Weaving beauty from brokenness

It has been an incredible journey of faith and trust for a group of women in Potchefstroom who have exchanged their life in the streets to a life on God’s path.

Woven, a ministry from Fire & Fragrance, played a major role in changing these women’s lives for the better.

Just by showing God’s love, building trust, forming friendships and presenting opportunities for women who longed to let their voices be heard.

This lead to weekly Bible study groups where a team from Fire & Fragrance would minister to the women. One of the women in the group had a talent for sewing and started teaching other women her craft. This is how Woven was born in 2022.

This season, Christian Fellowship Church and its Love in Action Ministry are partnering with Woven to assist the three women in this community during the Winter Drive.

Caitlin van der Merwe, ministry leader of Woven, mentions that she responded to the Lord’s call to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable women on the streets of Potchefstroom.

“It was a process to win the trust of ladies who had not yet heard the Gospel, but in time friendships were built and the response has been truly incredible. It’s given them so much hope knowing there is a way out. Their hearts are willing to build better lives for themselves and their families.”

Kelsy Francis, who helps run the discipleship part of Woven and is part of the program developing team, also emphasises that most of the women who are in need and vulnerable, did not choose a life on the street.

“They just want to provide for their families. What has been amazing to see is how these women have brought their friends to Bible study groups and how God’s love has spread,” she adds.

The team at Fire & Fragrance also helps the ladies to find practical solutions to change their current circumstances, such as formulating CV’s to create job opportunities.

Currently, the women attend Bible studies as well as therapy sessions to promote inner healing. There is also worship and intercession meetings.

Debbie*, Linda* and Evelyn* all have specific stories of how the Lord touched them in their lives.

Debbie* is a single mother with three children who turned to the streets as a means to support her family. Since Fire and Fragrance have befriended her, she has truly enjoyed coming to prayer sets, reading her Bible and has started a journey with Lord. Debbie* is a woman of great faith and has been praying for a job.

Linda* has experienced deep healing from numerous traumatic experiences in her life, such as losing her parents and adoptive parents. Since meeting up with Woven, she has enrolled in job readiness courses and has developed a love for learning with the hope of supporting her family financially.

Numerous women try to earn a living on the street and are in need of help to live a better life.

Evelyn* carries a deep joy and love for others and has grown to love the Lord with all her heart. Despite difficult circumstances and being a single mother, she has raised two daughters to the best of her ability. Currently, she needs fellowship, support and community to escape the hardships she faces daily.

For more information contact Aimee Jantjies on 068 016 2096 on how to assist these three women during our Winter Drive.

*Pseudonyms are used to protect the identity of the women in this article.