Nov. 2, 2009 issue
Thai church’s micro-loan program changes a life
By Jewel Showalter Eastern Mennonite MissionsPage:
- 1
- 2
DET UDOM, Thailand – When Lucille Zimmerman finished six years of service in Thailand, she was brimming with stories of lives she’s seen transformed.
Lucille Zimmerman and Joy, the director of Life Enrichment Church’s micro-economic development office, worked closely together during Zimmerman’s six years in Det Udom, Thailand. — Photo supplied by EMM
“Take Oy, for instance,” said Zimmerman, who served with Eastern Mennonite Missions. When Oy first begged a loan from the Life Enrichment Church’s micro-economic development, or MED, office, the director, Joy, knew she was a high-risk client.
But even though Oy was deeply in debt and embroiled in family problems, Joy decided to take a chance on her.
Oy ran a laundry business out of the front room of the narrow townhouse where she lived with her two daughters. She had one washing machine and was making exorbitant payments for it.
After she received an MED loan to pay off the washing machine, Oy was required to attend meetings where she heard testimonies from MED staff and listened to Bible passages.
When Oy’s marriage ended, MED staff stood by her. She learned how to get out of debt and use money properly. She paid off her washing machine as well as many other loans. She prospered enough that she was also able to find a new apartment to rent for her laundry.
On moving day, MED staff offered to help her move, as she had no relatives who were willing. After the move, Oy dropped by the MED office to make her weekly payment.
As Joy was taking the payment, the phone rang. She turned her back to answer, and realized later that Oy took advantage of the situation to help herself to the funds in the open can that held other MED clients’ payments for the day.
Zimmerman wondered how Joy would handle the situation. Would she confront the thief?
But Joy took a less direct and more face-saving way. She simply charged Oy for the use of the moving truck — a service she had planned to donate. She charged Oy the exact amount stolen from the MED can.
Page:
- 1
- 2
Comment on the article Thai church’s micro-loan program changes a life
The purpose of comments is to engage in dialogue. We expect commenters to treat authors and each other as each would want to be treated. Respectful criticism is welcomed; offensive comments or parts of comments will be removed by the site administrator. Name and comment will be posted; email address is for follow-up only and will not be made public.
Download
Download a free PDF showing the populations of
Mennonite groups and other Anabaptists.
