The Micro-Credit Solution

Six months ago I came across a book at Borders entitled, "Banker to the Poor". The title of the book caught my attention so I picked it up to read. I'm glad that I did. The book taught me about micro-credit and how it is being used in the poorest countries of the world to eradicate poverty. Following my reading of this book, I've been doing more reading on this "micro-loan" industry and to say the least, I'm very intrigued with it.

In a nutshell, micro-credit is something that started in the 1970's with a man from Bangladesh starting the Grameen Bank (with only $27.00 in his pocket) and seeking to lend money to the poorest people in the world. The money is lent at a low-interest rate and strives to give poor people capital that in turn brings revenue which ultimately brings hope to the very people who found themselves stuck in poverty. Mircro-loans can help start businesses, purchase material or supplies for businesses or for education purposes. These loans are small-scale loans ranging from 25.00 to $250 per loan, and are typically paid back on a bi-weekly basis or monthly basis to a collector or officer that works with the organization.

It's an intriguing model because it empowers the individual to work and earn money that in turn pays back the loan amount. Interesting enough, the Grameen bank has a 98% return rate and every year millions of dollars are loaned to individuals in some of the poorest countries of the world.

I've continued in reading and studying up on "micro-credit" and looked at other reputable organizations that do this here in the United States. The vision amongst these organizations is driven by the desire to see hope given to the world's poorest people. Instead of giving a hand-out, miocro-credit lending strives to equip and then empower the individual so that they can become productive and responsible workers who can sustain an income and in turn provide for themselves and their family.

What a vision this is. As I see the works of Opportunity International (www.opportunityinternational.org) and Hope International (www.hopeinternational.org), and other non-profit organizations I see a movment of concerned and caring citizens who want to put an end to injustices in our world through the empowerment of the world's poorest people (those living on less than a $1.00 a day).

When I returned from my first trip to Africa in 2006, I told God that I would do more do correct the injustices that take place on that great continent. I told God that I would use more of my time, energy and resources to bring hope and solutions to those people stuck in poverty and those who are suffering from malnutrition and other preventable diseases. If this is your heart...keep reading. If you have a desire to rescure, to empower and to be used by God to bring hope to the poorest people in our world...keep on reading.

Over the course of the next year, I want to bring awareness to world poverty and specifically how micro-credit can be a part of the solution to this world-wide problem. If you have very few resources, but you'd be willing to contribute a small amount, please let me know. If you (like me) are a little intigued with the micro-lending revolution that is happening in some of the world's poorest countries, let me know. I'd like to fan this flame in your heart. Over the course of the next several months, I'll be sharing some specific ways that you can get involved in creating and making micro-loans to the poor of our world. If this excites you, and you have a desire to be a part of this (or if you simply want some more information on micro lending)...I'd like to know about this. Email me today at parmitage@northmarchurch.com and join me in this adventure!

Go Make a Difference with your life!!!