This article over at Christianity Today covers the story of how microfinance has really flourished over the past few years. The concept of microfinance involves loaning small amounts of money to the world’s poor and providing them with a means to start a business, learn a new trade, or explore other entrepreneurial options. In addition to the loan, the borrowers are also provided with lessons on how to manage their finances and begin saving their profits. Small investments of knowledge and skill provide the potential for many poor families to move from meager subsistence to being able to provide and plan for their future well-being.

This Christmas, in addition to my regular Christmas shopping, I’m exploring ways in which my finances can enable others and help those in need. Opportunity International, is one of the first organizations to implement microfinance. I’m gonna check them out and see if I can sponsor some families in need.