Discipleship Income Generating Grow Sustainability is a mouthful to say, but it makes a pretty cool acronym:
This curriculum, developed in 2011 by AtL with the help of Garland Wood’s book, Income-generating, brought hope for women who lived as victims of poverty, abuse and neglect in Kenya. It laid a biblical foundation that blends income-generating, raising healthy children and sharing the gospel in meaningful ways.
After re-evaluating and revamping it numerous times, now Carolyne, whose been serving with us from the beginning, is teaching DIGGS as part of the sewing skills training. The current 2021 sewing project, that ministers to 10 women from various slum areas, captures the continued essence of the vision God birthed in 2006.
Here’s a look back at the first DIGGS class taught in a local Kenyan church.
“We’ve started training at Covenant of Peace Church with 5 beautiful, widowed mommas, the pastors, and our multi-talented trainee, Carolyne. Fewer participants lend toward better interaction, easier facilitator training, and more depth of understanding. None of these women can fade into the background of being unnoticed - something they easily do.
The class opens with sweet acapella praise to God and prayers for each other. Then we move into an object lesson - balancing an egg on its tip. Each participant has one minute to try. ‘Impossible!’ exclaims Pastor, shaking his head. ‘It can’t be done.’
The women giggle in anticipation as Mark hands him the egg. He fumbles with it on the small table. It wobbles a few times and then, stands. His quizzical face breaks into laughter. The women also balance eggs. Smiling at the success of a seemingly impossible task. They are ready to learn.
Mark made the chalkboard that diagrams the lesson – Who Is Christ In You? The women pair off and examine scriptures revealing that Jesus is their SAVIOR, DELIVERER, HEALER, FRIEND, LORD, SUSTAINER, PROVIDER, ADVOCATE…
We discuss the difference between ‘knowing about God’ vs ‘knowing God.’
They share stories about how God has carried each of them through cruel hardships. Stoically they expose their woundedness, and I want to weep. How hard it is for a young, widowed mom in Kenya who has nothing and needs to feed her children. We move into a time of forgiveness. The women confess their offenses on paper, and we burn them in a hole Mark dug around the back of the church. The pastor takes the shovel and buries the ashes. He shows them he’s there to support their freedom.
Back to the chalkboard and more diagrams of the next lesson - Who are You In Christ? Again, the women look up scriptures and read aloud that they are MORE THAN CONQUERORS, SERVANTS, AMBASSADORS, ADOPTED CHILDREN, CHRIST’S BRIDE, DEARLY LOVED, CITIZENS OF GOD’S KINGDOM, FRUIT-BEARERS, NEW CREATIONS, JOINT HEIRS WITH JESUS…
We distribute small balls of clay and talk about modeling a Godly life by staying soft and pliable in the Master’s hands. They are thinking, squeezing the clay into bowls and flowers.
Next, we hand out fruit and discuss what could prevent them from producing fruit of the Spirit. We discuss that service to God is from the heart - that being a servant is who they are, not just what they do.
We encourage them to beware of the enemy’s schemes, explaining how he whispers lies - they are not appreciated or have nothing to offer. The truth is these women are treasures of God, practicing self-discipline and overcoming evil with good.
Our time together ends with role-playing. The women act out real life situations that will try their faith, that will test their fruit. They practice responding in the spirit, instead of reacting in the flesh. The eggs come back out, reminding each of us that nothing is impossible with God.
The spiritual base for practical training is being set. We rejoice at the women’s progress, their questions and comments, their willingness to move on regardless of tremendous obstacles. It’s part of what carries the next generation. It’s valuable in God’s kingdom.”
To see recent photos of Carolyne teaching this same foundational message to women proves the gospel message is fruitfully eternal. It transcends Sunday services and fellowship. It’s active in the marketplace and in our daily lives. God’s word never changes, nor do His promises to care for the widow and orphan in their distress.
There are 5 lessons to the DIGGS training:
Who is Christ to You?
Who Are You in Christ?
How Do You Share Who Christ Made You to Be?
Importance of Planning: Setting Goals, Objectives, Budgeting.
Writing a Proposal.
Below are photos from 2011 and 2021. We remain grateful for all the Lord has done and continues to do, taking us together on an amazing journey. (Note: Carolyne is using the same chalkboard Mark made 10 years ago! Anyone want to donate for a new one?)
We look forward to sharing the next installment: A Kenyan Mama Tells Her Story.
