The vast majority of the Bolivian pastors face many economic hardships. Their average monthly income ranges between USD 70 and USD 500, which means they seldom qualify for a bank loan. Quality pastors have chosen to leave church ministry due to their fear of becoming homeless upon retirement.

Habitat 4 Servants has stepped into the gap in a practical way to provide interest-free loans through a revolving fund. The small loans give needy pastors the opportunity to reduce their largest overhead expense of housing while providing long-term stability for their families.

This project began in 2003 with just USD 3500. Since then it has given 18 loans of which 8 are fully repaid and 10 are right on schedule. The repayment rate of the loans has been fantastic—100 percent! Missed payments have been nonexistent. Surely this is a testimony to the character of the beneficiaries.

SIM is deeply committed to developing Bolivian Christian leadership. The Habitat 4 Servants project is just one practical way to stabilize and improve the standard of living for many hard-working church servants. We desire to build on its success and offer more loans to many deserving pastors on our waiting list.

Habitat 4 Servants has pending loan requests from pastors who qualify, but for whom we do not have the funds to help. If you or someone you know would consider giving towards this micro-loan ministry, SIM would love to hear from you. You may give online or contact your nearest SIM office. Thank you!

Pray

• for poor and entrepreneurial pastors to continue to have their needs supplied
• for economic stability in Bolivia so that churches are not constantly facing economic crises
• for godly church Bolivian leadership to thrive and produce a vibrant church
• for wisdom and encouragement for Pr. Fernando Fernández who oversees this program

Meet some of our beneficiaries:

	Pastor Marcelino Camacho and family next to the land they bought.

	Pastor Gregorio Véliz and family building their home.

Pastor Pabel Estrada and his family (not pictured) rented a house in a very cold city in the Bolivian highlands. When the landlord asked them to leave, they had nowhere to go. Their budget was not nearly enough for another rent, as rent prices had increased together with everything else, making life costly. Bordering on desperation, the pastor approached Apoyo for a loan. The procedures were followed and today the pastor lives with his family, very grateful for the help he received.