The Songket Factory
Written by a local believer

“One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.” Acts 16:14-15, NIV.

Songket is a beautiful cloth that is unique to Indonesia. It is made from threads that have been dyed in various colors and woven on a simple weaving loom. The most popular colors are red and purple. After completion the cloth is traditionally used in wedding ceremonies.
 
Coincidentally, in our neighborhood there is a small house where songket is made. As I enter the house, I see the weaving looms very neatly arranged with about 18 women each weaving a piece of cloth. The women sit on the floor on a cushion or mat with their legs straight out in front of them under the weaving loom for hours each day. It takes several weeks of work to make one piece of cloth that is about 3 feet wide by 7 feet long. The weavers are usually paid between $20 and $30 for their labor depending on the pattern and quality of their work. 

Most of the women that weave songket come from small villages and travel by bus to get to the city. After they finish a piece of cloth and receive their pay, they usually return to their village to visit with their families and their children. They stay only about a week before returning to the songket factory, which provides a great opportunity for me to build relationships. As they leave their homes, their families, and their friends, they come to the city oftentimes feeling lonely and overwhelmed. This is a time when they are very open to those who show them friendship, love and kindness.

Pray that:

Relationships with these women working in the songket factory will lead to salvation for many.

As the women respond to the gospel, they will successfully share with their families and villages.

God will bless the work of all of these weavers so they can earn enough money to support their families.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.