More than 15 years ago, a group of us from Kenmore Baptist Church [Riverlife’s former name] packed and sorted Christmas Child Boxes for under privileged children around the world. During this time, we realised the need for various types and size of bags to put marbles, pencils and dolls clothes in. 

We sewed these bags at home for several years and decided it would be fun to do it together. For many years we were sewing 10,000 bags!

But a few years ago, we were challenged to cast our vision further. 

By then, we had been receiving donations of fabric from several sources. So, we asked God to give us a vision for where else the works of our hands could be used and what the needs were. We were surprised (yet not surprised!) when God brought several opportunities to us. 

Over the past five years, we have sent many parcels to organisations Riverlife partners with in Lebanon, Egypt, Central Australia, Helping Hands and the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre. 

We diversified to making ponchos, warm rugs, beanies, knitted dolls, shopping bags, beautiful little hearts, hot packs, shirts and shorts to go into the Christmas Child Boxes. 

Not only do we sew together, but the group has become a loving, supportive, and encouraging friendship group. Some of us meet fortnightly to sew. Others donate fabrics, wool other essentials. And there’s also some of us who work at home and surprise the group with bags of beautiful gifts!

We take great pleasure in seeing the joy many of these gifts bring to those who have so little. We also feel privileged to be able contribute in some small way to other ministries at Riverlife.

God’s vision is so much wider, broader, and challenging than ours. We are so glad we followed His leading!

The Sewing Group meets fortnightly on Wednesdays. Contact church@riverlifechurch.org.au to find out more!