Life hasn’t always been easy for Claudia, but her deep faith and strong sense of purpose have guided her through some of the most difficult transitions in her life.

Claudia and her husband ran a veterinary clinic in Bolivia. When a financial crisis disrupted everything, they had to relocate to be near family, leaving behind everything they needed to work in their profession. Arriving in a new town with very few belongings, no established clientele, and no clinic space, they leaned entirely on their faith and each other. They began doing what they could, but without their equipment and medical supplies, they couldn’t fully operate or serve the community the way they once had.

Then Claudia joined a Savings Group at her church called Thrifty Sheep (Ovejitas Ahorradoras). “I had never saved before,” Claudia admits. “It was just too hard on my own. But saving in a group is different. We encourage each other. We share goals.”

With a small loan from her group, Claudia was able to transport her essential veterinary equipment and supplies from her old home as well as purchase the medications and basic materials she needed to resume her specialty: animal surgery.

This change has not only revitalized her business, it’s also helped her connect with her community. Previously, residents had to travel long distances and spend large amounts of money to access surgical care for their pets and livestock, so Claudia’s work has filled an urgent gap.

Claudia’s role has also grown within her church, where she now serves as a leader. She feels supported by a new spiritual family that prays for her and encourages her growth — personally, professionally, and spiritually. She sees her veterinary business as an opportunity to share the love of Christ with others.

“I came to this city by faith,” Claudia says. “We didn’t have enough for the move. We left furniture and equipment behind. But the Lord brought us here for a reason — to serve Him and to serve others.”

Looking ahead, Claudia dreams of building a fully equipped veterinary clinic in her new town, not only for household pets but also for farm animals, so that she and her husband can offer comprehensive care to the community. Being part of the Savings Group has not only given Claudia financial tools, it’s restored her confidence and given her a renewed sense of purpose.

‍“At first, I was skeptical. I didn’t think a Savings Group in a church would work. But now I tell everyone: it’s one thing to hear someone talk about something, and another thing entirely to live it. We need trustworthy people around us, especially in these times. And what better place to find that than in the church?”