Project Samuel Design School

My name is Amanda Gerdes. I am a  designer and an artist.  I was fortunate to have a great education by attending a private school for high school where I became inspired to pursue a career in art and then attended Pratt Institute where I was inspired to pursue a career in fashion. During my time in school I dreamed of traveling, working in my desired field and often wondered where my education would take me. Upon graduation until now, I have been working in the footwear industry for various companies where I fulfilled my dreams of traveling for business and learned from the best in the industry. Until a few years ago, however, something was still missing. 
A few years ago after having two children, going through some extremely difficult life circumstances and hitting rock bottom emotionally and spiritually, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. Since then, my life  changed drastically in amazing ways. I gained new inspiration for life and my heart began to beat for only The Lord and what his desires were for me. Lots of old dreams resurfaced and new ones were birthed. My heart ached for the burdens of this world and the desire to do something about it grew.  
That something or I should say someone that I was missing, was Jesus. 
A few months ago, I met Timothy Vowell, at the Rendered Heart Conference in New York. After he made an announcement about his work and the orphans that he cared for, I had to talk to him and find out what I could do to help. Timothy, had started a non profit organization called Project Samuel years ago. 
Project Samuel is the youth revitalization ministry of Relationships for Christ Ministries, Inc serving “at risk” children around the world with ongoing projects in the nations of Zambia, Africa and Nicaragua, Latin America. At Project Samuel they seek to impact the lives of children trapped and oppressed through poverty, abuse, and abandonment by ministering to the “complete” child: Body, Mind and Spirit.

Project Samuel consists of permanent housing facilities for orphan care, educational and training facilities, as well as Clinic and Hospice facilities for children with terminal illnesses including AIDS. In addition to permanent facilities, Project Samuel takes its programs to the schools and villages in the countries we serve, helping children through educational programs, discipleship and mentor programs, youth and sports programs, and job training programs.

Project Samuel currently cares for 26 children in Zambia. These children are being educated by Timothy’s Son and Daughter in Love at Project Samuel. 

How did we connect the dots? 
When Timothy heard my  background, testimony of how Jesus saved me, and my heart for children, he asked me if I would teach the children about fashion and sewing! This seems basic right? It is! 
He mentioned something I never even thought about!  He asked if I would teach via  video Conference! I never thought of that! 
It made me so excited to even think that I could teach children in Zambia without leaving my own children! How amazing!!! 

So, I got a chance to meet two amazing people, Brendan and Kim, via video chat. They are the amazing and beautiful people who care for the children full time with the help of other amazing people in Zambia. They even just had a precious little girl of their own! Congratulations Kim and Brendan! I can’t wait to “meet “ her over chat! ❤️

So, we need your help! 
Why do we need financial help? 
The location that Project Samuel is situated in, is pretty rural and would need some help connecting better to the internet to keep the best connection possible to teach the class. The children also need to be equipped for this class! 
We need to purchase supplies for the students so to complete various projects. 

Some Supplies include but are not limited to : fabric, paper, markers, pencils, scissors, thread, buttons, zippers, sewing machine supplies, pins, dress forms, pattern paper, etc.   
We would like to get some of these things locally if possible, but it could be easy to shop and ship all of it. 

Why fashion? Why not!? 
In Zambia, the fashion industry is growing.  how great would it be to equip the children of Project Samuel with a skill which upon their choosing, could one day contribute to their own economy. From what they learn, they could create jobs and opportunities for others to follow their lead. The children of Project Samuel are pionejjers and I pray that I could only add to their education by sharing what was imparted to me and helped me become successful in supporting my family. 

Join us in this journey! It’s going to be fun!