What is it?
Our Micro Business Fund helps believers in poorer nations. We provide no interest; flexible term loans to young men and woman who desire to start and run a business in a way that is pleasing to God. In order to qualify for these loans of up to $2,000, applicants must have a strong commitment to the Lord, be serving in their congregation, have a recommendation from their spiritual leader, have a good business plan, and sign a commitment to run their business according to Biblical principles.
How it works
Once the loan is made, volunteers experienced in running small businesses based on Biblical teachings, give counsel and support. The loan is paid back in monthly payments. The payments begin after a specified time agreed upon by the business owner and the Fund Coordinator. These “revolving funds” are then used to help start other micro businesses.
Pray
For the success of the businesses started through the fund, and that we would be able to help more young believing families through this project.
Give
Often RII has more applications than funds available. You can help entrepreneurs who love the Lord, and are living in less fortunate circumstances start businesses that will glorify God and meet the needs of their families, and community by clicking here.
Yan’s Story
My name is Yan (picture above). I am twenty six years old and I’m Jewish. When I was twenty years old I came to know Yeshua as my Messiah and Savior in Congregation Brit Chadasha He gave me a new start and a new life. Before I met Him my life was completely broken. Here is my story.
My parents were divorced when I was three years old, so I grew up without a father. When I was thirteen I began to experiment with alcohol. I was unhappy and did not want to live at home because there were many fights and problems. I started hanging out with gangs and almost ended up in prison at the age of fourteen. At the age of eighteen I made a bad deal on my apartment, lost everything and ended up living on the streets. I felt like a complete failure and thought there was no way out for me. In those years I often thought about killing myself.
Two years later I heard of Yeshua and repented. I told Him if He would help me I would commit my whole self to Him. Within six months I was completely free from alcohol and cigarettes. When I went into the waters of Mikveh (water immersion), the Lord healed me of a terrible skin disease. The members of the congregation became my family and they helped me to grow in the Lord. Yeshua was writing a new chapter of my life. His love has filled my life and I have a great desire to share that love with others. God uses me to reach out to people and I share what He has done for me.
At one time when I was still a young believer I became desperate. I told God that I do not have an education, no profession, and nobody really needs me. At this time God spoke to me from 1 Samuel 2:8, “He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes, and has them inherit a throne of honor.” I was very encouraged though I did not fully see results of this word quickly.
A few years after He spoke to me from Samuel I opened my own shoe repair shop. I thank God for the Community Builders Fund Rabbi Stewart started with his friends from America. This program has helped many young people like me start their own businesses. I received a no interest loan and support and counsel. I opened my business, God’s way, honestly, and paid no bribes. This is not an easy thing in my country. I use my business to show people Yeshua. I never hide my faith. Today my business is working well and I’m thinking of opening other shops, so God can spread His light and love more through me. Thank you for praying for us and helping us here in Belarus!
In Yeshua’s love,
Yan
Other Stories of Thankful Recipients
Pasha is a young man with four children. He is a very committed believer and he and his wife serve teens in his congregation. They have a vision to serve the Lord full time in Messianic Jewish missions work. In order to better provide for his family Pasha started a taxi business. This also gave him more time for family and for ministry. For a period of time he was renting a car from a family member for $500 per month. This significantly cut into his profits. Banks in his country are charging 15-18% for a loan, making purchasing his own vehicle impossible. In 2009 the Community Builders Micro Business Fund provided Pasha with a no interest loan with a flexible pay back schedule to help him purchase his own taxi. He regularly shares the gospel on his taxi runs. The Community Builders Micro Business Fund is helping him accomplish His goals.
Denis developed his skills with a camera while volunteering for his congregation. The Community Builders Micro Business Fund helped Denis and his wife, Rhema, start their professional photo business. The quality of their work is bringing honor to God and they have served clients in Eastern Europe, Israel and North America Vitally is a Senior Pastoral Leader in his Messianic congregation. His wife, Nadya, is a talented musician who leads praise and worship in the congregation. They have two lovely daughters. The Community Builders Micro Business Fund helped Vitally launch his taxi business which is an important source of supplemental income for this young family in ministry.
To get involved in the Community Builders Micro Business Fund, please click here.
