Laura Algorta Salinas is our Mujeres Jireh Artisan of the Month. Here is her story in her words:
Everything started with a liking for
earrings. I always liked to change
something in the earrings I bought. At
that time I was far from God and living a lukewarm life. I became pregnant, and I met people who were
doing this type of work (making earrings) in the street. That’s how I learned the basics, but I’m sure
that God put the creative part in me.
When my son was born, I could
understand how great and marvelous God’s love is – His love for me. I had known God since I was a little girl,
but I hadn’t had an adequate personal experience. Maybe that’s way I got far away from
Him. Even though I had returned to God,
emotionally I wasn’t stable. But He opened the doors for me to start a home
business without needing to go someplace to work. (My son) Mikey was little, and I didn’t want
to leave him. The first earrings were
very difficult to make. Little by little
I learned, making 10 pairs at first, then 20, later 50, and finally up to 100
pairs.
Later I got married (to Mikey’s
father) believing it to be the best. But
it wasn’t; it resulted in me being far away from God again. I got a job as a teacher, and for that reason
I stopped making earrings. As the months
went by, I realized that something was missing. I didn’t have time to make
earrings, and I discovered that making them was my second profession. I like making earrings very much. When I came to Lima (from Tarma) to live,
after a painful separation (from my husband) I decided to study beadwork and
learned how to make more models of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Today I thank God for having given
me the opportunity to know Him and for this talent that is a fun hobby which
benefits me economically. Also, for this
ministry (SEED) that helps the ladies of the church, and also for the people
that buy (the products), for my parents who always help and encourage me, for
my son (now 6 years old) and my brother, for sister Becky (Crouse) who is a
blessing for my life. She photographed my first work, gave me ideas, and made
sure that my work was at its best.
Although I’ve lived through a lot of
bad experiences, God has always been good and faithful. That’s why I won’t distance myself from Him
again. There’s nothing better than to be
at His side and to desire to be faithful and show Him my love as He does to me.
I desire that each woman can know
and develop the talent that God has given her so that she can be a source of
full blessing to her family, as the Bible says in Proverbs 31:10-31. With the help and approval of God, we want to
be this kind of virtuous women.
May God illumine and guide us
always.
