When Esther inherited the house, it needed a lot of work. 

“The community around them, the community that he’s involved with, got together and helped repair the foundation, the roof, and different things to make [the house] into a ministry center,” Tim Landis with FARMS says. 

Pastor Albin and his wife, Esther, used a FARMS loan to develop a ministry location. Photo provided by FARMS International. 

Now that the repairs are done, this center has a guest room that missionaries and out-of-towners can use. It also has a meeting room where women’s Bible classes have already begun. 

Pastor Albin is an encouragement and a model for FARMS because he utilizes funds and loans in ministry-minded ways. 

“That’s the fruit that comes from his mindset and wanting to evangelize, wanting people to come to knowledge of Christ, wanting to disciple people,” Landis says.

Albin has been a FARMS program participant for several years. During COVID, he was able to buy a building with a FARMS loan, which he then strategically turned into a pharmacy on one side and a reading room on the other. 

This reading room then became a place for Bible reading and Bible studies. Albin has also worked with FARMS to get livestock and other resources.  

“There is a pattern of success with Albin, and ultimately it’s always with ministry at the end in mind. It’s so impactful because it’s always about serving other people, and I just think that’s one of the greatest things, and why we like to highlight him,” Landis says.

Loans can open ministry opportunities like Albin’s and enable people to tithe back into their local churches. Evangelism starts happening, church activities start happening, and pastors can get some extra income to operate and shepherd churches.

 Landis says, “The end goal for FARMS loans is to strengthen families, to help them out of poverty, but also to strengthen the church.”

Please pray that FARMS will continue to see fruit like this, as Christians flourish and choose to give back to God with the things he’s blessed them with.

Header photo provided by FARMS International. 

After Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, Islamist factions have gained power and confidence, facing little resistance. Their growing influence leaves religious minorities increasingly vulnerable in the tense months leading up to the elections.

Tim Landis with FARMS International says that under the previous government, Christians had at least some measure of protection: “They could report those things to the police. But now it’s turning out that there’s not any government aid.”

Bangladesh: Man Standing Beside Boy (Photo courtesy by Kelly via Pexels)

As Islamist influence expands, persecution against believers is intensifying. Many Christians are anxious about the upcoming elections, recalling injustices suffered before and after past votes. With a greater threat looming this time, they are turning to God in constant prayer for protection.

“People are losing their voice. It’s not just affecting those who have recently converted, like the Muslim background believers, but now it’s affecting people who have been professing Christ for a really long time,” explains Landis.

In one case, a believer who regularly hosted Bible studies faced direct interference.

“An Islamic group came in and took their Bibles, saying they couldn’t organize the study, so they were shutting it down. And this is just an Islamic group shutting it down on their own,” shares Landis.

Another church leader’s wife was hospitalized and is still recovering from dengue fever — a reminder of how deeply the situation affects Christians in their day-to-day lives. She and her family need prayers for healing, strength, and the continued ministry of their church.

Pray that God will intervene amid the growing darkness over Bangladesh. Pray for the Bangladeshi believers to “find their peace in Christ and be able to afford the freedoms to continue doing what they’re doing without much pushback,” urges Landis.

FARMS International helps local churches establish sustainable businesses that strengthen and support Christian communities in Bangladesh. Visit their ministry page to learn how you can become part of the change!

Sonargaon, Bangladesh (Photo courtesy of Allauddin Miajee via Unsplash)

Last summer, Bangladesh experienced widespread unrest driven by mass protests demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and establishing a neutral caretaker government before the general elections.

The demonstrations, led mainly by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), often turned violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces resulting in numerous injuries and arrests.

Victory march by protesters after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina.
(Wikimedia Commons)

Popular support for traditional parties has fallen since then, creating an opportunity for fundamentalist groups.

Scott Clifton with FARMS International says the new political uprising has led to persecution. “Previously, Bangladesh – at least on paper – was a secular government,” Clifton says.

“As it trends towards Islamic nationalism, just as India trends towards Hindu nationalism, that presents problems for anybody who’s not within that group.”

One believer was killed because Islamists found out he was keeping money in his home. Radicals are targeting believers from a Muslim background and those who minister to them.

“Because of this (political) transition, there’s a power struggle going on. There’s less of a police presence, and so that means things like persecution towards minorities in general and Christians in particular, has been increasing,” Clifton says.

“They’ve made lists of people, and they’re following up door to door, going to people and telling them that they should revert to Islam. In some cases, that comes with threats.”

However, there is a silver lining to this political storm. “It’s had an actual positive effect, counterintuitively, on the Church. It’s caused leadership to grow in faith, [and] rely on each other; they’re reading their Word more and more,” Clifton says.

“The Church is not backing down from its work, so we pray for the hearts they’re reaching.”

Consider partnering with FARMS to help local churches establish sustainable businesses that benefit the Christian community in Bangladesh.

FARMS’ mission is “to build back businesses that contribute to the long-term sustainability of (Christian) leaders,” Clifton says.

“It’s not a continual flow of funds, but it’s helping to establish businesses that will support that leader in a sustainable way year by year into the future.”

Header image is a representative photo created using AI/Gencraft.

Entrepreneurs like Mary benefit significantly from a partnership between The Full Circle and FARMS International.

Tim Landis with FARMS says, “Mary had a salon business and went through The Full Circle Entrepreneur Development Box, and it allowed her to think creatively about how she could change up her business.”

(Photo courtesy of FARMS International)

Inspired by the training she received and empowered by a FARMS loan, Mary sought ways to make her salon more attractive to a niche market: kids.

“She painted things in different colors, made her salon more vibrant, and made it more inviting for kids to come in. So now, it’s a go-to destination,” Landis says.

Mary’s income rose fivefold due to the changes, and she had to hire two employees to help her meet the demand. Mary’s church is benefiting, too.

“We promote giving back to the local church, so that’s built into some of our FARMS loans,” Landis says.

“We want to see them giving back to their local church so they can support their pastor or church growth or evangelism.”

If you live in the US, you can hear more stories like Mary’s and get the full scope of FARMS’ approach next week. Save your spot here.

“On March 22, FARMS is having its first-ever gala fundraising event in Pennsylvania, and the theme is ‘Building legacy rooted in faith, growing in hope, empowering generations,” Landis says.

“We’d love to see any of you there, so please come out.”

Header and story images courtesy of FARMS International.

The African nation’s prolonged drought and reliance on hydroelectricity present challenges for many small business owners.

Tim Landis with FARMS International says, “83 percent of the nation’s power comes from hydropower, so if they have water flowing, they have electricity. If they experience droughts, they don’t have that power source.”

Webster, a Christian business owner who partnered with FARMS International, lost money when he had to shut down his barber shop during power outages.

Thankfully, Entrepreneur Development Box training from The Full Circle – a FARMS International partner – gave Webster the leverage he needed to overcome this challenge.

Webster poses with the solar panel he purchased using a portion of his FARMS loan.
(Photo courtesy of FARMS International)

“Using the FARMS loan and his creative training through the EDB, he bought a solar panel, and that allowed him to keep his barber shop open during power outages,” Landis says.

“Then, he expanded his business by allowing people to come in and charge their cell phones during those power outages.”

Zambia is mainly a Christian nation, but the marketplace offers believers a chance to meet those unfamiliar with the Gospel.

“We want people to spread the love of God through their businesses.”

Not only did Webster gain valuable business skills from the EDB training, but he also repaid 80 percent of his FARMS loan. According to a recent FARMS update, he is now looking to invest in others:

Webster’s success has also created opportunities for others. He shares his business space with a local women’s salon owner. Inspired by his growth, she looks forward to applying the same principles to strengthen her own business.

FARMS’ interest-free loans help Christians succeed in small businesses and grow the local church through bigger tithes. Learn more here.

“We need people to come alongside us to see the expansion of our programs, not just in Africa, but all around the world,” Landis says.

Header and story images courtesy of FARMS International.

“The partnering of those two things together has this really simple but profound impact,” he says.

If only physical help is offered, an opportunity is lost. It’s spiritual distinctives –  the way we follow Christ, show love to our neighbors, and pray for our enemies – that uniquely position Christians to offer hope. But if only spiritual hope is offered, we risk missing the command of James 2:15-17 to respond to physical need. 

FARMS International carries out this practical directive by providing zero interest loans to physically impoverished believers. Most recently, a local businessman equipped through the ministry of FARMS offered a training of his own, where attendees learned practical aspects of livestock management. Clifton says a Christian worldview underlaid the teaching. 

“It’s all being spoken from a Biblical perspective. What does God have to say about business? What does God have to say about how we manage money? What does God say about how we treat animals and our livestock?” he says. 

Through the practical training and assistance offered by FARMS, Clifton sees spiritual doors opened. 

“As we grow spiritually, that impacts our physical reality,” he says. But it’s not a one-way street: physical reality plays a role too. 

“Because if someone is helped in that area, it’s their livelihood. It’s their potential to earn income which impacts every area of their life,” Clifton says.

We see the marriage of physical and spiritual in the incarnation of Christ. Isaiah 9:6 begins, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”

Photo courtesy of Kalisa Veer via Unsplash.

Through the birth of Christ, “you have that idea that a physical child was born,” Clifton says. But this wasn’t the Son’s beginning. “He already existed in a spiritual sense for all of eternity.”

This Christmas, as you celebrate the birth of Him who meets our every physical and spiritual need, please keep FARMS International in your prayers. Pray that believers equipped through loans would be able to grow their businesses and better provide for their families. Pray for the safety of believers in dangerous areas, and pray that Christian’s words and deeds would reshape their communities.

Featured photo courtesy of Owen Outdoors via Pexels.

Tim Landis with FARMS points back to Joe and Pat Richter, missionaries in the Philippines. The revolving loan model they began developing in 1984 is the “heartbeat” of FARMS in more than a dozen countries today.

“The revolving loan program is small, interest-free loans given to people as capital to be able to start businesses,” Landis says. “Once that loan is paid off within the program, then it gets revolved into a new loan.” 

A report came in recently from a pastor named Jicky and his wife. This family has launched a T-shirt printing shop and renovated a building as a rental property. 

“They’re able to provide a home and shelter for somebody while making income to help feed their families, clothe themselves and give back to local missions and local church as well,” Landis says.

(Farmer in the Philippines Courtesy of FARMS International)

“When it comes down to it, when people are receiving loans [and] creating a business plan, they are creative in the ways they want to to earn a living and alleviate their poverty.”

Landis explains that the loans have terms to them — sometimes two, sometimes four years. 

“We have grace there too and understanding in each individual situation that there is going to be things that might deter that from happening,” he says. “You [might] have a two-year [loan] that it might take a little bit longer [to repay] because of certain circumstances.” 

Praise God with FARMS for around seven revolving loan programs in the Philippines to people like Jicky. 

“Forty years is, in the grand scheme, a short time. But when you think about it, it’s a testament to God’s provision in the Philippines,” he says. 

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“FARMS is in need of new people to come alongside us, so we can create even more revolving loans like [in] the Philippines,” Landis says. 

“[We need] people to know what we do and to see the impact that it has — the longevity that it can create in affecting lives, generations, families, communities, to get out of poverty and be able to be self-sustaining. If God is laying it on people’s hearts to help support FARMS, then come aboard!”

Partner with FARMS at their website. 

Header photo courtesy of women and children in the Philippines courtesy of Zeyn Afuang via Unsplash.

Police officers refuse to return to work. Many vanished from their posts after facing mob violence for their role in hundreds of protester deaths.

“It’s (Bangladesh is) ruled by the mob right now. When you have hundreds of people gathering, who will step in the way of that?” FARMS International’s Scott Clifton says.

“The military hasn’t been able to maintain order. The police force hasn’t been able to maintain order. It’s affecting anybody who’s [in] a minority group.”

Hindus protest the mistreatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh on August 12, 2024.
(Wikimedia Commons)

FARMS’ primary contact in Bangladesh says gangs are setting minorities’ houses on fire, and people are dying in the chaos. He tells Clifton, “Our days of terror are not over yet.”

“The first step for our contacts in the country is survival,” Clifton says. “They’re praying, they’re taking it moment by moment. Once there is stability, there will be an assessment of the damage and a plan made about how to move forward.”

So far, this believer has lost $30,000 worth of inventory designated to support ministry projects. “Although FARMS is focused on long-term development, part of that long-term development might be re-establishing businesses that can continue to support people locally,” Clifton notes.

The most important thing YOU can do is pray. “Our action item is to pray, to appeal to God on behalf of all the believers in Bangladesh,” Clifton says.

“[Pray] that He would protect them, that ministry would continue, that He would even use the hardships to soften many people’s hearts and open them to the Gospel.”

Pray also for a peaceful resolution to the current unrest and end the economic “bleeding.” “The economic situation in Bangladesh has been really bad. Now, with everything shut down, it’s [even worse,]” Clifton says.

“You have many people [living] below the poverty line, depending on day laborers’ wages to provide for that week’s food. Everything is closed, so people can’t find work, and there is a lot of economic stress. Once [the situation] stabilizes and people can earn an income to support their family and put food on the table, that will go a long way towards stability in the country.”

Header image depicts a public celebration following the forced ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. (Wikimedia Commons)

On Sunday, officials said they were working to resolve attacks on Hindus and other religious minorities.

Victory march by protesters after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina.
(Wikimedia Commons)

Hasina fled to India after weeks of student-led protests descended into violence. Scott Clifton with FARMS International says the government collapse paved the way for chaos.

“It provided an opportunity for Muslim fundamentalists to reign the land,” Clifton says. “There’s general lawlessness; these fundamentalists have free reign, and they’ve targeted minority groups, so Hindus have been targeted. Christians have been targeted as well.”

Hundreds of radical Muslims raided the property of FARMS’ primary contact in Bangladesh and took his employees hostage. Inventory losses totaled roughly $30,000.

“Our contact had his businesses completely looted,” Clifton says.

“Stolen livestock, stolen fish from fish ponds – that was money to support orphans and ministry efforts.”

FARMS’ contact tells Clifton he’s hopeful that interim PM Muhammad Yunus will restore security so believers can emerge from hiding.

“They’re fearful for their lives. They’re sheltered at home; they’ve locked every gate,” Clifton says.

“They limit communication because they’re not sure what’s monitored or not, and they’re just living in fear, praying moment by moment for protection.”

No matter what comes next, FARMS’ contact and his family are trusting in God’s faithful presence. Ask the Lord to deliver these believers from the hand of their enemy.

Header image depicts protestors in Bangladesh on August 2, 2024. (Wikimedia Commons)

Churches began working with FARMS International on a microloan program shortly before the pandemic. A believer we’ll call Caleb* says trouble came on the heels of COVID-19.

“Some participants raised chickens, and they had a disease come through and wipe out most of their chickens,” Caleb says.

“Other participants had issues in farming; they had good crops and produced good products but didn’t have a market to sell [them] at [because] COVID happened and everything shut down.”

(Photo courtesy of FARMS International)

These trials were difficult to endure, but the Lord was faithful and protected His followers from destruction. “The struggles they went through really wiped them out; they were quite discouraged,” Caleb says.

“They had to walk in faith, and God [has] continued to provide for them.”

Today, believers are working on a repayment program with FARMS and setting goals for the future. “They were able to brainstorm and plan how to repay their loans a little bit back at a time, so they can continue to help others in need in their areas,” Caleb says.

“They plan on extending the program, even making programs of their own to help those around them.”

Pray for small businesses to flourish so believers have more to tithe and churches can grow. Contact FARMS International here to learn more.

“If you are good at animal husbandry, farming, or gardening, we could talk something out and maybe do a training because they’re hungry [for knowledge,]” Caleb says.

“They want to learn, they want to grow, they want to do better.”

*Pseudonym

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of allPhoto Bangkok/Unsplash.