Stories of Hope
Behind every loan, every new job, and every small step out of poverty is a life that has been changed. These are the stories of men and women who have not only found opportunities to provide for their families but also discovered renewed dignity and faith along the way. Each testimony is a reminder that micro finance is more than numbers—it is about lives transformed through poverty alleviation, job creation, and the hope of spiritual renewal.
Almost Eaten by a Loan Shark
Due to an emergency in their family, Ramel & Lizel had to take out a large loan from a loan shark who was charging 20% interest per month.
Bi-Vocational Pastor
Many church planters and pastors in the Philippines are bi-vocational because they pastor very small churches which are not able to support them financially.
Tested By Fire
Trials test our faith. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “…so that the tested genuineness of your faith…more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire…may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Church Planting Through Micro-Finance
Is it possible to meet the felt needs of a people (employment, economic) along with the real needs of the people (spiritual) to see a new church started?
Pig's Head, Anyone?
Is it possible to make a business out of cooking and selling pigs heads?
Great Job, No Capital
Ronnie and Jennifer would be classified as a success story in that they are slowly moving out of impoverished situations into more of a lower middle-class category.
Hope or Hopeless?
Is stage 4 bone cancer a hopeless situation? At 51-years-old with three children aged 22, 17, & 5, David thought so!
Lamak Farmers' Association
Location: Barangay Sambag/Lamak, Tabogon, Northern Cebu
Leader: Pastor Michael & Rafonsil Pepito
Members of Savings Group: 20-30 persons
Years in Existence: 3 years
Amount Saved: $1818
Loan Requested: $1000
Purpose of Loan: Expansion of lending program for small business start-ups
Spiritual Condition: Ongoing values education & Bible studies but no church services
Mabuli Farmers' Wives Savings Group
Location: Mabuli, Tabogon, Northern Cebu
Leader: Pastor Julio & Novie Alquizalas
Members of Savings Group: 45 persons
Years in Existence: 3 years
Amount Saved: $1813
Loan Requested: $1000
Purpose of Loan: Strengthen their livelihood and savings program, specifically selling rice, detergent powder, dishwashing liquid, fabric conditioner, & bar soap
Spiritual Condition: Ongoing values education & Bible studies but no church services
Tabuelan Church-based Savings Group
Church: Victory Christian Church, Location: Kantubaun, Tabuelan, Northern Cebu
Leader: Pastor Kenneth & Dianarah Rosellosa
Members of Savings Group: 30 persons
Years in Existence: 3 years
Amount Saved: $727
Loan Requested: $800
Purpose of Loan: Expansion of lending program to support micro businesses, assist children’s school expenses, support church utilities & ministry needs, & strengthen the spiritual & economic needs of the members
Spiritual Condition: A small church is meeting weekly with around 25 attendees. The building was badly damaged in an earthquake in September, 2025.
Daantabogon Church-based Savings Group
Church: Victory Christian Church, Daantabogon, Location: Tabogon,
Northern Cebu
Leader: Pastor Diogenes & Emma Gulben
Members of Savings Group: 35 persons
Years in Existence: 5 years
Amount Saved: $454
Loan Requested: $727
Purpose of Loan: To expand the lending program & to provide assistance in small start-up businesses. This will help church members and community families by providing assistance for school needs, household utilities & emergencies, while at the same time supporting the church’s ministries.
Spiritual Condition: Victory Christian Church has been meeting for several years now with an average attendance of 30-35.
Cajel Savings Group
Location: Cajel, Borbon, Northern Cebu
Leader: Pastor Richard & Jessica Paul
Members of Savings Group: 35 persons
Years in Existence: 3 years
Amount Saved: $1818
Loan Requested: $1000
Purpose of Loan: To expand the lending program, start a small store & develop agricultural micro enterprises
Spiritual Condition: Ongoing values education & Bible studies but no church services yet