UPDATE FROM PIECEMAKERS’ SEWING GROUP 2016 SHIPMENT OF QUILTS TO LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF (LWR) We are excited to be able to share some details about where our 135 quilts traveled this past year. Our mission quilts were delivered and shipped to: Angola (Africa) – July 28, 2016 Mali (Africa) – September 22, 2016 Around one-third of Angolans live in Luanda, 53% of whom live in poverty. Living conditions in Luanda are poor for most of the people, with essential services such as safe drinking water and electricity still in short supply. Epidemics of cholera, malaria, and rabies are common diseases in several parts of the country. Many regions in this country have high incidence rates of tuberculosis and high HIV prevalence rates. Angola has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world and one of the world's lowest life expectancies. Mali faces numerous health challenges related to poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate hygiene and sanitation. Mali's health and development indicators rank among the worst in the world. Medical facilities in Mali are very limited, and medicines are in short supply. Malaria and other arthropod-borne diseases are prevalent in Mali, as are a number of infectious diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis. Mali's population also suffers from a high rate of child malnutrition and a low rate of immunization. Lutheran World Relief exists so that U.S. Lutherans may serve their neighbors overseas who face poverty, injustice, and human suffering. The Piecemakers’ Sewing Group has been making quilts for LWR for the past 29 years. We could not do it without the continued support we receive year after year in the form of monetary donations and supplies from our church, Faith Lutheran and its parishioners. You help sustain this very vital ministry, and we are forever grateful. We are all blessed to be a blessing. The Piecemakers meet on the second Saturday of every month in the Gathering Place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are looking for a place to fellowship and make a difference in the world, we cordially invite you to join us. This group is not just for sewers. There is something for everyone to do. Should you have any questions, please contact Pam Reid via email at
[email protected] or by calling 214-564-8581.
