{"id":2577,"date":"2013-03-25T10:50:25","date_gmt":"2013-03-25T14:50:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/activistfaith\/?p=2577"},"modified":"2013-03-25T10:50:25","modified_gmt":"2013-03-25T14:50:25","slug":"loans-that-change-lives-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/activistfaith\/2013\/03\/loans-that-change-lives-4.html","title":{"rendered":"Loans that Change Lives"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"wvmicrofeatured-chheang.jpg\"World Vision<\/a>, the global Christian humanitarian behemoth, has turned micro. Microfinance that is.<\/p>\n

Microfinance, for those unaware, is the concept of providing a small loan (as low as $25 US) to help a person in the developing world start a sustainable business. When that loan is repaid, the person can borrow a larger amount to expand or the money can then be used to help others.<\/p>\n

Does it work? You bet is does! To date, over 98 percent of microloans are repaid (This puts American consumer loan repayment to shame.). Why? Careful selection and community-wide accountability (often other village members are cosigners on the loan) makes for a transaction that is almost certain to be repaid.<\/p>\n

Many long for ways to provide solutions to the poor than move beyond handouts. World Vision’s new microfinance program is one way to accomplish this goal.<\/p>\n

Of course, you can also donate in someone’s honor for the holidays a well, so take a moment to check it out<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With a little vision, anything is possible<\/em>.<\/p>\n

From WorldVisionMicro.org<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Meet an entrepreneur. Fund a loan. Give a hand up.<\/h1>\n

Micro lets you fund small loans<\/strong> to empower hardworking men and women in poverty. Connect one-on-one with the entrepreneur<\/strong>
\nof your choice — each with a sound business idea, but no access to
\ncredit to qualify for a traditional loan. Then share in the joy of their
\nsuccess.<\/p>\n

Your small loan is a proven investment, it will:<\/h4>\n