Every Thursday afternoon, Samaria Church of the Nazarene in Panama becomes a space for comfort, growth, and restoration for women facing personal, family, and social challenges. Through the “Sewing Hope” workshop, the community has found a channel of blessing amid a neighborhood marked by violence and insecurity.
Led by Paola Morales and Senior Pastor Rolando Flores, the project began in January 2025. The goal is to provide a tool for holistic development to women with no income, while sharing the Word of God creatively and practically.
Participants receive training in basic sewing, finances, self-esteem, entrepreneurship, and psychological care. Every session begins with a devotional, strengthening their faith and creating a safe and trusting environment. In this space, community is built through laughter, prayer, and shared tears.
Many of the women live with chronic illnesses in their homes and rarely go outside due to the violence in their neighborhood. Even with all the struggles, their life stories are being rewritten.
“I love seeing how God has been working in the lives of these women who came to us full of fear,” Morales said. “Here we laugh, we open up, we cry together, pray together, learn together, and sew hope together.”
Matilde Camarena said the sewing classes have strengthened her spiritual life.
“I also stop thinking about my problems and truly enjoy myself,” Camarena said. “I’ve accomplished things I never thought I could do at my age.”
Karina Estrada, another member of the sewing classes, said she came not knowing anything about sewing or the machines.
“Stress and anxiety had been part of my life for a long time, but now, through the devotionals, I’ve strengthened my faith,” Estrada said.” I know that with God I am more than a conqueror and I have a purpose.”
Today, Estrada actively participates in the church’s services, women’s gatherings, and worship programs.
One of the greatest joys of the workshop team has been watching how the women who once feared using a sewing machine now eagerly seek their place to work on their projects. And the results are already visible — 80 percent of participants are now selling their creations. Among the items being sold are aprons, various types of bags, bookmarks, and basic clothing alterations. Some women are already receiving frequent orders, especially for aprons and bags.
The current workshop will conclude in November 2025, followed by a graduation ceremony for the first group of students, where some of their finished products will be presented.
The church is already praying and planning to open a new beginners’ group in January 2026. A special workshop for teenagers is also being planned for the January school break.
“We desire that every church can replicate this program so that more people can come to know Jesus,” Morales said.