We thank the Lord for the dedication of our two volunteer loan We thank the Lord for the dedication of our two volunteer loan committees in the Philippines. These programs have seen great success in alleviating dependency. We work among tribals in the north as well as the tribals and Muslims in the south. Pray that both of these strategic ministries prosper and grow to meet their demands of evangelism and church planting.

Northern Philippine Program

Victor and his wife are hard working Igorots living and pastoring in the mile-high villages of Mountain Province in the northern Philippines. They are shown here planting rice in the beautiful terraced fields typical of this region. Victor hoped to improve his life by purchasing a diesel driven rice mill. This would be the first mill like it in his village. He knew his village mates would gladly be his customers. All their resources were put into the purchase of the mill. Then disappointment set in. They realized they had underestimated the total cost of set up and operation! Dreams dashed, the mill sat idle and began to rust. Moneylenders were out of the question. Too many others had lost land and other possessions for defaulting on their loans and Victor did not want to fall into that trap.Victor heard about the FARMS loan program and hope was revived. "Maybe just maybe, they would agree to loan". The committee reviewed the proposal and agreed

Maybe just maybe, they would agree to loan". The committee reviewed the proposal and agreed to a loan of $250.00; no interest, just a small service fee and an agreement to tithe out of their profits! This is God's way!

The mill is now up and running and providing a much needed service to their village. Previously his .customers hand carried their rice to a village far away just to have it milled. Oh yes, and then they carried the rice and the bran back!

Victor is thanking God for this blessing of a loan from FARMS and his fellow villagers are just plain happy for a mill. This mill will greatly increase their income and free them up to do the work of the ministry! Pray for Victor and his wife.

Southern Philippine Program

Fatima lives on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. While not a believer, her two stepchildren are. Six months ago calamity hit their home when her husband died of a lingering illness, leaving her with the support of their family. FARMS became aware of the desperate need of this widow and approved a loan of $300 to continue her husband's farm-tool retail business in their open market. Without this much-needed capital, she may have been forced out of business or she may have turned to the ever-present moneylenders. Now, she continues the business with real hope and with the profits meets the needs of her family of four children. Please pray for Fatima's salvation, and watch for the answer to this prayer in a future newsletter.