In 2004 Beatriz' life was in a spiral of depression. She remembers, "When my husband left me, I drugged myself with alcohol. I wanted to die. I tried to kill myself two times. I didn't take care of my house or my three kids."

Later that year, Beatriz met a loan officer from the Genesis micro-enterprise program (PEER Servants' partner in Peru). He helped her begin the process of taking a loan to grow her small embroidery business, and he also told her about God's love for her. "I couldn't believe that God loved me and took an interest in me. I began to realize that I could earn a living. I was capable with God's help."

Since taking her first loan in 2005, Beatriz has taken two additional loans to expand her product line to include hand-knitted clothing, make-up and home products. Through these efforts she earns more money and takes better care of her home and children. "Economically my life has changed dramatically."

And Beatriz says she has also grown emotionally and spiritually. "From a person that was so timid, afraid and quiet, I've learned to talk. I've taken courses in the university and I've studied English. I am alive. I know God won't abandon me and I have hope and more peace. I'm not alone. Things have improved in my life."

Did you know:

• A small elite of Spanish descent controls most of Peru's wealth and political power. Indigenous Peruvians are largely excluded from both and make up many of the millions who live in poverty. (news.bbc.co.uk)
• Peru is one of South America's biggest producers of coca - the raw material for cocaine. UNICEF has found that most of the pickers in the coca-growing areas are children. (news.bbc.co.uk)
• Peru's Gross National Income per capita is US $2,640 annually or $220 monthly. That is less than 6% of US. (World Bank, 2006)