Story number 4 for 28 Apr 2003

(International)–Meanwhile, funding is needed for a ministry that helps meet the financial needs of churches in 20 countries. Farms International provides low interest loans to help people earn a living through micro-enterprise. Farms’ Joe Richter says these programs ultimately help in evangelism. “Our requirement is that out of the profits of any project the project holder will agree to tithe to the local church. The church that has increased tithes and offerings also is able to do outreach evangelism and church planting on its own.” Farms receives requests each week to add programs, but Richter says it’s limited because of funding. He’s appealing to churches to help. “We have churches that are committing $3,000 to $5,000 a year to a specific program. And, by the end of the 3rd year or so, you’ll be helping about 100 families.”