OI China PRAYER LETTER October 2008
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. ~ Psalms 40:3 (NIV)
A special visit to the Jiangsu Province by Chairman, Mr Geoffrey Kells, resulted a special approval by the government to grant OI China a Micro-Credit Company License to directly lend to and serve the poor.
Client Mr Chen (right) was an apprentice in supplying/fixing glass and windows 5 years ago. Through OI China he borrowed some money and built a business in making artistic fish tanks. He now employs 10 workers and trains 5 apprentices.
Praises & Thanksgivings: • Praise the Lord for the special approval of the Micro-Credit Company (MCC) license granted by the Jiangsu Provincial Government. This license allows OI China to directly lend to the poor in the poorest county, Suqian. This breakthrough not only allows the opening of a new operation but also enables OIC to operate with a financial license and directly lend to the poor. •
Praise God for the successful launch of new products to service our clients. The new products, supports a wide range of client needs, including agricultural, cyclical, SME and festival natures. They were embraced by our clients as well as our banking partners at launch.
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Thank God for the new Agreement signed between OI China and the China Academy of Social Science (CASS). The Agreement means that OIC and CASS will jointly explore and develop poverty alleviation programs throughout China. CASS is the key think-tank member of the State Council for rural policy and poverty alleviation program developments.
Prayer Requests: • Please continue to pray for the funding and preparation of the new Micro-Lending Company in Jiangsu Province. May the Lord use OIC to bless more people in the poorest county of Jiangsu. •
OI China at its expansion stage requires more co-workers to share the load. Please pray that more professionals with the passion to serve are called to join OIC.
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Pray for the proper handling of the infant formula and milk powder crisis in China. Pray that the victims of the contaminated infant formula and milk powder receive proper care and treatment.
OIC Consolidated Statistics Loans Issued in USD Number of Loans Issued General Training (person / hr) Job Safety Training Program (CAT sponsored) - person/hr
2005 $821,300 511 n/a n/a
2006 $1,368,000 524 480 / 1,200 n/a
2007 $1,795,377 417 758 / 2,366 441 / 2,120
2008 YTD (31 Aug.) $1,871,447 276 1198 / 2845 1,603/ 6,412
PrayerLetter 0810 www.opportunity.org.hk