With the loan he received from DAI Lanka, Niroshana was able to expand his family’s poultry farming business and also open a shop selling readymade clothing.
When COVID-19 triggered nation-wide lockdowns in Sri Lanka last spring, the poor and vulnerable were left in a desperate situation. Among these were rural pastors living hand-to-mouth on the weekly tithe. With church gatherings forbidden for months, their resources dwindled to dangerous levels.
Kendall Atkinson, DAI Lanka Ministry Center Director, and his team decided they had to help. Instead of delivering food supplies, they looked for a solution that would have as broad an impact as possible and would be sustainable for the long-term. The answer the DAI Lanka team chose was to offer business loans to eligible congregations instead of directly supporting the pastors. That way, the new income flows would lift up not only the pastor and his family, but his whole support system as well, guaranteeing lasting change.
The program was received eagerly in many villages, and a good number of congregations applied. Those whose business ideas were accepted were given training in developing a business plan, taught the biblical principles of giving and encouraged to develop a savings plan for greater sustainability. Finally, DAI Lanka gave each group a small, interest-free loan to start their business.
Palitha started a small business selling snacks and confectionaries. It has grown so much that he now employees three other church members!
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