Microfinance and Social Work Site Updates

MICROFINANCE

"At our site, we have had the pleasure of working with our leader Katia to help groups of ladies from three different communities.  Each week, we hold “bank meetings” in each during the afternoons.  In these meetings, we have a fun icebreaking activity, give a Bible study, and lead the women in a craft.  These are very special women, who have gotten or are interested in “micro loans” from SI, to finance small trades and/or businesses to help support their families.  

In the last couple weeks, we have been able to learn so much from Katia and the ladies, trying our hands at creating piñatas, making magazine baskets, weaving hammocks, and stringing flower leis.  It has also been a blessing to be able to make home visits in the mornings.  The women not only open up their houses to us, but also their lives as they share their stories and prayer requests.  Katia uses each and every visit to share Christ and speak truth and encouragement to them.  She has such a heart for the Lord and for the women in the Microfinance site.  

We have enjoyed our time with Katia and the ladies, and we are forever grateful for the experience.  Thank you for all your prayers!"

-Dani, Kylie, Kyndell, Miss Dueck

SOCIAL WORK

"Under the supervision of Maria Jose and Miriam comes the site of social work.  In the site, they work with two groups of women, two groups of young girls, and one group of teenagers from various communities surrounding the base.  Most of the women involved in social work have faced many forms of abuse such as psychological, physical, economical, and verbal.  At the site, we help Maria Jose, and Miriam with crafts, parties, garage sales, home visits, and devotions.  With this myriad of activities, they teach the women how to overcome their unfortunate circumstances by actively seeking Christ.  

For example, today we did a home visit at a young woman’s house.  She had once attended the social work site, but when she got pregnant at the age of 15, she was no longer able to participate.  After giving birth to her child, she faced many trials, including two tumors in her uterus, constant bleeding, two miscarriages, and rheumatoid arthritis.  She was told by her doctor that these were the consequences of her getting pregnant at such a young age.  Within the past few years, she has had to have a multitude of treatments.  After talking with her for an hour, she decided to rededicate her life to Christ.  We then prayed for her and said our goodbyes.  It’s moments like these, that we are so blessed to be able to witness Maria Jose’s seeds blooming!"

-Taylor, Katie, Jordan, and Karen