OFW Stories, Financial Education

Born poor out of 14 siblings, I had no future and no life... I have 14 brothers and am the eldest and only girl amongst my siblings. Growing up in a poor family at just 7 years old I had to start working as a domestic helper for my auntie. I didn't receive a salary, but she supported me for my daily needs and education right up until secondary. I would wake up early every morning to do the household chores and then would head to school, this was my daily routine. Despite my situation I dreamed big, I wanted to go to university, but my financial condition at the time blocking me and so I decided to work abroad at the of 17. I spent 9 years working in the Middle East, but never saw any results from my hard work because everything I made went to support my family. Tired and sick of not getting any closer to building a better life for myself I took an opportunity, which arose for me to come and work here in Hong Kong. I thought this was going to be the turning point for me, but things only grew worse. A friend of mine asked to use my name to borrow money from the bank and foolishly I trusted her. Sadly, she repaid the assistance I gave her by disappearing and leaving me with a huge amount to pay over 2 years. At this point I remember asking myself "Until everything I touched went wrong; I had nothing to look forward to, no future and no life. All I wanted was to find a way out, to start over again but I didn't know how. Hopeless, I grew bitter and developed grudges in my heart. My breakthrough came however when I found Jesus, one of the community here in Hong Kong 3 years ago. This was the starting point of my life, the moment I made a covenant with God that I would remain always faithful to Him. I desired to know Him well and from this I drew closer to Him. I was inspired with the testimonies of members whose lives had been changed by Him and just as He worked in their lives I prayed to God to materialize His power in my own life. Having learned about tithing I became a faithful tither and no matter how big or small whether it was a gift or income that I received, I made sure to figure out ho much 10% was and would return it to God. I believed that even in small things, I could show how to God my faithfulness and slowly but surely I let go of the bitterness, grudges and hatred within me and repented, humbling myself before the Lord. As of now I have my own piece of land on which I could build 7 houses or even more if I wanted to, I own a farm and have even been able to buy my own tractor which I have hired out to get extra income. The best part is I am now debt free! I am so happy because I have found that was given me new life and taken me out of poverty. With Him never will I be poor again.