Microfinance

Can a $50 Loan Change Someone’s Life?

YES, it can and you can do it right here at our church!

When she was 13 years old, Nayima Umaru was married and two years later gave birth to her first child. She had seven more children before her husband became ill and died, leaving her pregnant with twins and no way to make a living.

Mrs. Umaru moved to a single room with her children. They had nothing to eat; they were so poor that she couldn’t even afford a piece of soap. She begged neighbors for their used soap bubbles so she could wash her children’s clothes. Can you imagine, begging for soap bubbles?

Tragically, up to this point, Nayima’s story is typical for the 1.2 billion people who live on less than $1 per day and another 2 billion people who live on less than $2 per day.

Nayima began selling bananas and fried cassava by the roadsides, but still her life didn’t change much. Then her friend introduced her to microfinance and her village banking group so that Nayima could expand her banana business. 

From that day forward, Nayima’s life was forever changed.

Her first loan was for about $50. Her dream was to operate her own small business and improve the lives of her children, so she saved a portion of each loan and, today, after eight years as a village bank member, she runs a small restaurant and a catering business. Two of her daughters are now married and work at the restaurant; four of her children are still in school; and one son works at a petrol station. She has remarried and plans to complete her four-bedroom house this year.

That’s microfinance in action and we can be a part of that story. 

It's easy, it’s effective, and you can make a real difference.

Click here to learn how it works.

Click here for an update!

For more information, contact David Vita, Social Justice Director -