101-year-old Seamstress Makes Dresses to Pack in Shoebox Gifts

Eva Bossenberger is using her talents to bring glory to God through Operation Christmas Child. Eva celebrated her 101st birthday on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Eva celebrates with Franklin and Jane Austin Graham and family and friends.

UPDATE: Eva recently enjoyed a birthday party at the Samaritan’s Purse international headquarters in Boone, North Carolina. Eva and some of her friends and family joined us for the celebration. Franklin Graham presented Eva with a number of gifts, including a card signed by Samaritan’s Purse staff, a Bible with her name on it, a plaque, and sewing fabric.

A few months ago, Eva shared her story in a special video, which has been viewed by nearly 10 million people. Check out the video below to see Eva’s reaction as she enjoys that video for the first time, as well as pictures of some of the girls who received her dresses. The story that follows originally published on Aug. 25.

—

—

Most mornings 100-year-old Eva wakes up between 3-4 and heads for her sewing machine. She’s a woman on a mission with no time to waste.

At the end of last year, Eva’s pastor asked her to make about 180 items for girls that could be packed in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Eva didn’t have to think long before she knew what she’d do.

Eva is making dresses to be packed in shoebox gifts.

Eva is making dresses that will soon be packed in shoeboxes and distributed to little girls across the world who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“At first it took me a day and a half to make a dress. Now, I can get three done in a day,” said Eva, a resident of the North Carolina mountains.

Eva works hard but said she doesn’t mind—she’s grateful.

“I love it. The Lord gave me hands with no arthritis. I’m doing what the Lord has asked me to do.”

“I love it. The Lord gave me hands with no arthritis. I’m doing what the Lord has asked me to do.”

Her Mother’s Daughter

Eva learned to sew while growing up near Detroit, Michigan. Her father worked at the Ford factory and her mother was a furrier and seamstress.

Eva spent many hours watching her mother at the sewing machine, fascinated by her ability to make just about anything.

Eva’s dresses will be shared with girls across the world.

She practiced and practiced until sewing eventually became second nature. “I make everything I wear,” Eva said. “I made [my daughters] their clothes from the time they were born.”

Eva’s mother worked hard to help support the family. Her busiest time was October through December, when winter threatened and warm coats were in high demand. She worked hard all day, but stopped when Eva’s father came home from work and spent the evenings with her family.

Eva’s mother and father raised her in church and taught her about God. At age 13, Eva prayed to receive Jesus as her Savior.

Serving God

Some of Eva’s dresses have already been distributed, with this young girl in Tanzania among the first to receive one.

Widowed at age 36, Eva worked as a police officer and grocery cashier and in other jobs as her children grew up. She’s also been a Sunday School teacher, church choir member, missions supporter, and now dressmaker.

Accustomed to working hard, Eva seeks to bring God glory in everything she does.

“Every day needs to be lived serving the Lord,” she said. “When I get up in the morning, I read God’s Word. I try to be a witness where I can.”

Eva prays that the dresses will bring girls across the world much joy. She encourages Christians, no matter their age, to do whatever God has called them to do. “I don’t think you’re too old to learn a job,” she said.

“Every day needs to be lived serving the Lord.”

Eva said she plans on serving God until He calls her to Heaven.

“I can’t even imagine how wonderful [Heaven] will be,” she said. “I’m not afraid of dying, not one bit. When Jesus says, ‘Eva, come on home,’ I’ll go. I know Jesus will be there.”

This little girl in Bolivia was excited to receive a shoebox gift and one of Eva’s beautiful dresses.