Savings and loans, and self-help groups, part of our Transforming Communities work, are having a powerful impact within vulnerable communities. The groups have up to 20 members who meet regularly to save money together. They then use these savings to make small loans to individual members that are repaid over an agreed time period. This week, we’ll share stories from Tearfund’s Footsteps magazine to help us pray for these transformative groups.
Sunday 11 January
‘Mathias Noubouke is a successful businessman in Togo,’ explains Tearfund’s partner Mawousse Tchegnon, Director of West Africa Operations for Chalmers Center. ‘He owns two thriving schools and office supply stores. Mathias’s business journey started when he joined a savings group facilitated by his church.’ Praise God for the practical training that enabled Mathias to launch his businesses.
Monday 12 January
Leonille, from Rwanda, used to feel lonely and helpless. As a person with disabilities, she struggled to find a job and saw no way to contribute to her family’s finances. She felt rejected by her wider community and without purpose in her everyday life. Lord, we lift to you people like Leonille. May they know you are close to them. Amen.
Tuesday 13 January
Leonille was supported by Tearfund’s partner to set up a self-help group. Nineteen people joined her group. ‘Once we came together, we were able to discover our abilities,’ says Leonille. ‘Disabilities do not necessarily mean limitations. We complement each other depending on abilities and disabilities.’ Praise God for this transformation.
Wednesday 14 January
Most groups – including savings and loans groups – will face difficult times at some point. If these situations are not handled well, members may become discouraged, and the group might stop functioning properly. Lord, today we pray for savings groups facing discouragement. May they hold fast to you and be filled with your wisdom. Amen.
Thursday 15 January
In Nehemiah 4, we read about the Israelites, led by Nehemiah, overcoming opposition and working together to achieve their goals. Praise God that through Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training, savings and loans groups study this passage and learn about how they can work together and support one another, even in difficult seasons.
Friday 16 January
‘We were always struggling with food and money,’ says Thabita, a farmer in Ethiopia. ‘In case of an emergency, we had to go to moneylenders who would charge us 50 per cent interest.’ Lord, we lift to you families struggling in debt and unable to pay for household needs. Amen.
Saturday 17 January
Thabita’s life changed when she joined a savings group. ‘One person taught us how to plant kitchen gardens, so I no longer buy spinach and other vegetables – I get them straight from my backyard.’ Lord, thank you that savings groups help members to grow in strength and confidence, becoming powerful agents of positive change in their lives.
