In a remote province of the Philippines, Norlita Escarez and her husband, Philip, collected pebbles and sand for a living.
Without access to better job opportunities, the couple found it difficult to save money and make ends meet for their family of five.
It’s far too common for Filipino families to struggle this way, with nearly 20 million people in the country living in poverty. The Mangyan tribe, who lives in the mountains near Norlita and Philip, is also struggling. Even amid Norlita’s longing for more financial stability, her heart yearned to minister to her neighbors who lacked access to medical care and nutritious food.
Despite the reality of this material poverty, Norlita and her husband were joyful in Christ. But would their love for the Lord carry them through financial hardship? Would she ever have the means to minister to the Mangyan tribe?
Venturing into the unknown
When their eldest child, Vanie, fell ill, Norlita and Philip could have lost hope and spiraled deeper into poverty, but they stepped out in faith. The couple decided to relocate closer to a bustling city in the Philippines in search of job opportunities.
After their move, Norlita and Philip met a kind elderly woman who was also a believer. She fervently prayed for the couple and entrusted them with a gift of initial capital to start a business selling fried chicken.
With opportunity in their hands, Norlita and Philip began selling 33 pounds of chicken daily.
Grounded in faith
“I remember we had to transport all the chicken from Nepa Q Mart to Tondo by bus,” Norlita shares. “It was very difficult, especially because we had to do that daily. Yet, we were never held up by robbers on the bus because we always prayed to God. Even before we left the house we would always pray for His protection and guidance.”
While thankful for the Lord’s provisions, sales were slow, and Norlita found that finances were still too tight to cover family expenses.
“We incurred debts due to hospital bills,” Norlita shares. “We really worked together to keep the business going. By God’s grace, we were able to recover in 2019. I think we were able to overcome those challenges by focusing on the business, regular prayer and fellowship with God, and helping one another as a family.”
Remembering a dream
Then, when Norlita learned about the Center for Community Transformation (CCT), HOPE’s microfinance partner in the Philippines, she thought to herself, “Maybe they can help me save enough so I can finally help the Mangyans!”
Norlita at work, selling chicken
With hope in her heart, Norlita joined CCT where she learned the discipline of saving. In 2021, she took out her first loan of $355 to expand their fried chicken business. With a rising demand for her quality chicken, Norlita went from selling 33 pounds of chicken a day to selling up to 220 pounds per day.
“I thank CCT for giving hope to small business owners like me and enabling us to save as well as providing us additional capital.”
Empowering others
As their business grew, Norlita took out subsequent loans from CCT to build their home and support their children’s education. Two of her children went on to successfully graduate college and secure jobs.
Moreover, Norlita has provided jobs to two men from their neighborhood, contributing to economic growth in her community.
Applying the Word of God to everyday life
Through CCT’s fellowship meetings, Norlita dug deeper into the Word.
“I learned the importance of attending Bible studies.”
“I really love being with my sisters in the fellowship,” Norlita shares. “It’s a really joyful experience. It feels different when you take part in the work of God. Everything that we’re studying during fellowship meetings I was able to apply in my daily life.”
While learning how to implement scripture with her fellowship group, Norlita also developed a greater appreciation for stewarding her finances.
“When we started paying our tithes faithfully, God really blessed our business,” Norlita shares.
A dream finally realized
Once averse to saving money, Norlita now saves throughout the year through CCT’s savings program.
Our business is now able to provide enough for our needs. My desire and prayer is to be more active in church and be able to serve God more.
Norlita is planning to use another loan for the capital needed to expand her fried chicken business and sell additional food, including vegetables and meat. Currently, Norlita joyfully withdraws funds from her savings once a year to not only provide basic necessities and medicine to the Mangyan people, but the Good News, too.
My mission of helping the Mangyans is my way of giving back to God.
Check out our impact page to learn how access to Christ-centered financial services is helping men and women experience change in multiple areas of their lives.
