From Loss to Livelihood: A Business That Sustains a Family

Each day, she prepares meals from her home and serves them to customers at a modest setup of tables and chairs. Her menu includes fish, fried chicken, pork chops, and rice—affordable meals for hardworking people. In the afternoons, she sells familiar snacks like puto cheese and empanadas. When her children are not in school, they help faithfully, learning responsibility and contributing to the family.

Though her operation is small, the opportunity is not. In her community alone, more than 3,000 people regularly depend on carenderias for their daily meals, many of whom do not have cooking facilities where they live. Her customers include construction workers, office employees, students from a nearby university, government workers, and senior citizens. The demand is steady, and her food is well-loved because it is both delicious and affordable.

Mary Ann shares, “I love to cook, and I enjoy selling food. This business provides for my family. I want to grow it so I can send my second son to university to become a maritime seaman.”

As believers, we are reminded in Scripture to care for widows and families in need—not only through words, but through action. Mary Ann is not asking for a handout, but a hand up; she is working diligently and is ready to grow what God has placed in her hands.

She is seeking a small loan of ₱9,000 (about $155 USD), which she will repay over one year. She is also contributing 10% from her own savings—a testimony to her commitment and stewardship.

By sponsoring Mary Ann, you are partnering in something bigger than a business. You are helping provide for a family, invest in a child’s future, build a path out of poverty, and demonstrate the love of Christ in a very practical way.

Would you prayerfully consider partnering with Mary Ann and being part of her story?