Joe, who is 48, is from the province of Gen. Trias, Cavite, Philippines. He is married to Digna, who is self-employed and with whom he has three children, two in high school and the other elementary school. The couple help each other make a living and want to give the best for their children.

Joe has been operating his small general store for seven years. His earnings have greatly helped cover their daily living requirements. He sells dry and packaged commodities directly to consumers. All products are essential food and household items. He earns by buying supplies at wholesale prices and selling by the piece.

To help him sustain his business he is requesting a PHP 30,000 loan to fill his store with rice, canned goods, instant noodles, biscuits, soda, toiletries, etc. Although there are times that his sales are low, he perseveres and believes that sales will pick up as he puts his trust in God. His store means a lot to him as it is the main source of income to send his children to school. He believes that education is their hope and the path to a better life for his children.

Joe, like any other loving father, dreams to see his children finish college and become successful professionals. He faithfully meets up with his co-fellowship* members to share stories of his work every week and to draw strength and inspiration from the Word of God he studies.

* All CCT community partners/clients are organized into fellowship groups that meet on a weekly basis. A fellowship group is composed of 15 to 30 community partners. The fellowship groups gather each week to study the Word of God, build social capital and repay microfinance loans.