Alexander Harvey

Earlier this year, we shared about a new initiative born from a challenging season — our Protecting Hope Mask Project.  As COVID-19 swept across the world and into the Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, we knew our mission had to adapt.  That shift led us to repurpose our tailoring program, hiring graduates to sew protective face masks for their fellow camp residents.

Months later, we can say this project did more than meet a need.  It ignited hope. It created jobs.  It protected families.  And through it, we saw again that God is always at work, even when the world feels uncertain.

Masks Sewed, Lives Touched

Thanks to generous donors and quick action from our team on the ground, we were able to purchase fabric from local vendors and pay our tailoring graduates a fair wage to produce hundreds of reusable face masks.  Those masks were distributed throughout multiple zones in the camp with guidance from community leaders.

Each mask represented more than protection.  It was a symbol of local capacity, of the power within the camp to care for its own.  It also reinforced something we have believed from the beginning, that refugee communities are not passive recipients of help.  They are creative, capable contributors.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:10

We saw that handiwork in every seam, every stitch, and every quiet act of service from the tailors who stepped up with skill and compassion.

A Return to Routine

As 2020 has progressed, daily life in the camp has begun to stabilize.  While COVID-19 has not disappeared, the impact appears to have slowed.

We are cautiously encouraged by a return to routine.  Teaching Hope resumed English classes with smaller groups and adjusted schedules.  Business of Hope reengaged with tailoring graduates and prepared for new apprenticeships.

God’s Provision in the Wilderness

The past few months have reminded us of God’s faithfulness.  Provision has come when we needed it most.  Just when our plans felt uncertain, doors opened.  When we lacked clarity, God gave us the next step.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” — Psalm 23:1–3

This work has never been easy, but it has always been covered in grace.  We are especially grateful for the resilience and leadership of our local team in Tanzania.

What We’re Carrying Into the Future

As we look ahead to 2021, we carry a few key lessons with us:

  • Local leadership is not optional — it is essential. Our ability to respond quickly and effectively this year was due to the wisdom and action of our local team within Nyarugusu.
  • Small acts matter.  A single mask.  A single class.  A single act of kindness.  These are the seeds of transformation.

Thank You for Walking With Us

To everyone who prayed, gave, shared, and encouraged us through this year — thank you.  You have helped us not only continue our mission, but deepen it.

As we continue to equip tailors, students, and future leaders, we do so with renewed faith.

With gratitude,
The Equipping Hope Team