This month’s loan recipient, Antonio Diaz, has an interesting story. It began 26 years ago, when we were just beginning the interest-free microloan ministry in Honduras. One of our earliest loan recipients was Antonio’s brother Marvin, who ran a tiny carpenter shop. Marvin received a small loan from the Society, which he put to good use, and the Lord prospered his business. He faithfully paid back his loan, and later received additional loans as his business grew.
Although they were both raised in a strong Christian home, Marvin’s brother Antonio walked away from God for many years. Nevertheless, through the years, Marvin kept encouraging his brother to come back to Christ, praying for him regularly. His prayers were finally answered, and Antonio Diaz and his wife Maria are now both strong Christians who are active in their church.
Antonio has always had a good head for business, and recently he started a unique fruit and vegetable business. He bought a motocargo (a motorcycle with a small pickup bed on the back), and he takes fresh fruits and vegetables directly to various neighborhoods throughout Siguatepeque to sell. He often delivers these right to a customer’s door. His business has been going well for several years, but it was undercapitalized. Antonio was not able to offer as large a variety of fruits and vegetables as he would have liked. So his brother Marvin told him about the ministry of the Society of the Good Shepherd, and Antonio was able to receive an interest-free loan to increase his inventory of fruits and vegetables.
Gas prices are high all around the world, and currently they are $6.50 per gallon in Honduras—and still rising. Antonio calculates that he spends about $4 a day for gas. This is much higher than what he spent a few years ago, but it has worked to his advantage. That’s because, even though Antonio’s fuel costs have risen dramatically, the fuel costs for cars and taxis have risen even more. Antonio gets over 80 miles per gallon with his motocargo, so other vehicles can’t compete with him. People are realizing that it makes more sense to have Antonio bring fruits and vegetables directly to them, than to hire a taxi to drive them to the market and back.
Apart from seasonal fruits and standard vegetables, Antonio also sells local cheese. He freezes a bottle of water and places it in the middle of a round receptacle. He then places the blocks of cheese around the frozen bottle and rotates them throughout the day. In this setup, the cheese stays cold without refrigeration.
Antonio bought his motocargo on credit a few years ago, and he has already paid it off. This past week he was able to purchase the top of an old bus, and has had it made into a top for the cargo section of his vehicle. This will better protect the fruits and vegetables from the elements than the tarp he used to use.
Antonio is a very astute businessman, and he has seen his clientele grow through providing quality vegetables at low prices and bringing these items right to his customers’ doors. His next focus will be in getting more publicity. He is thinking of getting a loudspeaker, which he can use to announce his presence in a neighborhood (much like the old ice cream trucks in the States.)
If a client places an order for more than about $15, Antonio arranges matters through phone communication and then provides the delivery. Nevertheless, his business model works mainly through word of mouth and unscheduled deliveries. He says he builds good relationships with his clients and tries to treat them kindly and provide for their needs.
Antonio’s wife Maria has had severe health problems, requiring two major surgeries over the past year. Yet, she supplements the family by making the large Honduran tamales wrapped in banana leaves (called nacatamales). She sells them on weekends at their home and from a spare room at their church, located on the main street of town. Sometimes she will receive a large order of nacatamales for a special event, and then Antonio delivers them to the event.
Antonio’s business model has been successful, but it is also a lot of work each day. It is definitely not a business for the lazy. This past year, Antonio has had to pour more effort and fervor into his business than usual to help pay for his wife’s medical expenses. Please pray for her health and that God will continue to bless their business.
The Society of the Good Shepherd, P. O. Box 122, Amberson, PA 17210 • (717) 349-7033
Julie Nyhoff de Valladares. Click on the following link if you would care to make a donation to the work in Honduras: Honduras Donations