Around the world, the ideas of “micro-enterprise” and “micro-finance” have proved effective in lifting people out of poverty and into productive lives. This work often includes sharing the gospel of Jesus as a core component. However, in closed countries, especially those in the Middle East, opportunities for business as ministry are seldom attempted. They are considered too risky for foreigners. This is the reality we face in North Africa, where our ministry has taken root and is beginning to produce fruit.
In early 2009, through a series of divinely-orchestrated conversations and meetings, our board of five small-business people, with like-minded passion to see small-business people “enlightened, encouraged and empowered,” came together with a vision for North Africa: to see the love of Jesus Christ transform impoverished communities through the work of godly business people. Since our initial travels and training in April 2009, we’ve experienced much frustration, many failures and intense doubt as to the wisdom of such a venture.
The passion has not died, however, and the Lord has proved faithful as we’ve faithfully followed His leading. Our efforts have gradually been adapted to the culture and its inherent dangers, and are slowly gaining the structure necessary to grow to the next level. Through small loans (ranging from $200 to $500), we have helped initiate 12 new micro-business projects – including shoe and clothing sales, woodworking and wood-carving, a mobile phone shop, and a meat cutting. We presently have a waiting list of at least 30 more potential businesses.
The good news: everyone is current on their loans, and the excitement levels are palpable as newfound biblical and business principles are applied and prove to be stepping stones to success. The great news; spiritual growth is evident. We now have the first house church born directly out of our efforts to empower small-business people with the gospel truth of Jesus! This and other success stories have encouraged and motivated us to continue making short-term visits that foster training and build relationships.
Joining God Already at Work:
One such success story developed as I noticed Nader’s* sister-in-law, Muna, sewing a galibaya (the traditional long gown worn by men in the villages) seams while seated on the dirt floor of their three-room home. I later learned this was the family’s only source of income. Nader had been recently paralyzed from the waist down. He was unable to provide for his wife and four children. I had the immediate sense this was an opportunity from God. Catching my line of thinking, the family informed me that they did have another potentially profitable project. From one old form, which they quickly retrieved from beneath a nearby staircase, they had been making decorative ceiling medallions and selling them for a very healthy markup. Suddenly I knew why the Lord had led me there that day. He was already at work here and wanted us to join Him. My heart was filled with joy as I mapped out a simple business plan that could empower this determined family for a productive and profitable new season of life.
Every face in the room reflected hope and joy as we talked and made arrangements for a micro-loan to get them started. Subsequent visits confirmed God’s faithfulness as the new family business, potential capitalized by a $500 loan, has flourished, supporting a needy family, blessing the local church, and shining the good news into a dark community. Please pray with us for many more such success stories in North Africa.
*Name has been changed
