The Impact Continues: Muak's Story
Muak is a dedicated father and husband who lives in an area of Indonesia with one of the highest poverty rates. He works as a farmer to provide for his wife and two daughters.
Three years ago, Muak crossed paths with Mission: Hope. His interest was piqued by our F.A.I.T.H. Garden program, which teaches families new farming techniques and provides them with seeds to grow a variety of crops. With diligence and commitment, Muak applied the knowledge he gained, resulting in a thriving F.A.I.T.H. Garden of his own. As a result, Mission: Hope presented him with the opportunity to become an agent of transformation in his community.
Although Muak had no experience in community service, he recognized the pressing needs in his village and felt compelled to make a difference. Motivated by his newfound passion, he eagerly attended several leadership trainings organized by Mission: Hope. With the team’s guidance, Muak visited families, facilitated agricultural trainings, and established Savings Groups in his community.
Before connecting with Mission: Hope in 2019, Muak's family and many others in his village were indebted to loan sharks, relying on them to finance their daily necessities while awaiting harvest time. Although the government provided limited resources and funds through various programs, these provisions were often exhausted within a day. According to Muak, Mission: Hope's unique approach has completely transformed their understanding of support:
“With Mission: Hope, we had the opportunity to lead and facilitate. They have walked with us. They prioritized empowering our community and focusing on what is sustainable. I can testify that our knowledge increased, behavior changed, skills were developed, and families’ incomes improved,” he said.
Muak firmly believes that the establishment of new commercial gardens and Savings Groups within his community has had a profound impact on their lives. Thanks to the new Savings Groups, Muak’s family and others’ no longer have to worry about being trapped in debt by the loan sharks. Inspired by the positive outcomes, Muak and fellow local leaders have taken the initiative to create additional Savings Groups, thus multiplying the community's progress. Weekly meetings have not only enhanced their collective saving capabilities but have also fostered a stronger sense of camaraderie among neighbors.
As an agent of transformation, Muak leads those in his village in a number of ways. He encourages the families in his area to work together on the community gardens, which provide nutritious vegetables to fight malnutrition in their village. Additionally, he oversees the Savings Groups in his community and leads his own group on a weekly basis. Muak's wife and daughters also actively participate in other Mission: Hope programs centered around health and nutrition, as well as the prevention of child marriage.
“I am continuing what Mission: Hope has done in my community,” Muak said.
After three years of dedicated work, Mission: Hope concluded our programs in Muak's village. Thanks to incredible local leaders like Muak, we’re confident that the positive impact we’ve seen will be sustained for generations.
Help us continue to equip more indigenous leaders like Muak to be agents of positive change in their communities by joining Compass, our community of monthly givers dedicated to helping us bring holistic, life-changing impact to families in remote villages across the globe.