Hope International Announces Jeff Rutt Winner of 2013 Epoch Lifetime Achievement Award

HOPE International is pleased to announce that its founder and board chair, Jeff Rutt, has won the 2013 Epoch Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding work in the missions field. The award was presented to Rutt on October 28 at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre during the second annual Epoch Awards presentation.

The vision of Tim Abare of Adventures in Missions, the Epoch Awards honor those who are persistently tackling issues of poverty, sex trafficking, HIV/AIDS, the need for clean water, homelessness, and other concerns in today's society.

“More than anyone else I know, Jeff models ‘humbition,’ that rare combination of humility and ambition,” says Peter Greer, president and CEO of HOPE International.  “Jeff is tenacious in pursuing his goals, but his success is never about him. The result: both the homebuilding industry and the philanthropy community have appropriately honored Jeff with their highest awards for lifetime achievement. Jeff is a remarkable leader, a true visionary, and a servant who follows the example of Jesus.”  

Since Jeff started HOPE in 1997, the organization has grown to serve over 575,000 men and women in 17 countries through discipleship, biblically based business training, a safe place to save, and small loans. As chairman of HOPE’s board, Jeff provides ongoing leadership in the nonprofit’s work transforming lives both spiritually and physically, empowering men and women to escape poverty, and restoring dignity in families around the world.

“Jeff Rutt is a leader whose heart is set on serving people and motivating others to do the same,” comments Paul Marty, Tomorrow Clubs director and HOPE’s first president.  “I had the privilege of working alongside Jeff on a courageous vision that turned into a global missions organization. Because of Jeff’s passion and dedication to helping underserved communities, I have seen people in poverty set free, with reasons to celebrate new hope and new purpose. It’s been incredible and inspiring to witness over the years.”

During the Epoch Awards ceremony, $50,000 in cash grants were given to help further the endeavors of each award winner and to encourage these innovators to continue making a difference in the world.