Newsletter - July, 2011
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July, 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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Oswaldo Melgar is a faithful member of one of the local Christian churches in Siguatepeque. He has been ministering in the church for many years in various capacities. Currently, he is serving as the youth pastor of his church. As is true of so many of the pastors in Siguatepeque, he supports himself in the ministry through a side business.
For about eleven years, Oswaldo has worked in electrical installation projects in homes and businesses. Three years ago, he decided to open an electrical store, where he sells all kinds of electrical materials to other contractors and to individuals.
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When Oswaldo first started his business, he wanted his customers to be able to find whatever electrical parts they needed in his store. Since he didn’t have enough funds himself to be able to stock a sufficient inventory, Oswaldo had to take out loans from one of the local banks. However, bank interest rates are so high in Honduras—sometimes 30% or more annually—it makes it extremely difficult for the small business owner to ever get ahead or to get out of debt. Recently, Oswaldo learned about the Society of the Good Shepherd, and he requested a loan from the Society to enable him to stock various sizes of conduit pipe. Many of his customers are looking for conduit pipe, and in the past they ended up having to go to his competitors to buy it. Because the Society charges no interest on its loans, this will enable Oswaldo to reinvest all of the profits from this new line of inventory.
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Although the world-wide recession of the past several years has affected Honduras as well, Oswaldo reports that his business is doing well right now. This has been a stable year for his business. In fact, his sales have actually been better than the previous year, which had been a particularly hard year for him. So Oswaldo is grateful to God, who has blessed his small business.
Oswaldo also wants to express his gratitude to our donors who have made this opportunity possible for him, through the Society of the Good Shepherd. Please pray for his business, his family, his ministry, and for wisdom in operating his business. NB
Click on the following link if you would care to make a donation to the work in Honduras: Donations
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