In 1999, a mother came to the JMP–L office in Beirut for help. Her husband was not earning enough to support their school-age children, and the family was deep in debt to local loan sharks. The mother had never worked outside the home before.
JMP–L agreed to guarantee a loan from a local revolving loan fund. This loan was used to pay off the loan sharks. JMP–L also helped the mother get a job as a cook at an Armenian children’s institution. From her monthly salary, she was able to repay the loan.
The Armenian institution is located on the premises of an Armenian church. Participating in prayer with visitors to the complex has made an impact too. The mother is very happy at her job, not only for the income, but also for the opportunity to work outside the home and to serve the children in that institution, and for the new spiritual dimension that has been added to her life.
This mother now often visits the JMP–L office with a sweet smile on her face — the smile of someone who has conquered poverty and pain to find joy in her life.
Important note: In some of the stories, the names of beneficiaries have not been used or have been changed for the sake of privacy orconfidentiality