My Nonprofit Reviews
maryanndesign
Review for India Gospel League, Inc. North America, Hudson, OH, USA
In August, 2009 I visited the IGL campus at Sharon Gardens to learn more about Rural Development and how my handbag business could benefit women's empowerment. After a couple years of prayer, planning & email contact with Becky Stanley, we realized that God was speaking the same plan to 2 women, in 2 different cultures, halfway around the world from each other! Sitting across from her the morning after my arrival, Becky confirmed the name of a women's discipleship program that our Lord had placed on my heart: Lydia's Purse. Though we initially planned to partner my business with their sewing centers as a "traditional", Fair Trade, manufacturing arrangement...we are now discovering that God has His own plan. Lydia's Purse motto is "Sewing Handbags while Sowing Hearts". The mission encourages women to live with Excellence in daily life (as Proverbs 31 women), while learning to sew an exclusively designed handbag pattern (made from recycled indigenous materials). A percentage of profits from the sale of these "skills training", practice bags could benefit the microloan program for women. I speak as much about the future possibility of this venture, as my past experience with this amazing organization, because they are truly committed to furthering the Gospel in/through India. IGL leadership is moving forward, seriously, stepping cautiously, as God clearly leads, protectively shepherding the multitudes in their care. I am humbled to partner with India Gospel League, to see families, regional communities, and a nation TRANSFORMED, through the empowerment of individual women!
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the overwhelming support of the staff in IGL's North American office! Whether I'm looking for sari fabrics or representing IGL at a community event, the gracious staff are truly brothers&sisters;in Christ, as we fulfill His Great Commission!
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
increase communication frequency with contacts in India ...but I am thankful for the gift of TIME: to continue in prayer and refinement of planning, so as not to rush ahead of God's perfect Will.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the development of RELATIONSHIPS with the staff in North America, women in the rural sewing centers in India, and other missionaries from around the world!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
not only friendly brothers & sisters in Christ, but sincere in their LOVE! They are truly my friends.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
be a Light of HOPE to individual women and to great nations!
Ways to make it better...
my church group would have been better prepared for the visit--specifically, in the matter of wearing the respectful, traditional dress of the people we were serving (punjabi).
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the limitations to growth: due to the few, (founding) family members' ability to be stretched for so many viable opportunities...perhaps a fear of cultural differences, although we have UNITY in Christ no matter who/where we are...
One thing I'd also say is that...
God's Will will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
