"Oink, oink," grunts thirty pigs in a poor village farm outside of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Each day two different women from the small local co-op take turns feeding and cleaning after the animals. Every fifteen days it's time to make fresh sausage in this OBI supported microenterprise project.

The pork breeding project in this hilly area began at the end of 1999, and was supported by outside sources until July 2000. This means of income for thirty-five women and their families was at risk of ending when OBI Regional Manager Curtis Williams visited the women's co-op. When presented with the idea, "we felt impressed by the Lord on the spot to finance the effort."

This was welcome news to the community of farm labors. "OBI empowers those that are looking for opportunities," comments Curtis. "This is a very poor village with little opportunity. These women were not looking for a handout, but a helping hand."

When presented with the financial support, the lead worker named Carmelina broke down in tears. She and thirty-four other women had been praying for the resources to be provided for months! She said the circumstances made it seem hopeless, but her faith in God was bigger than the circumstances.

This project began to be led in a more economical way when Narcisso, Guatemala regional center leader, supervised a two week training session for the women. Theory and practical training included everything about slaughtering and preparing pork products for market. OBI's support also allowed for the purchase of necessary equipment including a knife set, meat mill, and steel saw.

In less than a year's time, the breeding program now has 30 livestock. The animals eat an average of 1,000 pounds of feed each week, insuring quality pork! Gradually each employee will be gifted their own pig for extra income. In celebration of the projects success so far, on Valentine's Day, the women involved and their families took part in a special lunch. They feasted on, you guessed it, pork and noodles from OBI. Teddy bears were also given to 115 of their children.

"They're hard work plus our support equals partnership, and that's what it's all about," Curtis said.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

This microenterprise venture is one of many Operation Blessing projects touching lives around the world. You can be a part of improving the quality of life for impoverished communities by supporting these and other life-changing programs.

 

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