Regional Coordinator Bibiana Mac Leod, South America & Caribbean

Cuba
Many small businesses have taken off after the Community Health Evangelism (CHE) microenterprise training. Ladies doing manicures started with little in the way of resources and not much to contribute to family needs. At the microenterprise training, six sisters in Christ were trained and have built a thriving business. They have new clients and their homes receive the financial blessing. An additional ten women have become hairdressers; others are raising rabbits or pigs. Many people are encouraged to develop their talents and contribute funds to the family. Some can now give housekeeping jobs to women who were otherwise unemployed.

Regional Coordinator GC Southern Asia

India
Anita and her family were living below the poverty level. Her husband was unemployed, and the family’s health was compromised by the unsanitary environment in which they lived. A CHE volunteer met Anita and taught her health lessons on how to keep herself clean and care for her home. She learned how to keep her surroundings clean and soon developed a small kitchen garden for her family. With help from a self-help group, she took out a loan to start rearing a cow. The milk became a source of income and added nutrition to her children’s diets. Anita and her husband were so encouraged they began attending health and moral value classes. Anita discovered another microenterprise: she sold cow dung as compost. Anita has experienced real change in her life.

Regional Coordinators Bill and Sharon Bieber, Southeast Asia & West Pacific

One community had the idea to maximize their local resources. They started a microenterprise program by taking lemon grass, one of their agricultural products, and making it into an organic herbal drink. This is now being marketed locally in ten communities.

Another innovative microenterprise was started after a long process of observation and study. The entrepreneur began a CHE program by starting a fish-spawning business. In the process of learning the business, the community learned about integrated health. The entrepreneur shared his life story and his escape from drugs and alcohol. He taught CHE concepts on God’s purpose for life, business, and serving others.

One woman attended a CHE training for beggars. The mother of a junior-high child lived on the streets by begging. Eventually this woman was entrusted with a stall to sell goods. She has learned loyalty, responsibility to small beginnings, perseverance and honesty. Her business capital is growing and she has an education savings account so her daughter can study in a good school and have a better future.