The History of CEMFIN
Preparation for the future harvest The seeds of CEMFIN were planted almost a decade ago. The nurturing and diligent work of those who believed in the vision had the patience to wait for the blossoming vine that is apparent today. CEMFIN validates the claim that, in God’s hands, the impossible is possible.
In 2006 the vision carriers were two women by the name of Mrs. Llyombe and Mrs. Lloyd. As part of a Christian community within Lusaka, they saw a need. The idea was to support the work of the church through financially empowering those most vulnerable in the community. Microfinance was the avenue proposed to realize tangible change in the economic lives of those they were caring for. Soon, the vision, was taken up by other members of the community including Pastor Kalonga & Ken Lloyd. As they continued discussing this vision, these individuals sought the help of partners in the U.S. including a group in Charlotte and a non-profit by the name of PEER Servants. The vision now had momentum, but the work was just beginning. Man’s timing is small compared to the broader view of God. Delays in registering the organization, as well as, the challenge of finding the funding without a guarantee of an established, legal microfinance entity hindered progress. However, as Pastor Kalonga mentions, this challenging time allowed CEMFIN, and those involved, to be “refined by the fire”. If they could be pass through this unknown, anxious period, there would be confidence in the commitment of all involved. In 2011 at a moment where it seemed all was lost, or indefinitely delayed, word was given by the Bank of Zambia that CEMFIN’s application for certification was approved. Just like that, it was time to put flesh on the bones of the vision established back in 2006. A year later, in May 2012, CEMFIN officially gave out its first loans. Now, lives are being transformed and the hope is growing that CEMFIN can become a source of empowerment throughout Mongu and the nation of Zambia as a whole. Still, there is much work to do, but there is knowledge, born from experience, in the power of prayer, patience and faith necessary to carry on. The future is in God’s hands and CEMFIN can’t wait to be a part of the adventure! |