God's Provision

In May of 2008, Bright Hope partnered with Pastor Jephthe of Pignon Ministries to begin a Micro Loan Program. After attending a training course in money management, participants would receive a loan to begin a small business.

It amazes me how through devastating circumstances, when our backs are against the wall  and our world seems to be falling apart, God proves His amazing love for us as we depend on Him to meet our daily needs. We've personally faced some pretty difficult challenges where we've needed to lean hard upon God, but so far nothing to the point of not having a place to live or not having food to eat or water to drink, like many people in other parts of the world or even in our own back yards. 

The following story from Bright Hope is of how God provided for one woman through Pignon Ministries' Micro Loan Program after the devastating earthquake that occurred in January of 2010  : 

"I came to Pignon with the clothes on my back and no thought of ever returning to Port-au-Prince. When I first visited the counseling center I was full of fear. I was not good at all. I kept thinking Jesus was coming back and that this must be the end. Every loud noise scared me because of the trauma from the earthquake. I never thought there was something like a counselor center. Because of their help I am able to have a normal life and now I feel like life can continue.

"I got the first loan, $400 Haitian Dollars (HD, $50 USD) and bought 12 pieces of clothing because I had no clothes at all. Then I bought some chickens. I resold them and made $400 HD ($50 USD) profit. I bought some more clothes and chickens. We had nothing; we were staying in a room at my husband’s parent’s house. So when I had some money I had to rebuild my life. I successfully repaid my first loan and received a second of $1200 HD ($150 USD). I quickly made $800 HD ($100 USD) in profit. I could afford enough food for my children. I continued the process and kept buying animals, raising them, and selling for a profit.

"After the earthquake I thought I was going to be a beggar on the street. When I first came to Pignon, I had no clothes, my husband had lost his job and I was left to care for our small child. I felt like there was no hope. But now I feel like life is normal. I don’t have to beg on the street. I still have some needs but at least I can eat. I don’t have to beg for food. With the counseling center and the loan I have a normal life. It has been such a blessing to my family.

"I pray that God would bless them. I know the loan is not only from them but also from God. It was not something they could have done by themselves. It has to be from God. And I know they have their own problems so I pray that God would bless them and if they would live 80 years I pray that they would live 100 years. Even though some people still don’t pay their loans I pray they wouldn’t be discouraged. I pray that they would have patience. I want to thank them for their sacrifice. Their blessing isn’t coming from people repaying their loan but from God."

-Catherin Occelien of Jerusalem Baptist Church

God continues to provide for His children all over the world, just as He provided manna and quail for the Israelites' wandering around in the wilderness thousands of years ago. It's often  through ministries like Bright Hope and normal people like you and I that God works and provides for others in need. I want to encourage you to step out in faith and into another person's life by volunteering and supporting your local church and local or international ministry organizations in the Name of Jesus. There is always great financial need and opportunities to serve through these organizations and you will reap many benefits as you make a difference in the life of another person.

If you want more information on how you can make a difference in the life of another, check out  Bright Hope to get all the answers to any questions you may have.