Ruth’s Shawl began in a way that God often uses to begin His work—a ‘chance’ meeting of two people: a pastor in Malawi, Africa and an American woman. The pastor was sacrificially taking in widows and orphans who, because of the famine and AIDS pandemic, were bereft of the basic human needs of food and shelter. The American woman shared the story with the others back home. Moved with compassion, people began to pray and give.

Prayer for these widows and orphans motivated a group of women to seek the Lord’s direction on how to share the hope of Jesus in practical and tangible ways. As they prayed, they realized that God was leading them to form a nonprofit organization named Ruth’s Shawl. Step by step, God has guided the process of establishing Ruth’s Shawl as the foundation and supporting structure for the work He is calling them to do in ministering to widows and orphans.

In December 2006, Ruth’s Shawl was incorporated. A team is being sent in mid-August to Malawi to see the needs firsthand and to meet with the African pastor and other contacts. Ruth’s Shawl believes that the work that God wishes to accomplish through them for the widows and orphans will become clear as they respond to the vision He is revealing to their hearts. Ruth’s Shawl believes that they are being led to come alongside local churches and ministries working to meet the overwhelming needs of the widows and orphans in their respective communities.

While the initial effort will begin in Malawi, God has providentially established contacts with several organizations already ministering to widows and orphans in Africa. As the Lord leads and provides, Ruth’s Shawl will expand their work to other countries.