September 1, 2026
Dear Friends of Threads of Blessing,
Threads of Blessing has reached an exciting point in its growth—one that calls for a new investment in the future.
The ministry began in 2005 with one group of 30 women in one village in Uganda’s Nebbi Diocese. Today, Threads of Blessing serves over 950 women in 28 groups across 16 dioceses throughout Uganda.
The women's artistry has grown alongside the ministry. While early embroideries commonly sold for $25 to $50, today, exceptional pieces can sell for more than $1,000. Several groups have mastered the intricate techniques needed to produce commercial-quality artwork suitable for galleries and art shows. Our goal is to help all the women throughout the Threads of Blessing community achieve this same level of excellence.
For the past three years, Ugandan Director for Threads of Blessing, Sunday Dhugira, has led an expanded training effort. Traveling with experienced leaders and teachers, they visit the groups across Uganda, spending several days in fellowship with the women and providing hands-on instruction, guidance, and encouragement.
From left Beatrice Biliku, Sunday Dhugira, Esther Byaruhanga
Just as important as the skills they learn is the Christian community they find in one another. For many of these women, the gatherings with other women provide a vital source of encouragement, friendship, and spiritual strength. As they work together, they share not only their skills and experiences but also their faith, which helps them navigate the challenges of daily life. Threads of Blessing offers a place where they discover that they are not alone.
Until now, Sunday has used her own car to travel around the country to visit the groups, but the vehicle has reached the end of its service life, and continued repairs are no longer practical. More importantly, it cannot provide the reliability needed to transport the teaching team safely into Uganda’s most remote regions, where roadside assistance is unavailable.
Job, Sunday's faithful driver makes repairs beside the road as they travel.
Our missionary friend in Uganda, the Rev. Canon Dr. Alison Barfoot, has purchased three vehicles for her ministries in East Africa and understands these transportation needs firsthand. She connected us with her vehicle broker, Davis Martin, who arranged the purchase and delivery.
After considering several makes and models, Alison and Davis strongly recommend a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. It can carry up to six people and is well suited to difficult road conditions. Although its initial price may be higher than that of some alternatives, its reliability and lower long-term cost of ownership make it a sound investment.
Davis has located a fully rebuilt 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for $40,000, approximately half the cost of a new vehicle. Transportation, import duties, and taxes bring the estimated total to near $65,000. These additional expenses apply to all vehicles imported into Uganda, and we can provide a detailed cost breakdown upon request.
We are grateful that more than half of the $65,000 has already been donated. We now need to raise the remaining balance of approximately $18,000. Once purchased, the vehicle will take about 40 days to be delivered. Any funds over $65,000 will be used to maintain the vehicle or support scholarships for the women to attend the annual conference.
Your gift will do far more than purchase a vehicle. It will help Sunday and her team of skilled teachers reach hundreds of women, strengthen the quality and value of their artwork, and support Threads of Blessing's continued growth.
If you have already contributed, thank you. Your gift is very much appreciated.
To make a tax-deductible contribution, please use the QR code below or mail a check made payable to The Diocese of West Texas with Threads of Blessing in the Memo to PO Box 90017, San Antonio, Texas 78209.
Every gift, no matter the size, moves us closer to our goal.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support the women of Threads of Blessing.
Gratefully,
Helen Schnelzer
Cofounder/Director
threadofblessing
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