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The news media is filled with pictures of people in desperately poor conditions. At the bottom of the ladder in almost every group are the women and children. A visit to one of
the mega cities of the developing world would open an appalling scene of unemployment and deprivation. All these people are precious in the sight of God and we are charged with caring for the
poor, but how best to do this without making them feel inadequate and worthless?
Over the last 30 years there has been a growing awareness of the benefits of Microenterprise
Development (MED), as numerous organizations have experimented with various methods of helping the poor to develop or improve their income. The best programs are in it for the long term,
strictly require repayment of loans, include a holistic approach and allow the participants to take the credit in their communities for their success. With recognition in the community comes
the opportunity to make changes in health, education, sanitation and other issues of benefit to the area at large.
Some groups have set up Trust Banks in which the poorest people in the
community are eligible for a loan without any collateral to set up a small business. Loans are small in order to build up confidence in handling debt. The members guarantee one another's
loans, learn management and leadership skills and are coached by the parent organization to create their own rules. The most effective programs lend primarily to women because research has
shown that women are more dependable about repayment and will spend their income on their families (to improve health care, send children to school and improve living conditions) whereas the
men probably will not.
Businesses that women run vary from large bakeries to tiny produce stands to sewing and crafts. Some MED organizations require establishment of a savings
program and other business practices. Some include evangelism and teaching Biblical principles. Some work through the local church. Those whose programs include refugees work toward getting
them to be reconciled with each other and with those they considered their enemies.
The exposure of the horrible treatment of women by the Taliban spotlights the opportunity to assist
women in many countries. These women can make a difference for their families and communities if they are just given a start, some basic tools and encouragement. Matthew 10:42 and reads (in
the Amplified) "And whoever gives to one of these little ones (in rank or influence) even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his
reward."
Many American women have discovered that MED can be a wonderful evangelism tool to reach their unsaved friends while making a difference for women around the
world.
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