Small is Strong

by Bobbie Wrenn Banks

When Gum Creek Presbyterian Church in Oxford, GA (Greater Atlanta Presbytery) learned that Amani Women's Center (AWC) needed sewing machines, it struck a chord. They had not known of AWC before, but this small, strong church in Oxford, GA recognized the call to love. They purchased 5 new Singer Heavy Duty 4432 Sewing Machines, blessing them in worship with prayer and the laying on of hands. More machines followed and, to date, Gum Creek has delivered 14 machines to AWC for refugee women to receive upon graduation from the Sewing Academy.

What sparks such an outpouring?

For Pastor Becky and Ron Baker, it was the memory of a mission trip to Nakuru, Kenya, where the host church sponsored a similar sewing program. 

For Vanessa Dameron, it was Amani’s model of education and empowerment so that refugee women gain economic independence and long-term stability. 

For Kim and Dale Dylong, it was about passing it forward after Gum Creek’s love and support for their mission work with the children of Wasilla, Alaska. 

For Leigh Owens, it was simply a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

In a culture where size matters, we tend to think of small churches as somehow less than their larger counterparts. But small is strong when churches like Gum Creek and organizations like AWC join hands and hearts. Like loaves and fishes, miracles can happen.



For more information about how you can help: amaniwomencenter.org