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Five Talents International will be featured as the Charity of the Day on GoodSearch.com on Wednesday, Oct. 8!
Please remember to use GoodSearch.com, the Yahoo-powered search engine, for all of your web searches as we receive a penny every time you do a search!
And, please do all of your online shopping through GoodSearch.com, the online shopping mall which donates a percentage of each purchase to us! (Just select Five Talents as your preferred charity.) Hundreds of great stores including Target, Gap, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Macy's and ebay have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting us!
You can use GoodSearch and GoodShop every day, but be sure to check us out on the GoodSearch homepage on Wednesday, Oct. 8!! And, remember to tell your friends!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
What is a Christian organization anyway?
I usually sign my thank you letters to Five Talents supporters with the words, “Yours in Christ.” Several times, I have had phone calls asking me not to send letters with those words as they found it offensive. The ending, “God Bless” was OK as that was more neutral. So, admittedly, I have gotten a little skittish and diluted it even further. I now sometimes sign letters with “Warm Regards” depending on the audience.
This little battle within me may seem trivial but it reflects a larger issue about how to maintain and grow a Christian microenterprise development organization.
There is a fundamental question that is sometimes asked of me during presentations or in private conversations afterward: “What is the difference between a Christian organization and a secular organization?
It is an easy answer if the question is about motivation. Christian organizations are motivated by God’s love to help the least of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
It’s a more difficult answer if the question is about how Christianity is practiced within the context of projects in the field.
I would suggest that being a Christian organization goes beyond just motivation and a scriptural reference. It means that at the very heart of a Christian organization beats a desire to see lives transformed by the love of Jesus Christ and His saving grace.
Spiritual transformation means there is intent to work and partner with the local church, which is God’s institution to carry out His mission. There is also the intent to incorporate holistic activities like Bible studies on stewardship, trainings on life skills and discussions on faith issues.
For example in Peru, Sister Patrician of the Anglican Church of Peru carried out a pastoral reflection on the family with some of the loan beneficiaries of one of our microcredit programs near Lima. The beneficiaries had the opportunity to ask question about how to improve the quality of family life and how to encourage their children to read the Bible. At the end, they shared a snack and had the opportunity to get to know other beneficiaries of other Village Banks and Solidarity Groups.
In Indonesia it’s not culturally sensitive to have overt spiritual development programs for the beneficiaries, 95 percent of whom are Muslim. It is possible, however, to encourage the Christian staff of GERHATI (an acronym in the local language for ‘Gateway of Hope for Human Transformation’). The local Anglican pastors and board members of GERHATI come to speak to build character and nurture the spiritual development of the microfinance staff. One such talk was on God being the owner of GERHATI and that being an employee is a service to God. The intent is for the staff to overflow with the love of God and be a blessing to those they meet regardless of faith. They base this concept on the apostle Paul who wrote that he was “being poured out like a drink offering” (Phil. 2:17).
For some reading this, these activities may seem beyond what a Christian microenterprise development organization should be doing. It should stick to finances and actions not words will be enough. But, I have found it is the indigenous church that asks for the intentional and practical ways to share the Gospel and be involved in the faith lives of their community members.
In the end, there will always be somewhat of a “dance” or balance when we try to maintain a Christian ethos to our work. And, that balance is especially difficult when money matters. Will corporations, government or individuals give if the organization is Christian, or possibly “too” Christian. What happens when someone wants to give a million dollars but any Christian witness is out of the question? Or, will we offend a potential large donor by signing a letter “Yours in Christ?”
Those are tough questions to answer as it could mean mission drift or possibly morphing into a secular organization that is no longer motivated by Christ, nor intentional about sharing the Good News. All too often in the non-profit world, the heart of the Christian organization will stop beating for Christ. The organization that was making a difference for Christ is now no different in its delivery of services than any other humanitarian organization. That is a tragedy. “For I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
Yours in Christ,
Craig Cole
Craig is the executive director of Five Talents International, a member of Diocese of Virginia's Mission Commission and an EGR board member.
This little battle within me may seem trivial but it reflects a larger issue about how to maintain and grow a Christian microenterprise development organization.
There is a fundamental question that is sometimes asked of me during presentations or in private conversations afterward: “What is the difference between a Christian organization and a secular organization?
It is an easy answer if the question is about motivation. Christian organizations are motivated by God’s love to help the least of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
It’s a more difficult answer if the question is about how Christianity is practiced within the context of projects in the field.
I would suggest that being a Christian organization goes beyond just motivation and a scriptural reference. It means that at the very heart of a Christian organization beats a desire to see lives transformed by the love of Jesus Christ and His saving grace.
Spiritual transformation means there is intent to work and partner with the local church, which is God’s institution to carry out His mission. There is also the intent to incorporate holistic activities like Bible studies on stewardship, trainings on life skills and discussions on faith issues.
For example in Peru, Sister Patrician of the Anglican Church of Peru carried out a pastoral reflection on the family with some of the loan beneficiaries of one of our microcredit programs near Lima. The beneficiaries had the opportunity to ask question about how to improve the quality of family life and how to encourage their children to read the Bible. At the end, they shared a snack and had the opportunity to get to know other beneficiaries of other Village Banks and Solidarity Groups.
In Indonesia it’s not culturally sensitive to have overt spiritual development programs for the beneficiaries, 95 percent of whom are Muslim. It is possible, however, to encourage the Christian staff of GERHATI (an acronym in the local language for ‘Gateway of Hope for Human Transformation’). The local Anglican pastors and board members of GERHATI come to speak to build character and nurture the spiritual development of the microfinance staff. One such talk was on God being the owner of GERHATI and that being an employee is a service to God. The intent is for the staff to overflow with the love of God and be a blessing to those they meet regardless of faith. They base this concept on the apostle Paul who wrote that he was “being poured out like a drink offering” (Phil. 2:17).
For some reading this, these activities may seem beyond what a Christian microenterprise development organization should be doing. It should stick to finances and actions not words will be enough. But, I have found it is the indigenous church that asks for the intentional and practical ways to share the Gospel and be involved in the faith lives of their community members.
In the end, there will always be somewhat of a “dance” or balance when we try to maintain a Christian ethos to our work. And, that balance is especially difficult when money matters. Will corporations, government or individuals give if the organization is Christian, or possibly “too” Christian. What happens when someone wants to give a million dollars but any Christian witness is out of the question? Or, will we offend a potential large donor by signing a letter “Yours in Christ?”
Those are tough questions to answer as it could mean mission drift or possibly morphing into a secular organization that is no longer motivated by Christ, nor intentional about sharing the Good News. All too often in the non-profit world, the heart of the Christian organization will stop beating for Christ. The organization that was making a difference for Christ is now no different in its delivery of services than any other humanitarian organization. That is a tragedy. “For I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
Yours in Christ,
Craig Cole
Craig is the executive director of Five Talents International, a member of Diocese of Virginia's Mission Commission and an EGR board member.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Youth Fight Poverty, Start Businesses Through Five Talents Market Day Event
Adopt a pet rock today! That was just one of the businesses featured at last year’s Five Talents Market Day at Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, Va. And, it’s possible, that these inanimate “pets” will be available again this year as the church prepares to participate in Five Talents Sunday on Nov. 16.
Last year, Katie Puschel of Vienna, Va., pictured left, was one of the students who was given $5, asked to come up with a business plan and then sell her wares at the Market Day event. At Holy Comforter, students in grades four through six are offered the opportunity to participate using the Five Talents-produced Sunday School curriculum and over the course of three years approximately 50 have showcased their businesses.
“The goal is to provide a framework with which teachers can expose children to poverty and what the Bible says about the poor,” said Five Talents Executive Director Craig Cole. “The parable of the talents contains a powerful and liberating message that everyone, even the poor living on $1 a day, has God-given talents and skills that can help them break out of poverty.”
Each year after the Market Day, the students at Holy Comforter then decide which Five Talents program to support with the money they made from their businesses. Since 2005, they have sent money to Africa, Peru and the Philippines.
Holy Comforter initially held the Market Day event because the church’s mission committee wanted to find a way to engage students with international missions, said Market Day Coordinator Leslie Barnhart.
“I think the students have learned that there are people in other countries that need mosquito nets or that need a cow for their business,” Barnhart said. “They are learning about other parts of the world and are learning a little bit about business.”
Sadly, almost half of the world now struggles for survival on less than $2 a day. However, Christian microlending is proving to be a very effective way to lift one village at a time out of poverty.
With small loans of just $50, poor entrepreneurs can start small businesses – like purchasing chickens to sell eggs. Gifts to Five Talents help, help and help again as these small investments are repaid and the funds loaned out again to others.
In many denominations, the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) is the reading for Sunday, Nov. 16.
“It is our hope that using the Five Talents Sunday School curriculum will encourage the church to more fully engage its own talents, to empower the children in the church and to provoke thought and discussion about God’s view on poverty,” Cole said.
For more information or to receive a Five Talents Sunday Kit, call (800) 670-6355, email Helga Buck at helgabuck@fivetalents.org or visit http://www.fivetalents.org/.
Last year, Katie Puschel of Vienna, Va., pictured left, was one of the students who was given $5, asked to come up with a business plan and then sell her wares at the Market Day event. At Holy Comforter, students in grades four through six are offered the opportunity to participate using the Five Talents-produced Sunday School curriculum and over the course of three years approximately 50 have showcased their businesses.“The goal is to provide a framework with which teachers can expose children to poverty and what the Bible says about the poor,” said Five Talents Executive Director Craig Cole. “The parable of the talents contains a powerful and liberating message that everyone, even the poor living on $1 a day, has God-given talents and skills that can help them break out of poverty.”
Each year after the Market Day, the students at Holy Comforter then decide which Five Talents program to support with the money they made from their businesses. Since 2005, they have sent money to Africa, Peru and the Philippines.
Holy Comforter initially held the Market Day event because the church’s mission committee wanted to find a way to engage students with international missions, said Market Day Coordinator Leslie Barnhart.
“I think the students have learned that there are people in other countries that need mosquito nets or that need a cow for their business,” Barnhart said. “They are learning about other parts of the world and are learning a little bit about business.”
Sadly, almost half of the world now struggles for survival on less than $2 a day. However, Christian microlending is proving to be a very effective way to lift one village at a time out of poverty.
With small loans of just $50, poor entrepreneurs can start small businesses – like purchasing chickens to sell eggs. Gifts to Five Talents help, help and help again as these small investments are repaid and the funds loaned out again to others.
In many denominations, the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) is the reading for Sunday, Nov. 16.
“It is our hope that using the Five Talents Sunday School curriculum will encourage the church to more fully engage its own talents, to empower the children in the church and to provoke thought and discussion about God’s view on poverty,” Cole said.
For more information or to receive a Five Talents Sunday Kit, call (800) 670-6355, email Helga Buck at helgabuck@fivetalents.org or visit http://www.fivetalents.org/.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Five Talents Fall Reading Picks Are Here!
Since today marks the first full day of fall (it officially started late yesterday morning), it's time for us to announce our picks for your fall reading list.
(Remember by purchasing these books through GoodShop and selecting Five Talents as your preferred charity, a percentage of your purchase price will be donated to the work of Five Talents!)
So, grab a cup of hot cider, throw on a sweatshirt, enjoy the crisp air and crack open a book ... Happy reading!
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A bold manifesto by two business leaders, A Billion Bootstraps shows why microcredit is the world's most powerful poverty-fighting movement-and an unbeatable investment for your charitable donations.
A Billion Bootstraps unearths the roots of the microcredit revolution, revealing how the pioneering work of people such as Dr. Muhammad Yunus-winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize-is giving hope to billions. Philanthropist and self-made millionaire Phil Smith and microcredit expert and consultant Eric Thurman provide a riveting narrative that explores how these small loans, arranged by “barefoot bankers,” enable impoverished people to start small businesses, support their families, and improve local economies. By paying back their loans instead of simply accepting handouts, men and women around the world are continually giving others the same opportunity to change their futures.
Smith and Thurman also examine why traditional charity programs, while providing short-term relief, often perpetuate the problems they are trying to alleviate, and how applying investment principles to philanthropy is the key to reversing poverty permanently.
A Billion Bootstraps explains how ordinary people can accelerate the microcredit movement by investing charitable donations in specific programs and then leveraging those contributions so the net cost to lift one person out of poverty is remarkably low. You'll discover how to get more for your money by donating with the mind-set of an investor and calculating measurable returns-returns that will change lives and societies forever.
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Do you want to make a true difference in the world? Dr. Ron Sider does. He has, since before he first published Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger in 1978. Despite a dramatic reduction in world hunger since then, 34,000 children still die daily of starvation and preventable disease, and 1.3 billion people, worldwide, remain in abject poverty. So, the professor of theology went back to re-examine the issues by twenty-first century standards. Finding that Conservatives blame morally reprehensible individual choices, and Liberals blame constrictive social and economic policy, Dr. Sider finds himself agreeing with both sides.
In this new look at an age-old problem, he offers not only a detailed explanation of the causes, but also a comprehensive series of practical solutions, in the hopes that Christians like him will choose to make a difference. Christianity Today calls it “One of the Top 100 Religious Books of the Century.”
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Theology, spirituality, and social science are synthesized in the definitive book on how Christian mission can contribute to overcoming poverty and dismantling systematic social evil. Myers explores Christian views of poverty, its causes, and how it is experienced differently in different cultures. Especially designed for use in classes or in field education, Walking with the Poor contains a unique series of charts that can be made into overheads as well as a bibliography and a scriptural index.
(Remember by purchasing these books through GoodShop and selecting Five Talents as your preferred charity, a percentage of your purchase price will be donated to the work of Five Talents!)
So, grab a cup of hot cider, throw on a sweatshirt, enjoy the crisp air and crack open a book ... Happy reading!
A Billion Bootstraps: Microcredit, Barefoot Banking, and the Business Solution for Ending Poverty
By Phil Smith and Eric Thurman
By Phil Smith and Eric Thurman
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A bold manifesto by two business leaders, A Billion Bootstraps shows why microcredit is the world's most powerful poverty-fighting movement-and an unbeatable investment for your charitable donations.A Billion Bootstraps unearths the roots of the microcredit revolution, revealing how the pioneering work of people such as Dr. Muhammad Yunus-winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize-is giving hope to billions. Philanthropist and self-made millionaire Phil Smith and microcredit expert and consultant Eric Thurman provide a riveting narrative that explores how these small loans, arranged by “barefoot bankers,” enable impoverished people to start small businesses, support their families, and improve local economies. By paying back their loans instead of simply accepting handouts, men and women around the world are continually giving others the same opportunity to change their futures.
Smith and Thurman also examine why traditional charity programs, while providing short-term relief, often perpetuate the problems they are trying to alleviate, and how applying investment principles to philanthropy is the key to reversing poverty permanently.
A Billion Bootstraps explains how ordinary people can accelerate the microcredit movement by investing charitable donations in specific programs and then leveraging those contributions so the net cost to lift one person out of poverty is remarkably low. You'll discover how to get more for your money by donating with the mind-set of an investor and calculating measurable returns-returns that will change lives and societies forever.
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity By Ronald J. Sider
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Do you want to make a true difference in the world? Dr. Ron Sider does. He has, since before he first published Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger in 1978. Despite a dramatic reduction in world hunger since then, 34,000 children still die daily of starvation and preventable disease, and 1.3 billion people, worldwide, remain in abject poverty. So, the professor of theology went back to re-examine the issues by twenty-first century standards. Finding that Conservatives blame morally reprehensible individual choices, and Liberals blame constrictive social and economic policy, Dr. Sider finds himself agreeing with both sides.In this new look at an age-old problem, he offers not only a detailed explanation of the causes, but also a comprehensive series of practical solutions, in the hopes that Christians like him will choose to make a difference. Christianity Today calls it “One of the Top 100 Religious Books of the Century.”
Walking With the Poor: Principles and Practices of Transformational Development
By Bryant L. Myers
By Bryant L. Myers
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Theology, spirituality, and social science are synthesized in the definitive book on how Christian mission can contribute to overcoming poverty and dismantling systematic social evil. Myers explores Christian views of poverty, its causes, and how it is experienced differently in different cultures. Especially designed for use in classes or in field education, Walking with the Poor contains a unique series of charts that can be made into overheads as well as a bibliography and a scriptural index. Thursday, September 18, 2008
Five Talents Director of Development Honored by President Bush
Five Talents Director of Development Joann Barron was honored by President George W. Bush as a member of America’s Army of Compassion at a special ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on Sept. 8.
“I appreciate the fact that those here represent the hundreds of thousands of our citizens who answered the call to love a neighbor like we'd like to be loved ourselves,” President Bush said during his address honoring volunteerism. “I appreciate the fact that you and others lift up souls, one person at a time. You strengthen the foundation of our democracy, which is the engagement of our people. I want to thank you for what you do.”
Barron, pictured on left, has been a volunteer through the Voluntary Action Center of the Greater Prince William (Va.) Area for more than 17 years. During this time, she also served on the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) board of directors, which is administered through the Voluntary Action Center, and was deputy director of Action in the Community Through Service of Prince William County for 15 years.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said. “I felt very privileged and honored to be invited as a member of America’s Army of Compassion.”
Barron has worked at Five Talents since September 2007.
Established in 1999, Five Talents International has provided funding for business training and thousands of loans, ranging from $50 to $300, in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Each loan finances a microbusiness that, in turn, supports up to six other people. A majority of the loan recipients are women.
Five Talents’ ongoing work is supported by a staff based in Vienna, Va., an office in London, England, and a program office in Kampala, Uganda. Hundreds of volunteers across the United States and United Kingdom participate in the ministry. For more information and to donate, visit http://www.fivetalents.org/.
To read the full transcript of President Bush’s remarks, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080908-6.html.
“I appreciate the fact that those here represent the hundreds of thousands of our citizens who answered the call to love a neighbor like we'd like to be loved ourselves,” President Bush said during his address honoring volunteerism. “I appreciate the fact that you and others lift up souls, one person at a time. You strengthen the foundation of our democracy, which is the engagement of our people. I want to thank you for what you do.”
Barron, pictured on left, has been a volunteer through the Voluntary Action Center of the Greater Prince William (Va.) Area for more than 17 years. During this time, she also served on the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) board of directors, which is administered through the Voluntary Action Center, and was deputy director of Action in the Community Through Service of Prince William County for 15 years.“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said. “I felt very privileged and honored to be invited as a member of America’s Army of Compassion.”
Barron has worked at Five Talents since September 2007.
Established in 1999, Five Talents International has provided funding for business training and thousands of loans, ranging from $50 to $300, in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Each loan finances a microbusiness that, in turn, supports up to six other people. A majority of the loan recipients are women.
Five Talents’ ongoing work is supported by a staff based in Vienna, Va., an office in London, England, and a program office in Kampala, Uganda. Hundreds of volunteers across the United States and United Kingdom participate in the ministry. For more information and to donate, visit http://www.fivetalents.org/.
To read the full transcript of President Bush’s remarks, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080908-6.html.
Help Us Impact Twice as Many Lives by Sept. 30
Through your generosity, we are now funding 12 programs in 9 countries, including new projects in the Dominican Republic, Tanzania and Southern Sudan. There is exciting work ahead, and your support is greatly needed to help thousands more break out of the cycle of poverty.
A generous family has graciously given $100,000 to Five Talents as a Challenge Grant. As a result, your gifts of $1,000 and above will be matched - dollar for dollar - now through Sept. 30! I invite you to prayerfully consider helping us meet this $100,000 goal in order to reach those living in desperate situations making $1 or $2 a day.
As an added benefit, renowned Christian artist Sandra Bowden has created 42 mixed media gold leaf cross drawings especially for this Five Talents Challenge Grant. Donors giving gifts of $1,000 and above will not only have their gift matched but will also receive one of these extraordinary pieces of art, which is ready for framing. (Click here to view this art.)
Please know the demand for our services is high and would-be entrepreneurs around the world are waiting. It is only with your continued prayers and support that we will fulfill God's mission for Five Talents. Click here to participate in the Challenge Grant!
A generous family has graciously given $100,000 to Five Talents as a Challenge Grant. As a result, your gifts of $1,000 and above will be matched - dollar for dollar - now through Sept. 30! I invite you to prayerfully consider helping us meet this $100,000 goal in order to reach those living in desperate situations making $1 or $2 a day.
As an added benefit, renowned Christian artist Sandra Bowden has created 42 mixed media gold leaf cross drawings especially for this Five Talents Challenge Grant. Donors giving gifts of $1,000 and above will not only have their gift matched but will also receive one of these extraordinary pieces of art, which is ready for framing. (Click here to view this art.)
Please know the demand for our services is high and would-be entrepreneurs around the world are waiting. It is only with your continued prayers and support that we will fulfill God's mission for Five Talents. Click here to participate in the Challenge Grant!
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