Over the past week I have had the immense privilege to work with SI's Microfinance department! Our site is centered around providing micro loans to local individuals to better there businesses and by extension enrich the community. By giving people small loans we seek to come along side them and the Lord and equip them to use there own talents skills and passions to improve there lives for themselves and not foster unhealthy reliance but to embolden there independence. Above all our goal and ultimate job is to love like Jesus by creating deep relationships centered not on finances or socioeconomic status (although important) but on Christ and His love or them and work on the cross. Right now SI has 7 active loans of varying amounts with various people of diverse professions. From tailoring to avocado farming to tortilla making and more the each loan we give comes with a unique and compelling story of Gods work in the lives and dreams of these wonderful people. I’m going to do my best to answer some potential FAQs for y'all today starting with..
How does it work?
Great question! Microfinance gives out small loans of no more than 15,000 quetzales which translates to roughly $1,942 at current rates. Each loan has a very small interest rate of 3-5% just so people don't view it as a hand out and take the privilege seriously especially when it comes to making payments. In order to get a loan each individual must fill out a application consisting fo general background and personal information, plans and goals, and some general socioeconomic questions. typically each application takes about 1-3 months starting from point of interest until acceptance. the purpose of the application process is to throughly vet the applicant and ensure they are responsible and will use the money wisely for themselves there loved ones and the community. Today, Kyle, Jeff, and I accompanied Leo, SI's microfinance site leader, to visit Sandra and get her started on an application. Sandra owns a tortilleria--or in English--a tortilla shop! She has had this shop for 13 years but has been in the tortilla making business for over 35 years! Last we visited her we went over her plans on what she will use her loan for and today we got to begin filling out an application with her which was super exciting!
What does an average day look like?
The beauty of microfinance is that no two days are exactly alike, each day is as flexible and subject to change as the lives of those we interact with and I absolutely love it. For the most part, however, each day consists of walking around the town and checking in with its beautiful constituents, both those with loans and those without. We spend A LOT of time simply being with people: connecting, laughing crying--it's beautiful. We have had some 10 or so visits so far and although some have been for specific purpose the majority have been simply to spend time and show love. Here in Guatemala schedules are subservient to relationships, which is awesome and something I wish we prioritized more in the US. The inherent relational intentionality that permeates society here catalyses ministry opportunities and empowers us to graft ourselves into the lives we touch. Each visit could be as short as 10-15 min or as long as 2-3 hours, we might be checking in on their store and sharing a coca-cola, or helping out a farmer and getting down into the dirt. Whatever the purpose for the visit, God's ultimate purpose for us sharing his love is at the forefront of our minds and dictates our every action.
Whats been the best part/What is God teaching you?
For me the best part has undoubtedly, unequivocally, incomparably been the people. SI's relationships-first mentality and vision just clicks for me. I love people. Having opportunities to laugh and eat and cook and work and play along side people who don't know me yet welcome me with open hearts ams and homes honestly makes me emotional. Making connections and now feeling and being known in and around the community has been a inexplicable blessing to me. Right now God is teaching and showing me a few things. 1) People are people no matter where they are. This means that they are loved, important, and priceless to God, just the same as anyone else--no matter what language they speak, what country they live in, or how much or little they have. They have dreams and struggles, hopes and regret--just like me or you AND God can and does work in their lives just as powerfully as in you or me. 2) God has given each of us unique talents and gifts, in that we have the choice to either use them for "good things" that are our own wants, dreams, desires; or to use them for better things which is what He has called each of us to do and why He imparted those gifts to us. I am seeing and learning more and more clearly that my goal in life should not be to get rich and frankly squander His gifting on my own personal gain, but should be looking around and seeing where he can use me to be His hands His feet and His light in our world.
How can you be praying?
Prayer is vital. Firstly, thank you all for all the prayers you have already prayed on our behalf for safety and transformation! For micro finance specifically, please pray for Leo (the site leader) as he continues to diligently work in the local communities, pray for strength innovation and connection. Pray for the people here in Magdalena and its neighbors to truly seek the face of the Lord and to trust and rely on His plan and timing in their lives. Pray for their dreams and struggles, pray for their encouragement. For us, as we begin to wrap up our time here, please pray for continued energy and for us to seize every chance big or small to share the love of out Father with His children. Please pray for a safe return home and for the SI staff who will continue to work here after our departure.
If you made it this far, thank you! I hope this was an encouragement to you and gave you insight into the work God is doing here in Sacatepequez (the state of Guatemala we are in). We love you all and cannot wait to share more in depth when we return!! <3
Best,
Ashok Paul Merchant
No comments:
Post a Comment