It can be quite difficult to fathom the source and magnitude of Sabin’s strength. A father, husband, son, brother and businessman, Sabin has overcome insurmountable obstacles throughout his life. Ten years ago, he fled political turmoil and escaped to South Africa where he now owns a hair salon. For Sabin, giving up is simply not an option. Instead, he relies on his faith in God to bring him through each obstacle.
When civil war broke out in Sabin’s native home of Democratic Republic of Congo, he lost everything in a fleeting moment. His father was killed by the rebel army, his entire village was burnt and he found himself and his surviving family targets for assassination.
Sabin and his family safely escaped to a refugee camp in Malawi where conditions were tough and the future uncertain. Determined to bring purpose to his life, Sabin made his way to Cape Town where he was able to find work. But life there was not free from obstacles. Facing language barriers and xenophobia, Sabin worked hard and saved enough money for his wife and two daughters to join him.
Through hard work, savings and a loan, Sabin and his wife purchased a small hair salon. They quickly prospered and conditions greatly improved. However, without financial planning or control over their spending, their business fell apart. Sabin explains, “I didn’t realize that I was eating my profit. We never saved our money, we would only spend it.”
As the threat of losing his business altogether loomed ahead, a friend told Sabin about the Paradigm Shift program at Common Ground Church in Cape Town. Knowing that he desperately needed help to save his business, Sabin quickly signed up.
While attending the Paradigm Shift business training, Sabin learned how to create a savings plan for the first time. He learned how to calculate his business costs and plan his spending. “Now,” he says, “I understand the real meaning of business.”
Applying the principles he learned during the business training, Sabin began to focus on customer service to gain loyalty among his frequent clients. He also used a microloan to stock hair dye in his salon to provide an added service for his customers. Now, slowly, things are beginning to improve.
But beyond gaining the tools he needed to repair his business, Sabin was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love he received from the volunteers running the program. When his brother died, Sabin considered leaving the business training course, but his mentor counseled and motivated him to keep studying.
The example of the love he experienced during the business training, has deepened Sabin’s relationship with God. He now incorporates his faith in the way he runs his business and has become a member of Common Ground Church. He says, “I couldn’t believe the love that the volunteers showed us and I appreciated how they gave their time to us each week for free. I realize now that only a love for God can cause someone to make that sacrifice.”
Now you can make it possible for an entrepreneur like Sabin to participate in the Paradigm Shift program. Click here.
