I'm delighted to introduce you to members of the on-site RSS leadership. Here is our teaching staff:
Beautiful Amy has been with us almost from the start. She runs our jewelry-making class, or "bead group," as we call it. But Amy does much more. She also does most of our traveling, speaking, and market events. She has helped us with everything from teatime snacks to room decor. She created the two DVDs that express the heart of the RSS. She is also a wonderful musician, and I love to hear her sing.
Anne does an outstanding job with the yarn group. Her women settle into comfy chairs or curl up on the floor as Anne teaches them how to read a pattern and how to create gorgeous knitted and crocheted items. Anne is teaching herself Nepali -- the language of our Bhutanese refugees. Now that's dedication!
I'm not sure what this contraption is called, but Anne uses it to wind messy wads of yarn into lovely usable balls.
Cathy and Joan team teach the beginner sewing class. Both are members of our host church, Northlake Church of Christ. Cathy brings the techniques she learned from her mother, a professional seamstress. Joan brings her many years of crafting and sewing. Though the beginner class is their official assignment, both help out with the advanced class, too.Cathy has been teaching the women how to lay fabric straight, how to use a rotary cutter, and how to make patchwork placemats.
Joan has taught the women how to sew several different projects. She recently conducted a sewing workshop for both classes. The advanced group learned to make adorable t-shirts and shorts for children. So sweet!
I teach the advanced sewing class. My women are sewing beautifully, and one of my greatest joys is that two of our women are earning money crafting traditional clothing in their homes. While speaking at a luncheon at Avondale Estates Baptist Church recently, I shared the greatest inspiration for everything I am and all that I do -- my parents, Harold and Betty Cummins.
My most ardent supporter and God's wonderful gift is my husband, Tim. As I try to juggle directing the RSS and teaching a class, Tim always holds me up in prayer and helps me know how to proceed. 
Onward ho! Here's our support and leadership staff:
David is at the core of the RSS. He drives the church van to pick up and return our women. Without David, we could not hold our classes. He does more than drive, though. He has helped install shelving and curtains in our main room.
David also has created detailed maps and charts for van drivers who might need to substitute for him on occasion. Aware how desperately we need the protection and comfort of the Spirit, he also made small posters of apt Scripture verses to hang on the walls that surround us.
Tom Jones has revolutionized the daily functioning of the RSS. His lifetime as business administrator and missionary in Kenya gives him invaluable experience. He created and runs our inventory and manages our payroll.
He also coordinates most of the communication -- incoming requests for markets or MIBs, donation drop-off, questions and requests, and much more.
His sweet wife, Nancy, runs quality control for the sewing groups. She examines every seam and stitch. She also tests each doll dress and nightgown to assure a good fit. Our board of directors had a lot of fun celebrating her birthday!
Our Christmas schedule last year kept her hard at work as we all struggled to keep up with the flood of events and markets. She always has a smile on her face, no matter what is happening.
David's wife Lynn took on the overwhelming job of sorting our gigantic button supply. We call her the Button Queen of the Refugee Sewing Society!
I know all too well how very much the RSS depends on our in-house leadership staff. But we couldn't do without the wisdom, creativity, and dedication of Todd and Carol. Their daycare supply company ferries RSS-made sheets, blankets, and doll clothes to customers without taking a single penny from our refugee women. Todd also advises us on business matters, and he created the concept of Missions in a Box. He provided the path for the RSS to become a 501(c)3 and licensed business. He also found us a way to be fully insured. Carol keeps our books and manages our payroll. What wonderful people!
Our deepest thanks and gratitude to the Lord for all He has done!
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