Micro-loans in Central Asia

In Central Asia, one of our Field Partners recently launched a micro-loan program that allows graduates from our women's sewing training to launch and manage their own businesses from home. The graduates receive a small loan to buy materials and a sewing machine, and are able to pay it back with earnings from their new business. Our partner has given out three loans so far, and sent us this update from one of the recipients:

A girl who received a loan bought a used sewing machine. When I spoke with her mother, her eyes were filled with tears and she said, "Their father has become blind and we have no support. Thank you for teaching my daughter to sew. Thank you for buying her a sewing machine. We will never forget your support and cooperation. She will help her sisters  learn and work at home and earn money."

She continued, "Before my daughter learned sewing here, I was always worried about what to do. But now we will work together and try to solve our economic problems by ourselves."

Since 2022, our Field Partners have given education opportunities to over 540 girls and women through underground schools and sewing or weaving training. This expression of the gospel opens the way for long-lasting relationships and trust, leading to introductions to Christ and changed lives. Please continue to pray for our Partners in Central Asia—the government continues to make life harder for everyone, but the light of the gospel will not be overcome.