Brenda, left, gives a thumbs up at her new snack bar business.
For Brenda, the past three months have been life-changing— for her personally and for her country of Nicaragua.
In April, Brenda took a TOLI loan to start her own small business, at the same time protests broke out in the capital city of Managua, sparking violence and unrest that continues to escalate.
Despite the deteriorating situation she's watched unfold in her country, Brenda remains determined to build a new future for herself and her family.
"In the midst of adversity," Brenda says, "we have to maintain a positive attitude and make a difference by creating new ideas, opening doors for new purposes."
Business is swift at Brenda's new snack bar, and the income is already making a difference in her life. She's learning small business skills, as well as biblical principles that are helping her, as she says, "improve my relationship with God, and be able to share the gospel with my children."
We're grateful for Brenda's determination and hope, but we're also concerned about the situation in Nicaragua. While most of the unrest has happened hours away from our partners in Puerto Cabezas, the unrest is spreading, as are the economic impacts. Road blockades and insecurity mean the normally safe highways are not open to deliveries of goods and services. Prices are spiking and resources are becoming scarce. While Brenda and our other clients are hopeful, there is a real vulnerability and uncertainty ahead.
Because of this, we're adding a special opportunity to give in support of our Nicaragua program. By giving to our Nicaragua fund, you can help us best serve our partners in Puerto Cabezas during what we pray is a short season of turmoil. To help, click the button below and select the designation "Nicaragua."
And, of course, please pray for peace in Nicaragua, for safety for our friends at VERBO Ministries in Puerto Cabezas, and for a resolution to this crisis.
THE GOOD NEWS: In just three months, Brenda's busy snack bar is booming. And she's proud to tell us what she's learning through TOLI's program. "By improving communication and working as a team," she reports, "I have stimulated my family a lot in terms of economic, social and spiritual growth."
THE BAD NEWS: For the past three months, a police crackdown on civilians protesting Nicaragua's government have led to hundreds of deaths, charges of human rights violations, and an economy at a total standstill. (Photo Credit: BBC News)
Updates from our other sites
KENYA
— Here's a prayer request from Social Worker Lucy in Mai-I-Ihii, whose clients have experienced an unusual amount of loss, grief and challenge lately: "Pray for us to have wisdom from above, words of encouragement always while we visit these women. This month’s visits have had a fair share of low moments and sad stories, but with God’s grace we’ve been able to encourage the women."
INDIA
— Praise God for new wheels! Thanks to a special gift, our social worker Ashish will now have a motorbike to help him better serve clients in remote areas. Please pray that God will help him reach more clients around the Duars region.
EGYPT
— Praise God for growth. TOLI is multiplying quickly in Egypt — 3 new sites in just the last two months. Please pray for wisdom and provision for these new TOLI clients, for our volunteers through Heliopolis Evangelical Church, Cairo, and for our social workers.
TOLI BOARD NEWS
— Please welcome Dick Frieg as TOLI's newest board member! Dick's rich background in missions through Cru, a long career in operations with David C Cook, and experience as a current small business owner make him an incredible addition to our team.
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