Newsletter - August, 2011
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August, 2011 Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." Matt. 25:40 Published by the Society of the Good Shepherd, P. O. Box 122, Amberson, PA 17210. (717) 349-7033 |
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This past week when we were in Honduras, Deborah and I got to visit a most unusual store. It’s a tiny store ten feet wide and only four feet deep, operated by Alvaro Bautista in Siguatepeque. At first glance, I would have thought that such a small store couldn’t do much business. However, during our brief visit with Alvaro, customers kept streaming in and out of his store—which spills out onto the sidewalk. Alvaro used to do mowing and gardening jobs around Siguatepeque. However, as his family grew, it became difficult to support them with this type of work. Alvaro had realized there was a need in Siguatepeque for a shop that sold lawn and garden items, such as lawnmowers, weed eaters, gardening tools, fertilizer, and insecticides. So about four years ago, Alvaro and his wife Karla started such a business. Their shop is very small—only 4' x 10.' Initially, they used mainly borrowed money, and Alvaro continued to do some lawn and gardening work on the side to help make ends meet. They also reinvested a large proportion of their earnings back into the business.
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Alvaro soon learned that many of his customers were looking for spare parts for their lawn equipment. Many others were seeking someone who could repair their equipment. So Alvaro began stocking spare parts, and he taught himself how to perform various repairs. So little by little the business started to grow.
Even though Alvaro’s business was growing, one of the limitations he faced was the lack of working capital. Most of his inventory was financed by the equipment vendors, but they charged high interest. So a few months ago, the Society made a $1400 interest-free small business loan to Alvaro.
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Alvaro and Karla are very thankful for this opportunity, and hope to see their business grow strong with God’s help. Please pray for this family and business as they grow and learn to overcome difficulties day by day. D. Bercot
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Click on the following link if you would care to make a donation to the work in Honduras: Donations
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