Nicaragua Sewing Project
(L-R) Annette Vickers, PAN founder; Pastora Doris, head of Llama de Fuego; her daughter Sherly, Llama de Fuego treasurer; Pastor Ernan Silver, former PAN Administrator
Nicaragua, Central America
Over the years Glenbrook has been sending regular missions to Nicaragua. With the dissolution in March of PAN (Presbyterians Aiding Nicaraguans) the Missions & Outreach Committee believed its connection would also have to be terminated. Then it was learned that Llama de Fuego, which had inherited Jardin Shalom, was hoping to create an industrial Sewing Centre – employing those who had been taught sewing skills by teams of PAN volunteers. And since this would require financing to renovate a now empty storehouse (bodega) on the grounds, and Glenbrook had funds reserved for a future mission build, the Committee wondered how it could assist given the changed circumstances.
The empty storehouse (bodega)
Acting as Glenbrook’s ambassador, John Roe flew to Nicaragua with PAN founder Annette Vickers to discuss the project. He also took a small donation– as per CRA rules (under $5,000) for out of country non-Canadian charities – to help kick-start this initiative. Llama de Fuego intends to use this money to purchase two industrial sewing machines and hire two women at the church’s expense to get started in temporary quarters.
Renovation Plans
The cost of renovating the bodega and equipping it with industrial sewing machines has been estimated at approx. US$25,000. Given the CRA limitations, in order to raise this amount an appeal is being made to other churches to make similar small donations. Subject to to sufficient funds being raised, Llama de Fuego is planning to begin renovations in March with the help of Canadian volunteers.