Would you like a Christian ministry that helps tiny babies and their parents?
A ministry idea from Shepherd's Heart Clothing.
Making preemie and infant clothing is a ministry well-suited to those with fibromyalgia and other physical challenges.
Thousands of preemie babies are born every year. Many people give crocheted, knitted, and hand-sewn clothing to hospitals so that new parents will have clothing for their little ones. Preemie clothing is hard to find- and these tiny, handmade garments are sure to be treasured.
Along with the garments comes a little prayer card with a message of the love of Jesus Christ.
The death or still-birth of an infant is devastating to a family. The gift of a tiny, beautiful handmade shroud or burial gown/suit along with a prayer card is a loving gesture that will touch the parents’ hearts. The family will be able to see their child tenderly dressed and treated as a human being, and buried with love and dignity. For the tiniest babies and fetuses, the little bodies are placed in delicate burial pouches.
Sometimes a toy, blanket or card is included with the burial gown or pouch as a keepsake for the parents, or a toy may be placed in the coffin.
Healthy, full-sized babies can use clothes, too! Many people make cheerful little hand-made hats and/or hats and bootie sets. These are also donated to the new parents along with a prayer card.
With my fibromyalgia, even going to church can sometimes be a real challenge, and many activities are simply out of the question. I needed a ministry that I could do in my spare (ha!) time, in my home.
I began making clothing for charity around 1995, but it wasn't until a few years later that I discovered the need for preemie clothing and infant demise clothing. I saw some beautiful "baby dresses" at a local quilt show and remarked about them to the woman at the booth. She told me that they weren't dresses at all, but shrouds and burial gowns. As a historian, I knew about burial shrouds, but had never thought that such things were needed in modern times. The lady told me about Threads of Love and I researched their website. I'm not affiliated with Threads of Love at present, because I don't have a group, but perhaps in the future this will be a possibility.
GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL WORK
Several 501c3 organizations, including Threads of Love, have chapters all over the country. People who like to get together can join one of these chapters and be part of a group. As these groups are recognized charities, they can accept donations of money and thread.
Other people, like myself, work alone and specialize in certain types of garment. I like the preemie and burial gowns, because they use the finest thread and delicate laces. Other people enjoy making baby hats and blankets using vibrant, primary colors.
We do not want to compete with each other, as there is plenty of work for us all! If this ministry appeals to you, contact the leader of one of the organizations, or get on the internet to find patterns and ideas.