Eva, a 100-year-old from the North Carolina mountains, wakes up between 3 and 4 in the morning to start her day at the sewing machine. Her dedication is for a special cause.
Few years back, her pastor requested her to make about 180 items for girls, to be included in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Eva knew immediately what she would do.
She’s crafting dresses for little girls worldwide, aiming to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. “At first it took me a day and a half to make a dress. Now, I can get three done in a day,” Eva shares, showing her progress and dedication.
“I love it. The Lord gave me hands with no arthritis. I’m doing what the Lord has asked me to do.” Eva said.
Eva’s sewing journey began in her childhood near Detroit, Michigan. Influenced by her mother, a furrier and seamstress, Eva mastered the art of sewing. “I make everything I wear,” she says proudly, recalling how she used to make clothes for her daughters too. Her mother, busy with making warm coats during winters, always made time for the family in the evenings.
Raised in a Christian home, Eva accepted Jesus as her Savior at 13. Her life’s journey took her through various roles: a police officer, grocery cashier, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and now a dressmaker. Through all these roles, her focus has been to glorify God.
“I can’t get up on a platform and give a message—that isn’t my work. The Lord has given me hands with no arthritis, so I do a lot of sewing—I’ve been given a talent and I make use of it.” Eva said.
Eva’s daily routine involves reading the Bible and trying to witness wherever she can. She hopes her dresses will bring joy to girls around the world. Her message to fellow Christians is clear: “I don’t think you’re too old to learn a job.”
As for her future, Eva’s faith remains strong. “I can’t even imagine how wonderful [Heaven] will be,” she reflects. “I’m not afraid of dying, not one bit. When Jesus says, ‘Eva, come on home,’ I’ll go. I know Jesus will be there.”