husband of our CFO/HR Director, Sue Kirby. Doug has a very specific expertise that he has put to good use to help Sew Powerful. Listen as Doug recounts his life growing up in Oregon, becoming an entrepreneur, and his return to ranching. He shares with us how he and Sue decided to spend their retirement, making a difference in the lives of those living in Zambia.

If you are considering forming a Sew Powerful Chapter, or maybe you are just curious about the process, you won't want to miss this episode. Jason, Sue and Jan have a lively conversation about marketing your newly formed Chapter. We share a long and growing list of proven ideas for finding Chapter members and expanding Sew Powerful. If you love making Sew Powerful purses and notecards, why not share your passion by forming a Chapter in your community? We are here to help you get it going.

A Navy wife finds herself facing a very challenging situation. With grace and determination, our guest, LaQuita Herrin, not only survived, but turned her own hardship into advocacy for others. LaQuita is a brand new Sew Powerful purse maker and by witnessing her determination with making her first purse, we can easily imagine how she uses that same tenacity in her personal life. We also talk about our shared Indiana roots, discovering an improbable closeness we could not have predicted.

Amy Brooks came to our attention at Sew Powerful because she wrote a story for the second edition of the We Are Sew Powerful book. I hardly know where to begin in describing this remarkable woman. She is an artist, author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, independent, determined woman and a very strong Christian. But another part of Amy's identity is that she is differently able, having been born with no arms or legs. That has not stopped her from achieving a very long list of accomplishments, including sewing a Sew Powerful purse. I am in awe. You will be too.

Have you ever been sitting in church listening to a sermon and had the urge to raise your hand and ask questions? That happened to me yesterday. Our pastor's sermon was titled 'Fear of Public Speaking' and I began to wonder if he was speaking to our congregation or to us at Sew Powerful. Using the Apostle Peter as an example, Pastor Mark Plunkett listed situation after situation where Peter found himself in very uncomfortable circumstances, yet he spoke up. So I asked Pastor if he would share his 'Fear of Public Speaking' thoughts with us today so that when we find ourselves wanting to explain Sew Powerful, we can be comforted by the Apostle Peter and his public speaking evolution.