25 years ago, Mary and I were privileged to live and work among a most wonderful, but so impoverished people in what was then known as Irian Jaya - now called Papua, Indonesia. Political and economic changes have swept across Papua like a tsunami during the past decade and the Dani people have been left ill-prepared for life in the 21st century in areas such as health, education, social welfare and economic development.  

Javier and Naomi Sosa have assisted a local group to open the Yaruwok Community Bank in Bokondini.  Over fifty people came to deposit money on the first day.  An equivalent of $1,300 US was saved in 3 hours. Almost all of savers were women and most could not write their names.  They would never be able to open an account in a normal bank.

Yaruwok now has over 300 savers. Having run successfully for over 12 months now, they want to move the savings scheme up a level.  The bank is currently run from one of the old missionary houses but has no furniture, no desks, chairs or a secure safe.  The Bank also needs a computer and printer so that application forms and stationery for the project can be printed on site.  Solar panels and batteries would increase power capacity for the building.  

Could you help by investing in this project?  If you were able to support this project it would mean so much to the Sosas and the local people in Bokondini.  Please give as generously as you are able.

We have already brought the Danis the life-saving message of the Gospel. Let’s make a real difference to them once more as they learn about ‘life more abundant’.