A New Work

A new work is always exciting. Everyone loves newness. People love things that are new. I'm experiencing "the new" in micro-lending in Burkina Faso. We started lending in a small village 28 miles outside of the capital city a year ago. It's been so cool to have a front-row seat and watch the power of these small loans in the lives of women who are now empowered with dignity and hope.

I told the Lord that I would stay one step behind Him as He leads. I was determined to go slow, and be willing to wait until I saw success and blessing. Every loan that has been lent has been returned in full. When I travel to Burkina on April 1st, I'll be involved in some training of these ambitious entrepreneurs with the intent of sharing the gospel with them. Through the showing of the JESUS film to these women and their families on this trip (and actually the entire village will be invited) we'll be sharing the hope of Jesus Christ, and not just giving out loans.

The newness comes when we will start lending to another village just a few miles from the village that we currently lend to. Their are people identified and ready to receive loans. So, due to the generous donations of some friends, we're ready to start lending. We'll be doing the screening of these potential borrowers and then training them with the practical things that are necessary to be both ethical and successful in their respective businesses. In this village, our goal is to share the hope of Jesus with EVERY borrower. We want to reach people with Jesus.

You see, it's so much bigger than giving out more loans. It's about the Gospel. It's about offering hope and salvation to many, some of whom have never heard of Jesus. So, pray for this endeavour. Pray that the newness of this new village would not crowd out the urgency to share Jesus with these precious people. Pray that as we loan monies to these new clients...that our actions and our words would be Gospel-oriented, and many would be drawn to the powerful and unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Thanks for praying!!!