A Blessing in Disguise—The Story of Chileleko Crochet

By DALTON TEW
Baptist Progress Writer

What a mom can look forward to receiving in a Baby Blessing Kit

Anita Swayne aka “Aunti Chileleko” and Aumbi

​Aumbi ran quickly as he chased after the ball he and his friends were kicking around in the schoolyard of their village in Zambia. He looked just like any other little boy: happy, healthy and full of life. When he was born, however, Aumbi developed an inguinal hernia. A simple surgery could correct his condition, but he and his family lacked the financial means to pay for the operation. Thankfully, a kind soul reached out and provided the funds necessary for Aumbi’s treatment. A simple act of love changed this young boy’s life forever. Today, if one were to ask him who helped him, he would respond with a big grin, “Aunti Chileleko.”
 
Anita Swayne, also known as “Aunti Chileleko,” or “Aunti Blessing” in the local language, visited Africa for the first time in 2023. She originally went to Tanzania as part of a medical mission trip, bringing aid to many who were hurt, sick and in need. Sometime later, she returned to Africa—this time to Zambia. She partnered with the Quillmans, a missionary couple who have been serving there for the past few years. While there, she was deeply moved by the many needs of the people. These beautiful people, made by God, were becoming ill or even dying due to a lack of basic necessities. Heartbroken by what she saw, Anita began to consider how she could personally help meet their needs.
 
With a background in medicine, Anita was especially burdened by the number of babies being delivered without proper equipment. After birth, the newborns’ umbilical cords were often tied off with a piece of tree bark that had been stripped thin like string—frequently resulting in umbilical hernias. This complication could be prevented with a simple umbilical clamp, which costs almost nothing in the United States. Anita began to ask herself, “what skills has God given me to help those on the other side of the world?”
 
Since the age of seven or eight, Anita had been crocheting and knitting. It was by no means her career or primary passion, but it was a useful skill she had continued to develop over the years. Her decades of experience eventually led to her becoming a certified crochet instructor. As she reflected on both the needs in Africa and her own abilities, she began to realize that this was something she could use to help meet those needs. That is how Chileleko Crochet was born.
 
Drawing from her experience in both fields, Anita began assembling kits filled with items she had crocheted, such as small hooded jackets and hats, along with additional clothing and medical supplies like gloves, masks and umbilical clamps. These kits help ensure safer, more sanitary deliveries for mothers and babies, while also providing warm, clean clothing for newborns.

A little recipient of Aunti Chileleko's crochet sweaters

While these kits meet physical needs, Anita’s heart is also to reach the soul. She prays over each jacket as she carefully makes it. After packaging each kit, she includes a card featuring Ephesians 2:10 in the local language to remind recipients that they are created by their Heavenly Father for a purpose.
 
Since Feb. 2025, Anita has single-handedly crocheted and assembled nearly 85 of these kits. These “blessings” have been shipped to Africa and are being distributed by the Quillmans in Zambia. Each kit is given to expectant mothers within the church as a symbol of God’s love, care and provision. Some are also given to unbelievers, along with the good news of Christ and His love for all people.
 
For nearly two years, Anita has been making regular trips to Zambia to serve alongside the Quillmans and their ministry. She has had the privilege of teaching crochet classes for women in the village, enabling them to create simple products to sell in the market. This has greatly improved their quality of life and provided a way for them to support their families. Every time Anita returns to Zambia she is greeted by many, just like Aumbi, whose lives have been touched by her generosity and faithful service. Mothers beam with joy as their newborns wear the clothing given to them, offering thanks for the ministry of Chileleko Crochet and the Baby Blessing Kits. Their lives would be very different without their “Aunti Chileleko.”
 
There is no shortage of needs in this world. Many people lack basic necessities across Africa, Asia and even America. These needs are not a sign of God’s negligence or lack of provision. Rather, they are opportunities for His people to step in, to use their gifts, skills  and abilities to meet those needs and demonstrate Christ’s love.
 
What skills and abilities has God given you? How will you make an impact? How will you be a blessing?
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If you would like to get involved and give to this ministry, you can make a donation by visiting: https://babyblessingkits.org/support-baby-blessing-kits/​

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