Visible Hope and Transformation: Inside the Sewing Class Changing Lives by Chris Chaney
A Story of Redemption: Who Are the “Girls of Joy”?
For readers unfamiliar with their history, here is the heartbreaking yet hope-filled background of the 26 young women known as the “Girls of Joy.”
All 26 have received Christ and were rescued from sex trafficking—many sold into slavery by their own parents for as little as $500. Some were only 6 to 9 years old when they were forced into “temple service,” and by age 12 they were being trafficked regularly under the guise of “worship.”
Their childhoods were stolen. Their identities were shattered. Their lives were controlled with unimaginable cruelty.
But then…
They heard the name of Jesus—the One who forgives sins, restores dignity, redeems the broken, and gives new life filled with hope, purpose, and joy.
Pastor Joy began ministering to these girls, gathering them into safe fellowship and discipling them as they learn to walk in their new identity in Christ. They now range in age from 12 to 28.
Because their lives are still in danger—both from traffickers and from cultural systems that consider their escape a betrayal—their location and identities remain fully protected. Many have changed their names. Most lack official documents. No photos of their faces can be shared.
Yet despite these dangers, these young women continue stepping out in faith, embracing healing, transformation, and a hopeful future.
And today, 16 of them are taking their first steps into a new skill—sewing—a trade that could sustain them financially and open the door to independence.
First Steps: The Sewing Class Begins
Thanks to the generosity of several CMM partners, a three-month sewing class has begun. Originally, 10 girls registered; now 16 are attending—eager, determined, and filled with hope.
This is not a Western-style classroom.
There are no desks.
No sewing machines.
No air conditioning.
But there is courage, gratitude, discipline, perseverance, and a fierce will to learn.
A local seamstress is teaching them to sew entirely by hand. Each girl is beginning with a full Indian-style dress—complete with:
- Puff sleeves
- Fancy stitching
- Hand embroidery
With nothing more than scissors, measuring tape, thread, needles, and a few pins, these young women are learning a valuable skill that can help them provide for themselves with dignity.
Pastor Joy explains:
“These girls know that in the eyes of their culture, their lives are considered ruined. A normal life is impossible. But still—they want to do something productive. They want to work. They want to learn. They want to honor God.”
Pray and give as the Lord leads:
A Budding Business: Dreams Beyond the Classroom
The long-term vision is bold—and absolutely achievable.
The girls hope to eventually produce:
- Dresses
- Shawls
- Sarongs
- High-quality women’s clothing
- Professionally embroidered garments
They live in a relatively affluent region where demand for high-quality, intricately designed apparel is strong. They know excellence will be required—and they are ready for the challenge.
Their plan:
- Sell the clothing made during the class
- Use the income to purchase mechanical sewing machines
- Buy higher-quality fabric and materials
- Expand into a small sewing business
And there is no reason to doubt them.
These same young women, once trapped and voiceless, recently led over 100 people to Christ during an outreach. They are fearless. They are determined. Conquering the skills of tailoring is simply the next step.
Free Indeed
Free Indeed: Living for Christ and Serving Others
Although the world rejected them, Christ has embraced them fully. Many are bold evangelists, unashamed to share their testimony of God’s grace.
Their goal is not wealth.
Their sewing is not for self-gain.
They intend to use a portion of their earnings to:
- Support ministry work
- Strengthen outreach
- Expand the Kingdom of God
Their transformation is radiating outward. Other girls in the area are noticing. One young woman who accepted Christ during an outreach recently asked to join the sewing class—longing to grow, improve herself, and step into hope.
And this is just the beginning.
May Jesus continue to pour out His Spirit and bring revival across this region.
As Scripture reminds us:
“Not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to shame the mighty.”
—1 Corinthians 1:26–28
Pray and give as the Lord leads: