Women of Hope Creations

The Redemption Quilt Story

Every week the women make little quilt squares and we buy them. They are called transport projects because the money they receive enables them to pay for transportation to Bezer Home, which is our training center. If we did not provide this means, the sewing program would crumble, as most could not afford to come on their own.

Many of the quilt squares are made into greeting cards. However, not all of them are perfect enough to be used for cards. When we had a huge bucket full of slightly imperfect squares, I wondered what we could possibly do with them. An idea came: We started sewing them together with plain black squares in between. The result was stunning as the brilliant colors and patterns were set off against a black background. The small flaws were no longer noticeable in the breath-taking array of color.

These quilts have become known as our "Redemption Quilts" because what was once lost has been redeemed. What a beautiful reflection of what Christ has done in each of our lives.

--Mary Beth Oyebade, Women of Hope, Jos Nigeria

Mashiah Foundation - Jos, Nigeria

Website: MashiahFoundation.org

Women of Hope is an out-growth of Mashiah Foundation, a ministry in Jos, Nigeria, that reaches out to those affected by HIV/AIDS. Many of the women involved in this program were homeless and rejected by their families once their HIV status became known. As they learned about Mashiah Foundation and the help that was available to them, they found hope. This ministry in West Africa is run by the Oyebades: Mary Beth, an American, and Bayo, a Nigerian.

Because these women had no source of income, many were homeless and destitute. Mary Beth began training them in the art of sewing and quilting as a means to support themselves. The program has grown to include over a hundred women who produce great quantities of products ranging from potholders to wall hangings to bed-size quilts and lots of things in between. Their goods are sold in their on-site gift shop in Jos as well as in the United States as shipments are made available.

At one point Bayo had expressed concern for the ladies that maybe they were working too hard and their health might suffer. One woman, Ajija, said, "It's the work that is keeping us well."

The purpose of this site is to showcase items currently on hand in the U.S. that can be purchased and shipped. Because the inventory is constantly changing and items are one-of-a-kind, it is unlikely that items can be duplicated.

So as we are able, we will post photos of items including the size and price. I do hope you enjoy looking at some of their handiwork, and that you will even consider purchasing items to support these Nigerian women.

I'm Sandi, Mary Beth's mom, and I live in Minnesota. Helping out with Mary Beth and Bayo's ministry has become a nearly full-time volunteer position. Thanks for your interest in this site!