4th Quarter 2013

MICRO UPDATE
Miriam and I walked into the small back bedroom of one of our MF associates houses. Laying on the bed was Dilenias 22 year old son, Frankely. The room was dark, drab, and I felt sorry for him as this young man laid in bed only able to move his arms slightly. Several months earlier, Frankely had crashed his motorcycle in the capital and had a severe spinal injury. The doctors said he would likely never walk again. Miriam introduced me to Frankely and we talked briefly. We prayed for him and left. Being a problem solver, I walked away wondering how I could fix Frankelys situation, but it ultimately seemed hopeless. What makes us really unique here at the MF Site is our desire not only to provide excellent financial services, but to also connect with associates and their families. We have opportunities and resources to serve them with the gifts that we have been given. However, working in a ministry setting with people like Frankely, who are often less educated, have less opportunities or resources and live with difficult life circumstances, it is easy to quickly assume a position of superiority. I have and he needs. Over the past two years, I have gotten to know Frankely much better. We laugh and joke around together. Ive watched as he slowly has regained some movement in his arms and we celebrated as several months ago he finally began eating on his own again. As I have continued to get to know Frankely, I have discovered that despite the many challenges he faces, Im not the only one who has something to offer. He has many things to teach me too. In the last year, I have been at times stressed with ministry work, frustrated with cultural differences or struggled in my relationships. Frankely has often taught me what it means to be joyful in spite of a body that doesnt function the way that it was made. While he has yet to recognize his own depravity and need for God (please continue praying for him), it is clear that he has been stamped with the image of God. Im not sure why it still surprises me when flashes of Gods character pour out of him. However, while Im often working to better peoples economic lives, Im thankful to be reminded that true riches are often times a gift. And gifts are not only given to those who are wealthy but they are freely given to all.

We held our fifth annual Micro-Finance Christmas party last month and had around 90 men and women from six different communities. It was filled with great food, great music, and lots of great people. Above Rosairis, Julito, and Miguelina from MiBanco La Unin enjoy an exciting game of musical gifts.

FINANCIAL REVIEW
OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2013
MiBanco Financials (in $USD) # of Associates: Loan Amt Outstanding: Average Loan Amt: Repayment Rate: Quarterly Income Statement
Beg Balance for Administration: Site Income (Interest, Misc.): Donation Income (Administration): Site Expenditures: Punys Salary

129 $25,588 $355 100% 4th Quarter $ 3,716 $ 1,988 $ 550 $ (2,210) $ (609) $ 3,435 YTD $ 5,324 $ 7,253 $ 2,235 $ (9,688) $ (1,689) $ 3,435

End Balance for Site Administration:

Thanks once again to all of you who continually pray for and support the Micro-Finance Site. We are so blessed to have all of you on our team and to serve with you. We would love to hear what is going on in your life and the ways that God is telling his story through each of you. Feel free to send us an email letting us know how things are going.

Contact Info:
SI Mailing Address: Email: Students International ericmiller3725@gmail.com PO Box 2733 Visalia, CA, 93279 miriamsicard@hotmail.com Donate Here Blog Facebook