If You Need Help Getting Started...

Some people have expressed an interest in microfinance but have indicated a reluctance to do the computer steps necessary to join our team.  If you are one of those people who doesn't love computer tasks, we can assist you in getting started or changing the way your account is set up.  Glen MacCallum has volunteered to help anyone who is having trouble joining, or running into difficulties, or fearful of starting.  Just email Glen at gmac11@msn.com.  He will gladly help you get started or solve problems you've run into.  You won't be sorry you got involved.

If you can attend our next meeting in August, we expect to make a large number of loans.  You are welcome to attend and help us choose our loan candidates.  We would appreciate your assistance.

Wellshire Microfinance Welcomed New Members in May -- More Needy People Received a Hand Up.

Since our meeting May 10, our team has added three new members and funded 14 new microloans.  Our totals as of June 1 are 33 team members and 118 loans totaling $3350.  We are grateful for the continued support for our team and the faith in our cause.

Wellshire Microfinance Hits New Milestone

On Thursday, May 10, the microfinance team members invested in our 100th microloan.  At present, we have 31 team members who have invested in 104 loans worth $2,950 in 35 countries.  Through the generosity and enthusiasm of our team members, we accomplished this in just over seven months. We praise God for giving us this opportunity to serve in our world.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if in the next seven months we could double our membership and make 100 more loans?  It's possible.  Click here to find out more!

Did you know? This month, Kiva ranks Wellshire 5th in new users among religious organizations!

A Cause for Celebration...

A note from Wellshire Microloan Team member Wes Smits:

27 April 2012

Fellow team members:

A cause for celebration this morning: When I checked our Kiva page this morning, to my astonishment, I discovered our portfolio has grown to 92 loans worth $2625. That means that when we meet on May 10, we will be able to make our 100th loan, if not before. Since our team membership has not increased beyond 27, that would indicate that probably several of these loans are reinvestments. It also means that we are getting closer to the point where Wellshire Microfinance is self sustaining.

Two things came to mind this morning when I saw the numbers: First,deep gratitude to God for giving us the resources to make this happen. And also, deep gratitude to all of you for stepping out in faith to take on this new challenge.

The second thought that came to mind was the parable of the talents. While the Atheists team and the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster team wouldn't agree, I believe that God has blessed our willingness to use our monetary talents and has multiplied their value to the poor and needy in this world. At a time like this we can all give thanks that we have, not only the means, but also the opportunity and the joy of helping the poor in our world.

With humble gratitude for all of you,
Wes Smits

Wellshire Microfinance Results for March

In March, the Microfinance Team added six new members. We are now up to 26. We have increased the number of loans to 66 in 26 countries, totaling $1775. In addition, we have at least 3 more loans paid back, which we will reinvest at our May meeting. We welcome our new team members, including Club 45 (Wellshire 4th and 5th graders). March was definitely a fine month for Wellshire Microfinance!

Club 45 joins the Wellshire Microfinance Team

In early March, Club 45 made four microfinance loans on a Sunday afternoon. With assistance from Holly Inglis and Dan Zuchegno, they made the following microloans:

Sharifa of Jordan for Home Products Sales
Lilian Wanjugu of Kenya for Fruits and Vegetables
Benard Miroro of Kenya for Farming
Jane Khauka of Kenya for Dairy

We look forward to partnering with Club 45 again .

Wellshire Microfinance Update

The Wellshire Microfinance Team is pleased to announce that as of today 20 members grace our ranks!  Also, the team has invested in 24 countries -- they are:

Azerbaijan

Bolivia

Cambodia

Chile

Columbia

Costa Rica

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Guatemala

Jordan

Kenya

Liberia

Mongolia

Nicaragua

Paraguay

Peru

Rwanda

Senegal

South Sudan

Sierra Leone

Uganda

Ukraine

Zambia

Zimbabwe