On a trip with a group of supporters in 2005, I excitedly pitched a new initiative that had the potential to help HOPE International reach our goal to serve one hundred thousand families and raise $10 million in revenue: apricots in Uzbekistan. Through a connection, I had learned about an apricot farm in the...
3 Myths about Microfinance
This week is the 75th birthday of Muhammad Yunus, the inspiring leader who asked a question which struck at the root of a paternalistic approach to poverty alleviation: Why do for people what they’re capable of doing for themselves? This question served as the basis of Yunus’ groundbreaking work in the 1970s as he founded...
The Night My Home Almost Went Up In Smoke
“Peter, COME HERE!” Laurel shrieked from downstairs. Based on the urgency in her voice, I knew this was not a “when-you-have-a-moment” type of request. I sprinted downstairs. Thick smoke was billowing from our family room. Laurel loves decorating. And she does it well. She uses candles in every room and for every occasion –...