Emma, our knitting angel

In the 1990's a precious christian lady already in her 80's and living in the state of Washington, knitted hundreds of sweaters for our TLCCM children. She would send 50-100 items at any given time. Every color in the rainbow and every size from babies to teenagers.

She was a widow living on social security. I remember her telling us that she had arthritis in her knees and legs. She needed a walker to get around. She could have easily sat in her living room and complained or watch television all day. But, instead she turned her living room into a knitting room. Every day she would spend hours knitting sweaters for the kids.

After a while, she had knitted many sweaters but did not know of anyone who could use them. Her pastor came to her house once a month to give her communion, so she talked to him about these sweaters. He knew of a youth group that had recently visited Tijuana on a mission trip.  This youth group had come to help us with our Vacation Bible School program.  She contacted the leader who gave her our address and telephone number.

After she realized the children in Tijuana would be happy to have her sweaters, she sent us every sweater she had already knitted.  Afterwards, every day she would sit in her living room and make more and many more sweaters.

Back in those days, there was practically no internet, so Emma wrote to us on a regular basis. She made those beautiful sweaters for years. In all that time, I only spoke to her once. She would send us a letter to advise us that a box or two were coming in the mail.  She was adamant that we would notify her as soon as the sweaters arrived on our doorstep. The only request she ever made was that once or twice every year she wanted a few pictures of the kids wearing her precious creations. We sent her many pictures.

Then, one day, the letters stopped coming and so did the boxes of sweaters. We tried to call her, but her phone had been disconnected. We concluded that she had gone home to heaven.

She was the perfect example of a servant's heart. Working day in and day out alone in her living room to do her share to help the poor. Very few people knew about the sweaters. She just wanted to serve the Lord and bless the children.

I have no pictures of this sweet lady, nor did I remember her name, until just a few minutes ago, while writing this testimony.  Our precious lady’s name was Emma.  But, all along the Lord knew her name and He saw her labor of love.  Now she is enjoying her reward among the angels of heaven.

I wonder if she is knitting sweaters for the angels and if finally she made one for Roger!

Sincerely,  Denise  xxx