A Mother’s Determination: Building Security Through Saving

In a quiet rural community in Paraguay, Raquel—a single mother and creative entrepreneur—is working hard to build a better future for her family. She earns income by gathering medicinal plants for traditional teas and by selling handmade items like decorated sandals, thermoses and bags. These are skills she picked up through vocational training offered by Diaconía, GAiN’s partner organization in Paraguay. 

“A little of everything,” she said with a smile.

But for years, no matter how hard she worked, saving money always felt just out of reach. Emergencies would come up, and her small savings would disappear. 

“I had saved $15 here, $20 there—but I always had to use it,” she recalled.

That all began to change when she joined a Savings Group. These groups help rural communities learn valuable financial skills, like how to save and borrow money. They also foster belonging, Christ-centred spiritual growth and community support. 

Raquel’s group started small, each member saving just $3 at every meeting. But through consistency, encouragement and studying the Bible together, Raquel completed her first full year with nearly $250 saved—the most she’d ever been able to set aside.

With that money, she made a life-changing investment: she bought a water tank, pump and hose and had them installed at her well. Thanks to the simple turn of a tap, she no longer has to lower a bucket into the well every day. Clean water now flows easily for her family and animals.

“Water was always an issue,” Raquel shared. “During the drought not long ago, we just about drank mud.” Now, even her ducks can drink and splash freely.

But Raquel is just getting started.

“I have a lot of projects,” she said. “I’m going to start saving again right now.” Her next goal? To hatch 100 ducklings and 100 chicks by the end of 2025, and keep working toward indoor plumbing and home repairs.

Someday, she dreams of owning goats and creating a home where she can always care for her grandchildren and animals.

Raquel’s story is a beautiful example of what can happen when someone is given the tools, support and community they need to thrive. Through Diaconía’s savings group, she’s not only growing financially, but also in confidence, faith and hope for the future.

To date, savings groups are active in 9 of Paraguay’s 17 departments. Churches across the country are using them as a powerful tool for discipleship and outreach. Thanks to the support of Global Aid Network and its local partners, stories like Raquel’s are unfolding across Paraguay—stories of transformation that begin with small savings and grow into lasting change.