Finding Solutions for Survival

Moldova, Republic of | Debbie Meroff

With thirty percent of Moldova’s population living below the poverty line, OM recognises that practical ways of showing God’s love can change attitudes and hearts. Using ‘Business for Transformation,’ OM hosts at least 4 business courses each year for people from the villages. Participants need a reference from a pastor although they don’t necessarily have to be Christians, explains young Eugen Tcaci, who heads the team. Eugen once ran his own successful apple export business but gave it up to attend Bible school and plant churches. He still serves an assistant pastor, but considers his OM work just as much of a ‘ministry.’

The five-day training session designed for each group of 20 men and women is extremely practical. Materials are furnished by the International Labour Office and local business people are invited to share. Along with learning about planning, stock control, costing, buying and marketing, entrepreneurs learn how to write a business plan. Twelve projects are then selected and contracts drawn up. Individuals receive start-up loans of 600 to 1200 Euros, provided at a very low interest rate by Dorcas International.  

“Over the next two years we visit, monitor and counsel clients,” says Eugen, adding that during the second year entrepreneurs may attend a level two business course to further their knowledge and skills. “When loans are repaid the money is recycled to fund other micro-enterprises.”

Natalia is just one of the success stories. After she took the business training in 2008, OM helped her rent a room and buy supplies for a hairdressing salon. The salon thrived. The next year Natalia and her husband took level two training and opened a second business together, selling car parts!

So far, 133 families—ten belonging to pastors--have managed to achieve financial stability, and 34 have fully repaid their loans. Income-generating schemes range from breeding cows, goats, and other livestock to greenhouses for growing vegetables and fruits, or shops selling construction materials and electrical supplies. This year Dorcas is sponsoring a new agricultural project, funding ten individuals in a single village to receive training and form an association.

Although Moldova’s Communist government was ousted several years ago, the party remains strong and few outside businesses are ready to invest in a less-than-stable country. Investing in individuals, however, is the option God taught us. By giving hope to people in His name, we can’t go wrong!

Credit: Debbie Meroff
© 2010 Debbie Meroff