NLLB has known a widow and her 3 sons for several years. All 3 of her boys have a genetic, neurological condition that eventually leaves them unable to walk or have much use of their limbs. The youngest, Marcel is 11 now and already his spine is beginning to curve severely. His older brothers are 17 and 19 and are no longer able to walk and are severely crippled. There is no known medical help for this condition. Their father died when Marcel was young. The elder grandparents also live nearby and need help.

This brave widow has no education, but must provide for her children. She sells small snacks to children at a local elementary school. They live in a wooden house in a remote area of Sumatra. NLLB decided that she needed a more stable way to earn and discussed this with the local priest and nun who know her. They were willing to get some men from the church to build a small shack for the goats that NLLB would buy. We were able to purchase a pregnant goat who delighted us with twins! Goats can produce young 2 times a year and once they have had twins, they often repeat this. 

This simple program of providing a goat (and we often purchase one that is pregnant) can provide income that will sustain a family. NLLB also researches male goats in the area that can be borrowed for breeding. We partnered with the local church in this situation, so that the woman could have access to a male without having to pay. 

The delight on the face of this woman and her son is heartwarming. NLLB continues to reach out … one person at a time…. in many ways!