Milton, from Bangladesh, is the eldest of his siblings and is the first person in his family to attend university. When he got a place studying management, it was a dream come true. His family had always struggled financially, but now he had the opportunity to turn this around. However, during his second year of university, Milton’s dreams were suddenly put on hold.
Milton’s parents were finding it difficult to cover the costs of everyday expenses such as food and rent. Paying the fees to keep him and his younger brother and sister in education seemed impossible.
Everything Milton had been working for came crashing down.
‘Our family had many dreams, but we couldn’t afford them,’ says Milton. ‘I used to feel very bad when I saw my parent’s suffering. I couldn't find the way.’
New hopes and dreams
A turning point for Milton and his family was when they started attending a Bible study group at their local church, run by Tearfund’s local partner, LAMB.
Through this, Milton’s family were invited to be part of LAMB’s ‘Umoja’ programme. This programme helps community groups to identify common needs, save money together and develop business skills – all alongside studying and applying biblical principles.
With the support of the group, Milton began to grow in his faith and see hope for his future again. He soon started making plans for his own business venture.
A family blessing
Milton bought 80 ducklings with a small loan from the group. After caring for them until they were fully-grown ducks, he was able to sell them for a profit. He made enough money to pay back his loan and buy more ducklings to repeat the process.
Milton’s duck farm has now become a regular source of income for him and his family, and he has been able to return to his studies. The success of the farm has helped to relieve the intense stress that Milton’s parents were under, and ensured that his younger siblings are able to continue at school.
‘Milton is playing a very big role in our family by raising ducks,’ shares Rubina, Milton’s mother. ‘Everyone has benefited in our family by his initiative.’ Leading the way Milton now leads the Bible study and Umoja group at his church, encouraging others to step out into business. ‘Milton's role in resolving his family's financial crisis is an example for all of us,’ says Pastor Chandray Murmu.
Milton is just one of thousands of people enrolled in the Umoja groups run by Tearfund’s local church partners around the world. They have all learned how they can use the resources available to them to start making an income. Please join us in praying for each individual as they step out in faith towards a better future.
Pray with us
Dear God,
Thank you for Milton and the many others who have been part of an Umoja group. We ask that their business ventures will continue to thrive and that more people will have the opportunity to be equipped by these groups.
We pray that those who are struggling financially will reach out to you for the strength and wisdom you promise to give (James 1:5), and that you will guide them and provide for them during challenging times.
In Jesus’ name we pray, amen
