Documentation ( translations from Spanish )
A. Three case studies
B. Financial Report
A. Three case studies
Oaxaca Mexico: February 17, 2006
1. Lucia Santiguo Díaz
"I was born in Etla, Oaxaca 34 years ago, and now live in Oaxaca with my husband, and 3 daughters. Two years ago I began training to become an agent in a Fuentes communal bank. I have also continued my biblical studies and besides received a loan from Fuentes to sell footwear. I continue to grow in my spiritual life and also in my knowledge of practical economics."
2. Paula Merlin Cernas
"I was born in Cuilapam of Guerrero, and now live in Oaxaca with my husband and two children (a girl of 5 and a boy of 7 years). I received a loan to develop a business for the sale of footwear. I give thanks to God because I can now help my family with money for expenses. I feel grateful because the sales continue to grow and above all because of learning to trust God, I have learned to forgive my brother-in-law's wife to whom I previously felt a lot of resentment."
3. Marcella Vasquez Cross
"I was born in San Francisco Lachigolo, and now live in Oaxaca, a single mother with a son of 9 years. We live with my 80 year old mother and a 45-year-old mute deaf sister. I maintain the home as if I were the man of the house. I work hard to grow produce in my field. When I received a loan, I could buy a tricycle to carry my crops in to the market in town. I am very pleased because sales have grown and also because in this house the word of God is shared.
B. REPORT OF THE VISIT TO THE COMMUNAL BANKS OF TEHUANTEPEC
I want brothers and sisters to give you a report now that I was in the isthmus. I saw the blessing of God at work here. There are plans for starting two children's clubs to be held when the mothers are inside during the time of the (Fuentes) banking meetings. This will begin with childrens bible study through the work of two sisters of the Covenant church.
The bank has given credits of 181,600.00(Mex), ( about $18,160(US). Besides that there is the possibility of opening a new Fuentes bank in the Colonia Benito Juárez. We are including the salary of the Rev. Carmelo Salinas of the Covenant church. The communal bank in the town of 'Mas Que Venedores" is in its last cycle before becoming independent of Fuentes. Before being interdependent the pastor will share with them a teaching on "the Abundant Life", since we consider that this is appropriate for the women with the Church involved in the production of fruit. Thanks to God for the contribution of Senora Lucia Santiago Diaz, since she has done very good work with the women involved with the communal banks and also by the willingness of the women to share their success with God,by supporting the church, providing food and time in the service of God.
As for the communal banks here is detailed information:
1.- Town of 'Mas Que Venedores"
Number of cycle: 6
Number of Associates: 28
Total of the loan: $82,500.00(Mex)
Number with savings plans : 2 Savings
Amount accumulated:$ 66,031.20
2. Town of Rosa de Saron
Number of cycle: 4
Number of associates: 34
Total of the loan: 99,100.00(Mex)
Number of investors: 4 Savings
Amount accumulated: $76,086.50
Without more for the moment, I remain at your orders.
Attentively
Isabeth Zárate Mazas