Like many young people from rural Tanzania, Joseph left his family home to find work. He settled in Arusha, six hours away, and took a job working in a home, earning less than $25 (U.S.) a month.
Despite working hard, Joseph struggled to use his limited income to build a better future. As quickly as money came in, he spent it on marijuana and alcohol. “The way I was living,” he recounted, “was not pleasing to God.” As he wrestled with the gap between his professed faith and his actions, Joseph began looking for a church to call home. “That’s where my journey started.”
From low-paid labor to businessman
After joining a nearby Tanzania Assemblies of God (TAG) church, Joseph was invited to join the savings group they ran. Every Friday, members met together to pray, worship, study Scripture, save money, and make loans to one another from the group’s shared savings.
With his first loan from the group, Joseph started raising chickens. His early progress and the encouragement of his savings group members gave him confidence to expand into farming. By his second year with the savings group, Joseph borrowed another $800 (U.S.) to buy land and purchase two pigs.
A mature faith that lifts others up
Before joining the Utukufu “Glory” savings group at his church, Joseph earned less than $300 (U.S.) a year. Today, his annual income is climbing toward $4,000. But when asked what has changed most in his life, Joseph is quick to bring up his faith. “Now I have the opportunity to hear the Word of God.” These days, Joseph enjoys attending church with his family and takes pride in tithing.
Beyond supporting his local church, Joseph also finds joy in creating new opportunities for others in his community. He purchased three motorcycles and leases each one to a younger man in his area. In return, the riders pay Joseph a daily fee of $3 USD and keep the rest of their profits. Yet Joseph sees the motorcycles as more than a source of income. He hopes to help the younger men develop interest in building businesses of their own.
Bigger dreams and a brighter future for his family
At 28, Joseph is a role model, demonstrating that with determination and a supportive community, a future beyond poverty is possible. But for Joseph, this is only the beginning of his story.
He dreams of expanding into dairy farming and using his profits to build a modern home for his family. He also hopes to construct additional rooms to rent, generating another source of income. But his biggest dreams are for his children. His youngest, Agnes, just started school, and Joseph dreams of enrolling her somewhere with stronger academics—investing in her future.
You can help equip more entrepreneurs like Joseph to expand their businesses, provide for their families, and bring hope to their communities. Give one time or become a monthly Dream Investor to support men and women around the world as they overcome the cycle of poverty and find lasting hope in Christ.
