Sharing the Wealth
Just have time for a quick word, but it could be a word that changes your life, or perhaps you could change the life of someone else! Here’s the word…..are you ready??
Now before you click on the link, let me tell you a bit about this awesome organization. Kiva is a non-profit, Microfinance group that have helped millions of people in third world countries. Their mission is to connect people like you and me; folks with some extra money who don’t know how to help, with poor people that want to take care of themselves and their families. Kiva gives you all the info and help you need to reach out to people around the world who could use your help.
We were so blown away by this group that we immediately committed to helping some people. We are currently loaning money to a group of women in Sierra Leone who sell fish, and a group of ladies in Guatemala who make clothing and sell it.
Now you might be thinking, ‘Ed you must be rich!?’ HA! obviously you don’t know me!! Kiva allows you to do things like this for as little as US$25/loan. More than 98% of their loans are fully repaid. Kiva will keep you updated on the progress of the people you support and their business. Once you get your money back you can reinvest it in other loans, or get it sent back to your bank account.
I often here Christians say that they are hesistant to help people, because they don’t know if it really helps. Well, what is more ‘helpful’ then giving to those that will use it build up themselves, their families, and their communities!?
Now you are thinking, ‘There must be a catch.’ Well, kinda not really. Kiva does ask for a 10% donation on each loan you give, but you can skip this if you want. Also, I will warn you that this is an addictive way to help people!
Couple of quick suggestions:
1. Parents- Set aside a bit of money to make a loan or two. Once you determine this, bring your kids in, and decide as a family where your money will go. This is a great chance to teach your kids about sharing. It’s also a chance to learn about other cultures in a personal way.
2. If you are young and interested in numbers/economics, consider a career in microfinance. It seems like a cool way to use your talent to help others!
Love to you all!
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Thanks. I’d just been introduced to this concept recently. It sounds great. I will have to keep it in mind for once we’re back settled in the United States.
thanks Ed, it sounds like a novel idea. planning to check it out.
this week is our VBS and Butch led the adult class last night with a talk on benevolence. (in my mind they couldn’t have picked a better person to give this talk.) sad to say that I’ve got a long way to go in this regard. I often talk myself out of giving because of concern about how the needy person will use (misuse) “my” money. truth is, the money isn’t actually mine. it only came to me thru the goodness of the Lord. and if i’m holding onto it, i’m the one misusing it.
WOW. That is absolutely cool. I do have to say that those wordsa have come out of my mouth” How do I know if the money is getting where it needs to be?” Mel and I are sitting down tonight to get a budget going fo this. This looks really cool! Is there a list of poeple that are in need that you reccomend we start with? ( Shoot back on PLeo or work email is you have a chance ) Thanks!
Hello,
One of my friends forwarded your blog to me, because I’m currently volunteering with a Christian microfinance organization called SoFMEDA in India for 6 months. I just graduated from UCONN and wanted to go to mission work for 6 months to a year, so here I am. Awesome to see that you are supporting Kiva, because a lot of their loans then go on to organizations like SoFMEDA. From visiting the clients I can reassure you that these microloans do wonders! You can read through my blog - I’ve been here for 1 month - and read some of the stories about how our clients are affected and the regions and conditions many of the clients live in.
God bless.