PEER Servants' vision is to enable tens of thousands of the materially poor and non-poor to experience economic, social, and spiritual transformation. We are a group of primarily volunteers who partner with indigenous, autonomous microfinance institutions in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These institutions empower the materially poor through micro-enterprise development wherein small businesses are established that can provide for individuals, families, churches, and communities. Our microfinance partners and the micro-entrepreneurs they serve are used by God to add meaning and fulfillment to our own lives. The transformation we seek is not only for them, but for us as well.
2013 Walk for Economic Empowerment: The 2013 Walk for Economic Empowerment is our biggest event of the year to raise funds to empower the materially poor. In its eighth year, the walk has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars -- 100% of which have gone to our microfinance partners around the world. There are a number of small walks around the country on different dates - if one is not convenient for you, email us and we'll work with you to start your own Walk. Click here or on the logo for more information and to create your own fundraising page.
Microentrepreneur News - CCT/Philippines: Meet Francine, a very inspirational microentrepreneur served by The Center for Community Transformation (CCT) in Manila, Philippines. Francine used an initial loan of less than $100 to start her small convenience store business; she now has a loan of over $1,000 that has enabled her to not only grow her business, but start another like business which her daughter runs. According to Francine, while she appreciates the access to capital CCT has provided, what she appreciates even more is the spiritual encouragement and support provided through CCT that enabled Francine to hear about and respond to the love of Christ. Click here or on the picture for a 90-second video about Francine.
Partner News - Invest Credit/Moldova: We are celebrating with Invest Credit, PEER Servants' Moldovan microfinance partner, as they recently surpassed the 1,000 active client level. Moldova is Europe's materially poorest country, and Invest Credit, led by Executive Director Ghena Russu, has had a very significant impact in offering opportunity to the people of Moldova. As their clients are empowered through Invest Credit, many of them are extending transformation into their respective communities. This is great news for a country with one of the highest human trafficking rates in the world.
Volunteer News - Scott Purcell: Who has been taking the lead on Team Moldova to support all of the Moldovan microfinance events taking place in Eugene, OR in May? That would be Scott Purcell. Scott has been serving on Team Moldova for over four years. Given his background as a CPA and financial analyst, he has been a huge asset to Invest Credit in helping them tell their story to the international investor crowd. As a result, Invest Credit has qualified for tens of thousands of dollars in various forms of funding that have allowed them to now surpass the 1,000 active clients mark. Scott is one of 100+ volunteers serving our microfinance partners with the skills God has given them and, as Scott so often notes, he is receiving far more than he is giving.
"It's More Fun in the Kingdom" Blog: Our 2013 theme for the PEER Servants volunteers is "It's More Fun in the Kingdom. Experience It. Extend It." We often talk about the kingdom as if it is something that has to wait for heaven. That's not what Jesus had in mind. As He taught us to pray, His vision was to see the kingdom of heaven being extended to earth. To that end we strive in PEER Servants, and this blog captures much of our thinking and experiences. Click here to access the blog, and feel free to include a comment telling us how you are having "more fun in the kingdom"!
