Kathie & Steve A.
CASMI – United States
Come and Sew Ministries, International (CASMI) helps the international body of Christ to reach widows, orphans, and women without hope with skills training and the Gospel. Jesus and biblical discipleship are the mission, and sewing classes are the method. CASMI sponsors evangelical sewing courses hosted by the international church that teach sewing skills, the Bible, prayer, and lifestyle skills. CASMI leaders love deeply and model biblical living to students. This ministry model came from a home-based sewing school (Come and Sew) that began in 1991 in Steve and Kathie’s home. Kathie taught and discipled many women and children through sewing classes for 12 years from their home. In 2001, Steve and Kathie were asked to go to Russia to investigate how to bring the Gospel through sewing classes into state-run orphanages. Come and Sew Ministries International (CASMI) was founded after this first trip as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit ministry. God has guided and blessed each step. CASMI is reaching widows, orphans, single moms, and trafficked and abused women in Russia, Ukraine, Albania, and Africa through weekly sewing classes. CASMI mentors and equips the international leaders that partner and lead this work in each culture. These sewing classes are a safe place to disciple women and show them Jesus while they learn a skill. A large number of the graduating widows, orphans, and trafficked and abused women have gone on to set up their own businesses or get jobs in factories to earn a living. A high percentage of our students are finding Christ while they learn. All classes successfully teach the power of love for one another and encouragement in Christ. Steve and Kathie have been married since 1972, are parents to 4 grown children, and have 14 grandchildren ranging in age from 4 to 25. A note from Steve and Kathie: “We never expected to be founding a ministry out of our life experience or doing international mission work at this season of our lives. We are grateful we said yes to the opportunity and are amazed daily as God continues to not only grow this work, but to also teach us so much about why James 1:27 is so important in His eyes. He tells us: ‘Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.’ We have little time to get distracted doing this special work. Keep us always in your prayers.”