Where every stitch carries purpose and every gathering strengthens faith.
Every Thursday afternoon, the Church of the Nazarene in Panama, becomes a space for comfort, growth, and restoration for women facing personal, family, and social challenges. Through the “Sewing Hope” workshop, the community has found a channel of blessing in the midst of a neighborhood marked by violence and insecurity.
A workshop that goes beyond sewing
The project began in January 2025, led by Rev. Paola Morales and Senior Pastor Rev. Rolando Flores. The goal: to provide a tool for holistic development to women with no income, while sharing the Word of God in a creative and practical way.
Each week, participants receive training in basic sewing, finances, self-esteem, entrepreneurship, and psychological care. Every session begins with a devotional, strengthening their faith and creating a safe and trusting environment, where community is built through laughter, prayer, and shared tears.
Stories of transformation
Many of the women live with chronic illness in their homes and rarely go outside due to the violence in their neighborhood. Yet in the midst of that reality, their life stories are being renewed.
“I love seeing how God has been working in the lives of these women who came full of fear. Here we laugh, we open up, we cry together, pray together, learn together, and sew hope together,” said Rev. Paola Morales, workshop director.
Matilde Camarena, 65, shares:
“The workshop has helped me strengthen my spiritual life. I also stop thinking about my problems and truly enjoy myself. I’ve accomplished things I never thought I could do at my age.”
Karina Estrada, 42, added:
“I came not knowing anything about sewing or sewing machines. Stress and anxiety had been part of my life for a long time, but now, through the devotionals, I’ve strengthened my faith. I know that with God I am more than a conqueror and I have a purpose.”
Today, Karina actively participates in the church’s services, women’s gatherings, and worship programs.
Impact that goes beyond the classroom
One of the team’s greatest joys has been seeing how the women who once feared using a sewing machine now eagerly seek their place to work on their projects. And the results are already visible: 80% of participants are now selling their creations.
Among the items being sold are aprons, various types of bags, bookmarks, and basic clothing alterations. Some women are already receiving frequent orders, especially for aprons and bags.
A vision that inspires others
The project’s impact has gone beyond the women who attend each week. Marlen Soria, Regional Coordinator of Mesokids, shared her impressions after visiting the workshop:
“Every opportunity God gives me to visit the ‘Sewing Hope’ project means exactly that to me—hope! I leave with a heart full of gratitude to God for inspiring me through brave women who don’t let any challenge stop them.”
“Sewing Hope makes me dream of a church that comes together to see the needs of its community and seeks ways to bring the Kingdom of God to Earth. Because I believe that’s what it’s all about—bringing His Kingdom to Earth and offering love and hope to those who are about to lose it. My prayer is for more churches to join in and seek ways to serve their communities, showing the love of Christ through us…”
Looking ahead
The current workshop will conclude in November 2025 with a graduation ceremony for the first group of basic sewing students, where some of their finished products will be presented. The church is already praying and planning to open a new beginners group in January 2026. A special workshop for teenagers is also being planned for the January school break.
“Our desire is that every church can replicate this program so that more people can come to know Jesus,” said program director Rev. Paola Morales.
A church committed to its community
In a challenging social context, the Church of the Nazarene in Panama continues to reflect the love of Christ, offering spaces for healing, restoration, and faith to those who need it most. “Sewing Hope” is a living example of how the gospel can be the thread that unites hearts and transforms realities.
Source: Rev. Paola Morales Mc Quiddy
