Time really does fly. It was less than 6 months ago that I did my first micro-lending project. I kind of thought of it like an experiment. I was willing to lose any of the monies that my wife and I and a friend had sent over to help some poor women in a village just outside of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. I was holding this experiment loosely, although I was hoping and praying that these ones who had received the loans would pay them back...and that they did. It only took 3 months for 29 different borrowers to repay the loans. Every penny of every dollar was returned ahead of the scheduled re-payment plan. Our borrowers used it for different things from farming peanuts and millet seed, to making soap to buying fabric and then re-selling it at local markets.
When I first started this, I told God that I'd only move as fast as He moved. I was willing to learn while at the same time lose. But I know that I had to try. I had to give it a shot. I mean, poor people are worth it. They have value. They are loved by the same God that loves me. And this God has called me (and all Christ-followers) to care for those who are poor, forgotten and disadvantaged.
When I received all of the applications back, I noticed that each of the women who applied had a dream. They each had a dream to work, to make money and to provide food and life's necessities to there immediate family. This was why I did what I did. I wanted to lend money to the poor in Africa, because I realized that these precious people had every tool to be a success except the simple access to capital. They are bright, intelligent, innovative and have a great work ethic. They simply lack the necessary capital to fund their business ideas and dreams. This is the beauty of micro-credit. It gives people a chance...and eventually a hope.
So, I've been praying, "Lord, where do I go from here?" As I've prayed and waited, I sensed the Lord telling me to "keep lending money". So, that's what I plan on doing. The Lord has provided. God has led people to help to be a part of this. More money will be sent shortly to be lent out to those individuals who have a business plan that's sustainable and have a realistic plan to repay their loan. God is drawing people to be a part of this. People are inquiring, asking the questions and now giving to the crucial work of giving dignity and hope to the poor in Burkina Faso.
I have some practical needs for this ministry. First, I need to raise some monies for a laptop for the loan officer that I work with. If you would like to contribute to helping meet this need, let me know. Email me at (parmitage@northmarchurch.com). Currently, he doesn't have a computer and is trying to be resourceful by using friends' computers. However, this is not ideal. As the ministry grows, more work and contact has to be done via a computer, which will increase our efficiency. If you have an old laptop that you're willing to part with that is in good condition, let me know. I can ensure that it would be put to good use. You'll be making an impact not only in the life of a loan officer, but in those that receive loans in Burkina Faso.
Their is one other need. Some of the women who received loans are requesting monies for there peanut business. They would like to purchase a cart and a machine. The cart hauls the peanuts while the machine more or less shells the peanuts which increases productivity for the ladies and eventually helps their profit. The cost for the cart and the machine which shells the peanuts is just under $250.00. If you have a desire to partner and help contribute so that these women can receive a loan to help purchase their equipment, please let me know.
Their are other needs...transportation, gas, and communication but right now we're trying real hard to keep our overhead down so that we can get as much money into the hands of those people that need loans. Remember, we're taking this one step at a time...waiting and trusting our loving God to provide, to help and to direct the ministry of caring for the poor.
If you're reading this...and you have any questions, please email me at parmitage@northmarchurch.com. If you have a desire to help give the poor dignity and hope through a loan, I invite you to partner with me. If God leads you to reach out and give financially, please send me an email. Thanks for reading...may God empower you and direct you as you care for others and show love to the poor.
When I first started this, I told God that I'd only move as fast as He moved. I was willing to learn while at the same time lose. But I know that I had to try. I had to give it a shot. I mean, poor people are worth it. They have value. They are loved by the same God that loves me. And this God has called me (and all Christ-followers) to care for those who are poor, forgotten and disadvantaged.
When I received all of the applications back, I noticed that each of the women who applied had a dream. They each had a dream to work, to make money and to provide food and life's necessities to there immediate family. This was why I did what I did. I wanted to lend money to the poor in Africa, because I realized that these precious people had every tool to be a success except the simple access to capital. They are bright, intelligent, innovative and have a great work ethic. They simply lack the necessary capital to fund their business ideas and dreams. This is the beauty of micro-credit. It gives people a chance...and eventually a hope.
So, I've been praying, "Lord, where do I go from here?" As I've prayed and waited, I sensed the Lord telling me to "keep lending money". So, that's what I plan on doing. The Lord has provided. God has led people to help to be a part of this. More money will be sent shortly to be lent out to those individuals who have a business plan that's sustainable and have a realistic plan to repay their loan. God is drawing people to be a part of this. People are inquiring, asking the questions and now giving to the crucial work of giving dignity and hope to the poor in Burkina Faso.
I have some practical needs for this ministry. First, I need to raise some monies for a laptop for the loan officer that I work with. If you would like to contribute to helping meet this need, let me know. Email me at (parmitage@northmarchurch.com). Currently, he doesn't have a computer and is trying to be resourceful by using friends' computers. However, this is not ideal. As the ministry grows, more work and contact has to be done via a computer, which will increase our efficiency. If you have an old laptop that you're willing to part with that is in good condition, let me know. I can ensure that it would be put to good use. You'll be making an impact not only in the life of a loan officer, but in those that receive loans in Burkina Faso.
Their is one other need. Some of the women who received loans are requesting monies for there peanut business. They would like to purchase a cart and a machine. The cart hauls the peanuts while the machine more or less shells the peanuts which increases productivity for the ladies and eventually helps their profit. The cost for the cart and the machine which shells the peanuts is just under $250.00. If you have a desire to partner and help contribute so that these women can receive a loan to help purchase their equipment, please let me know.
Their are other needs...transportation, gas, and communication but right now we're trying real hard to keep our overhead down so that we can get as much money into the hands of those people that need loans. Remember, we're taking this one step at a time...waiting and trusting our loving God to provide, to help and to direct the ministry of caring for the poor.
If you're reading this...and you have any questions, please email me at parmitage@northmarchurch.com. If you have a desire to help give the poor dignity and hope through a loan, I invite you to partner with me. If God leads you to reach out and give financially, please send me an email. Thanks for reading...may God empower you and direct you as you care for others and show love to the poor.
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