Microfinance Stories

When you look beyond the crowds of the slums, you see individual lives. People who hope for a better future, but have limited opportunities and resources. The true stories below are but a couple of examples of lives that have been transformed through the simple vehicle of a microfinance loan. Give a gift toward our microfinance program in Nairobi, Kenya, and see how God will use it to change lives.

Anne’s Story

Living in the poorest part of the Mathare slum, Anne endured a life of abuse with an alcoholic husband. Her children wandered the streets, constantly in trouble. Besides begging on the streets, she had little income or hope of finding a job. Encouraged by a friend to go to the Mathare Family Hope Center and ask for help, Anne knew she had to do it for her sons’ sake. Although there was no room at the school, other children made room for her sons by sharing seats and desks so they could go to school. Then, a director at the center gave Anne a micro loan and training so that she could have her own business. Today, Anne sells laundry soap, tea leaves, salt, and other items to individuals and businesses. She is a successful business woman and happy mother. Her countenance, personal appearance, and health are restored. Her boys have never returned to the streets, and she has been able to move from her shanty to a stone house. Anne has also accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and daily learns how to make Him the Lord of her life.

Naomi’s Story

Young Paul was on the waiting list for the school at the Hope Center, but he was too sick to attend. The social worker found that both Paul and his mother Naomi were quite ill. The question then asked was “Is AIDS a factor?” Naomi was encouraged to attend training on the prevention of HIV/AIDS, which helped her gather up courage to be tested – she was HIV positive. A social worker followed up with Naomi, shared Christ, and taught several healthcare steps she could do for herself at home. Naomi accepted Christ. As she received encouragement from believers and started on antiretroviral drugs, she began to grow stronger physcially. Her church raised money to purchase her shanty and helped with food. Through the Hope microfinance program, Naomi began a business of selling vegetables in town, but after the murder of her older son, she was overwhelmed by the trauma. But, once again, she recovered and through the microfinance program began making crisps (potato chips), and they are the best crisps around. Naomi’s business is booming, Peter is healthy and getting a good education, and they are part of a community of faith.