Grace Anyam struggled to meet her family’s basic food needs. She could not afford to buy clothing for her children or pay medical bills. She could not afford to pay her children’s school fees or buy school books. With no money to invest in her farm and make improvements needed to increase yields, she felt hopeless to change her family’s situation.

When Grace joined a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), facilitated by World Renew’s local partner Ecumenical Centre for Justice and Peace (ECJP) in Benue State, Nigeria, she began to look to the future with hope.

The members of the village savings and loan group pooled their savings, and as the savings grew, they were able to access low-interest rate loans–including Grace. She used the loan money to make improvements to her farm, which helped increase her yields and her income. Grace says, “Membership in the group has impacted my entire life. I can now afford medical bills, pay for my children’s school fees, and buy books for them.”

Grace’s membership in the VSLA has also helped her acquire business management development skills. She has also been able to take part in Bible study and prayer sessions during VSLA meetings. She shares, “I took this practice of studying the word of God and praying to my family. This has helped me to discipline my children spiritually and morally.”

And Grace deeply appreciates having the support and friendship of the other VSLA members. She says, “When I lost my husband, the group mourned with me and was very supportive. Their love and solidarity meant a lot to me and I will forever be a member of the group.”

• Please pray for health for locals, partners, and staff in Dakar, Senegal. Badly-planned road and overpass construction, combined with this year’s good rains, has created stagnant water that creates health risks
• On a personal note, I am retiring at the end of October. I pray for God’s love and abundance for the people I have worked alongside, the communities I have served, and the compassionate people whose generosity has always inspired me.
• Please pray for peace in the areas experiencing violence in Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. Pray for the safety of World Renew staff and partners in their travels to supported communities.