In 2021, Honduras was largely shut down due to the Covid restrictions imposed by the government. We were extra careful in making loans during this period. Nevertheless, it was during this time that we made loans to two people who have both proven themselves not just to be good business managers, but truly exceptional entrepreneurs.
One is Jose Ramon Leiva, who is a pastor. The other is Liliana Matute. Ironically, they are neighbors, and Liliana attends the church that Jose Ramon pastors.
Although being a pastor in Honduras is nearly a full-time job, most pastors cannot live on the limited remuneration they receive from their churches. So they typically have side businesses or jobs. Just prior to 2021, Jose Ramon, with his wife Jenny, began a successful business of selling packaged frozen tacos. These tacos can be quickly heated up in the oven or microwave for a meal that needs little preparation time. Their business prospered, and they were able to faithfully pay off his first loan ahead of time.
However, about a year ago, as their business was growing, Jenny was diagnosed with some serious health problems. She had been the one doing most of the day-to-day work in the business, as her husband’s time was limited. So Jose Ramon was at a crossroads. He himself could not take on the workload his wife had been carrying.
He and his wife Jenny gave the matter much prayer and discussion. One possibility was to hire an employee to take much of the workload off Jenny. But in the end, they decided that it would be too big of an added responsibility for them to supervise an employee. With her health problems and his pastoral load, they saw it would not be the best thing for their spiritual and physical health. So they made the difficult decision to purposely cut back their business to a level that Jose Ramon and Jenny can still handle personally.
Meanwhile, business was soaring for their neighbor, Liliana. She had started a business that does graphics projects of all types. She turned out quality products, and she was soon swamped with orders. Some of the things she produces are signs and stickers, shirts with insignias, and color brochures. She has acquired many contracts with large businesses, health organizations, and government agencies. When we made the loan to her in 2021, she worked by herself. Now she has four employees working with her.
Recently, Liliana saw an opportunity in the market for a large-scale commercial printer that can print large banners and other specialty items. But the printer isn’t cheap, and Liliana didn’t have the capital to purchase it. Because the cost was larger than the amount of money the Society is willing to loan, she could not get a loan through us. So she sought to finance it through secular means. However, in the end that didn’t work out.
She was telling her pastor and neighbor, Jose Ramon, about the situation and the great opportunity presented by this commercial printing machine. But she explained that she was needing a way to finance the machine. Ramon told her that he was cutting back his own business and that he therefore had capital he could invest with her in the printer. He also suggested the two of them approach the Society of the Good Shepherd together to apply for a combined interest-free loan to cover the remainder of the cost of the printer.
They had an attorney draw up a professional contract for them, to keep everything at a business level. They then collectively approached the Society. Since they both had been so faithful in paying back their original loans, they each qualified for a second loan. So, for the first time in our history, the Society has made a joint loan to two unrelated people. Since they both are committed to putting the kingdom of God first in their lives, and because of their collective talents, we feel certain that God will prosper this new venture.
The arrangement is perfect for all parties. For Jose, this will take no additional time, as Liliana will be overseeing the active operations. Jose will be in the background, but he will share a percentage of the profits. At the same time, for Liliana, the commercial printer will open up many new opportunities for her business. She has recently married, and her husband has joined her in the business.
As the most profitable months of the year approach, they hope to continue expanding and seeking new opportunities. Liliana’s business is now helping to support five families. If this new venture is successful, it will open up even more employment opportunities for others.
The remarkable thing about this is that the original loans we made to Jose Ramon and Liliana were each less than $1500. It is amazing what $1500 can spark in Honduras when handled by gifted people who are faithful to God!
Julie Nyhoff de Valladares
The Society of the Good Shepherd, P. O. Box 122, Amberson, PA 17210 • (717) 349-7033
Click on the following link if you would care to make a donation to the work in Honduras: Honduras Donations
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