Micro-Finance in Tanzania

On our recent trip to Tanzania, Celestin and I witnessed the life-giving world of micro-finance. Our hosts Justin and Anna, who work with us in ALARM, introduced us to Peter. "He was a thief and a drug user," said Justin, "but now he is a Christian businessman." The words of the gospel had marked the first part of Peter's transformation. No longer a thief and a drug user, he was the friend of God. But a ten dollar loan continued the dramatic change. Peter used the money to start roasting and selling peanuts, a process he is describing in this picture. Within a few weeks he repaid his loan, borrowed a little more, and began buying and selling other kinds of merchandise. Peter now employs a couple of young helpers and helps support needy families in his church.

We met another participant in the loan program, a mother of two whose husband had forced her and the children out of the house when she refused to convert to Islam. With a five dollar loan, she started selling tea at a local truck stop. When we visited, her business had become a tiny restaurant. She paid rent on that building and on a home for her children. She was also employing two women, paying as much in daily salaries as she initially borrowed just a few months ago.

I offer no grand claim that the carefully planted mustard seeds of micro-finance will change the continent of Africa. But I have seen hope and dignity restored to a handful of people made in God's image, and I am most grateful to have seen their faces.

Bob