FLOURISH in CAMBODIA

Caroline Ng* is the visionary crafter, befriender, ideator, and marketer. She is passionate about combining her love for crafts and business skills to create equal opportunities for the under-valued, underserved, and underprivileged. Cara Chiang* is the volunteer creative whiz, model, stylist, and storyteller. She is passionate about using her creativity to pursue justice and equality amongst the marginalised, and telling stories and giving a voice to those who would otherwise be unheard. Jessie Yong* is the volunteer business strategist, committed to creating positive change through bringing the transformative power of businesses to mumpreneurs and home crafters. (* They worship at Barker Road Methodist Church.) Tan Li Diang is an MMS Missionary since 1998. She is from Bedok Methodist Church.

The Seed of Flourish

Flourish is a ministry God has provided for women in need to build livelihoods that impact and transform their lives and that of their families. It is also a ministry where God enables the volunteers to witness the seed of His faithful providence, to grow the seed of our faith and giftings, and to enable us to share the seed of His Word, light, and hope.

Flourish’s first group of ladies from Prek Toal Methodist Church Women’s Ministry learning to crochet on 20 February 2011.

Flourish was started in 2011 by Barker Road Methodist Church (BRMC) as a Missions Livelihood Project. Then called the “Love Cambodia” Project, Flourish’s first group of ladies were from Prek Toal Methodist Church, Steung Meanchey, Phnom Penh.

Cambodia-wide crochet outreach in 2012 led to more than 200 learning to crochet.

In 2012, the BRMC Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) made a large order for crochet crosses for Mother’s Day cum WSCS Sunday. This started us on a nation-wide crochet outreach campaign where we taught crochet in all Methodist institutions across Cambodia. All glory to God, we managed to fulfil the order for more than 1,600 pieces of crochet crosses and provided jobs for more than 20 women.

In 2014, God extended our mission field to Chress Church, Community Outreach Services–Immanuel (COSI), Post-COSI Integration Programme (PCOSIIP), and the area of Odem.

When COVID-19 struck in 2020 and Singapore went into its Circuit Breaker, Flourish evolved to include local artisans referred by BRMC’s Outreach & Social Concerns (OSC). Thanks be to God for opening more doors as we went through the Circuit Breaker.

Today, Flourish is a volunteer-run ministry supporting more than 20 ladies in Cambodia and seven ladies in Singapore.

The Journey with our Artisans

The poem “BORN INTO LIGHT” describes our manifesto of how Flourish reaches out to women going through challenging situations in our broken world. Many are single mothers struggling to raise their children on their own, after going through difficult relationships. Others may be going through difficulties due to critical illnesses. Whatever their situation, Flourish is committed to journeying with them, providing a sustainable livelihood for them and a life of dignity for them, their families and community, that they may see the hope and light of our Creator.

Cambodia Group

The stories of our Beneficiaries

Chab Nern, 49, Artisan who sews Bags, Home & Living Collections

Chab Nern working on her crocheted bags for Flourish.

I became a Christian in 1999, and picked up a useful sewing skill when I was with the Cambodia Women Centre in 2005. In 2013, I joined an outreach workshop conducted by Flourish at Chress Methodist Church.

I have had many difficulties in my life. Before I joined Flourish, I never knew what it felt like to have more than US$10 in my hand. However, I received my first ever US$100 note through working with Flourish.

I thank God that I have been sewing products for Flourish for over five years now. When I fell ill, Flourish helped me with the Chab Nern working on her crocheted bags for medical bills. It is wonderful to be a part of a family where you know Flourish. help is always at hand. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us badly in Cambodia. My son was unable to work because construction projects were halted. Thanks to the income from Flourish, I was able to earn enough money to bring my son home during the lockdown. Because of God’s love and the Flourish team’s love, I can support my own family. May Flourish continue to receive more orders.

Manin, 27, Cambodia Project Manager

Manin and her family at her graduation from university.

I work with a team of artisans to deliver products based on customer requirements. I come from a large and complex family. I got to know Jesus when I attended free guitar lessons at Chress Methodist Church in 2011.

After my graduation from university, I desired to serve God by working at the church kindergarten. Unfortunately, the kindergarten was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and I did not have any income for many months. Thank God that Flourish was looking for a Project Manager. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the Flourish ladies and have a source of income. I am assured without a doubt that God loves me and provides for me in every season of my life.

Flourish is an amazing collaboration between two countries united by God’s love. I am thankful that I am able to use my communication skills to help my fellow Cambodian ladies to make a living. Though I cannot sew or crochet, I am able to use English as a bridge between the Cambodians and Singaporeans. May Flourish keep on going and growing to include more members and create more job opportunities for needy ladies here in Cambodia.

Flourish reaches out to women going through challenging situations in our broken world.

HELP

• BUY OUR PRODUCTS

Check out our web store at www.craftedtoflourish. com. Every product you purchase will enable more products to be made, which will provide more jobs for our artisans. Custom or bulk orders are always welcome. 100% run by volunteers, and all proceeds go towards healthcare, education, and community development for our artisans.

• VOLUNTEER

Are you someone who believes in our mission? We need all the help we can get. We are calling for befrienders, product designers, sewers, crochets, social media storytellers, photographers, videographers, models, content creators, and business development professionals. As long as you have a willing heart to serve, come alongside us and join the Flourish family.

• GIFT RESOURCES

If you own a factory with raw materials such as fabric, yarn, and leather to donate, or have a company seeking corporate social responsibility projects, or share our vision and would like to support our mission, we would love to hear from you! Email us at flourish.brmc@gmail.com.

PRAY

• PRAY for the beneficiaries and families to be healed physically and emotionally and to live transformed lives redeemed by His grace and hope.

• PRAY for the beneficiaries’ families to witness the new dawn in their lives and together as one big family seek to know and accept the Lord as their Saviour.

• PRAY for the volunteers to serve as one united body emboldened by God’s love, be faithful in following the Lord’s leading and wisdom and strengthened to journey with the beneficiaries, and to share the Good News.

• PRAY for the provision of new volunteers including artisans, donors of materials, or partners to journey with the beneficiaries.

• PRAY that all involved in the Flourish community will rejoice always in whatever we do, pray continually for all involved and give thanks in all circumstances, so that God’s light shines forth in all the lives we touch and His Name be lifted high and glorified.