In May, I had the privilege of meeting Maria during a trip to Honduras, where we visited individuals who had received gifts from Midwest Mission.
Maria is one of those people you can’t forget—radiating light and passion for the work she does.
I first met her in front of her colorful home, where she welcomed our team with hugs. Leading us to the back of the house, she invited us into her sewing workshop and began sharing her incredible story.
“My story began seven years ago,” Maria told us, as we gathered in her (thankfully air-conditioned) workshop, a welcome relief from the 115-degree heat.
“I had the idea to start a clothing line in honor of my daughter’s entrepreneurial spirit. I wanted to call it Patty’s Collection. But I had no formal training in sewing.”
Maria also didn’t have the sewing machine she needed to bring her dream to life. I was struck by her determination—her unwavering belief that she would make it happen, no matter the obstacles.
Maria explained to us that Honduras has a challenging economy. It’s difficult to earn enough to support a family, let alone start a business. Purchasing a sewing machine for her clothing line seemed impossible.
That’s when Cepudo and Food For The Poor, Midwest Mission’s partners on the ground in Honduras, stepped in. They heard about Maria’s dream and provided her with a Midwest Mission sewing machine—everything she needed to get started.
I’ll never forget the way Maria shared about the day she received that sewing machine. Her voice trembled, and tears welled in her eyes as she recalled the life-changing moment. It was clear how deeply this gift impacted her and her family.
Over the years, as her business grew, Maria acquired more sewing machines and sergers. She even opened her own storefront, calling it Patty’s Shop.
“I am so grateful for everything God has allowed us to become,” Maria said, as we stood around her, in awe of her journey. “It’s been a true blessing, and a great impact. To see Cepudo come and visit, and extend their hand with connections such as Midwest Mission so we can really get where we want to be… We are very grateful to you.”
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If you partner with Midwest Mission, Maria’s story is part of your story, too. Through your generosity, Maria was given a gift that changed her life. And that gift keeps on giving, in ways we never imagined.
For Maria’s Family: Her entire family works in the business, and since opening the storefront, she has been able to hire another local family to help with production.
For Those in Need: Thanks to Maria’s skill and partnership with Food For The Poor, she now makes school uniforms for children in several Angels of Hope children’s homes in Honduras.
For the Community: One of Patty’s Shop’s specialties is creating clothing tailored to the indigenous groups in Honduras. She sources fabric locally, which supports other mircro businesses and strengthens the local economy.
As we left Patty’s Shop, Maria turned to us and said, “I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve given me. I know you support so many people in Honduras, and I’m so grateful. God bless you, and please continue your mission.”
With your continued support, we will continue our mission—to bring the hearts and hands of God’s people to transform resources into humanitarian aid.
Why? So that more life-changing gifts are given—gifts that keep on giving.
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