Experiences
As communities identify projects which will improve their standard of living, CESSMAQ works to mobilize the effort. CESSMAQ brings all the parts together to make it happen. One of these parts is the finances. CESSMAQ does not give money to the community, but it does make loans. When the loans are repaid, the funds are loaned again to another project or community. To participate in a project, a community or individual must raise 50% of the cost, then CESSMAQ loans the other 50%.
During the pig project, $110 would buy a sow and provide for the cost of breeding, teaching the woman how to care for the sow when she's giving birth, vaccinating the piglets, etc. Pigs reproduce with an average litter of 6 piglets which could be sold at three months of age for $35-$40 each. CESSMAQ required women participating in the project to open a bank account and maintain accurate records of each transaction. More information about pigs.
Pennies for piggies
Mission Presbytery's "Pennies for Piggies" project involved children's Sunday school classes, women's circles, adult Bible study groups, and entire congregations in providing seed money for loans to women and their families. At the summer 2002 Presbytery meeting in Kingsville, over $17,000 was presented to CESSMAQ, in addition to about $3,400 already sent in 2002. Four Mission Presbytery groups were especially recognized for their contributions:
- Grace Presbyterian Church, Corpus Christi, Texas, Mark Salmon, Pastor, and Mrs. Averill Walters, Chair of their campaign. Grace collected just over $6,600.
- Presbyterian Women, in addition to the collections by Circles throughout the Presbytery during the year, designated the Sunday morning offering at the Spring Gathering at Mo Ranch to Pennies For Piggies.
Gracie Caballero and a group from Su Casa de Esperanza made papier maché piggies which were used to collect the offering. The total of Mo offering and collected throughout the year was over $4,700. Sheron Antzcak, Northwood Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, the outgoing PW Moderator, did a marvelous job. - Goliad Presbyterian Church, a congregation of about 100 members, designated Pennies For Piggies as the recipient of their Sunday morning offering when they celebrated their 150th anniversary in February. The total amount collected was almost $3,000. The pastor there is Rev. Bette Burris.
- Oak Hills Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, Rev. Malcolm McIver, Pastor, collected $1,650.
As of June 2002, close to 200 women had completed training to receive a loan to purchase a pig.
The Guatemala partnership team solicits your prayerful support and encouragement of the partnership, its projects, and the Mayan people of Guatemala. If your congregation or group is interested in a "Minute for Mission" or a 20-minute video presentation, contact the partnership team.
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