Living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Christine Mobimbi first decided to open a small sewing workshop in 2003 to help her husband provide for their eight children, three of whom were adopted nieces and nephews. However, when surgery in 2005 kept her away from her business for several months, it went bankrupt, and Christine lost everything she had worked so hard to create. Discouraged, Christine was unable to obtain the capital she needed to restart her business, and without her additional income, the family struggled to get by.
In 2007, Christine heard about HOPE DRC and decided to try again. With an initial loan of $60, she purchased a single roll of fabric. Through hard work and skillful workmanship, Christine was able to earn a profit and successfully repay her loan. As she took out larger and larger loans, Christine expanded her selection of fabrics, diversified into men’s clothing, and purchased a new sewing machine. Now that her sewing business has grown to be so successful, Christine has used her most recent loans to diversify by opening a catering service and expanding her inventory to include accessories.
With the profits from her business, Christine has been able to pay school fees and transportation fees for her children, as well as pay her family’s health care costs. She also regularly and generously tithes to her church, and she often provides clothes to those in need. Christine says that before her HOPE loan, she was unable to plan her future. Now, she dreams of one day owning her own general store and restaurant. She says that through HOPE and her business, her faith is strengthened as she experiences God’s love and presence.
