Inspiration in One Woman’s Hard Work and Faith

All it takes to start a business is a dream and some elbow grease. But to be successful, business owners may need something else. If that business is located in a poverty-stricken country, the chance of getting a loan or finding a foothold to grow a business becomes slim.

Homes for Hope and Hope International believe the way to fight poverty is to secure small loans for individuals in struggling countries. The loans are used to help people grow their businesses to be economically viable. The loans are repaid and given to other business owners in need.

The loans do not need to be substantial to be significant. Just $50 was enough to change the life of Ramona Ciprian, a colmado owner in San Pedro, Dominican Republic. About 18 years ago, she received her first loan.

Ramona worked hard to build her business. Her colmado, a one-stop shop catering to an entire community, now makes more in a day than her entire first loan. She stocks clothes, food, school supplies and anything else residents might need. Customers always leave satisfied because she has it all.

That feeling of having it all extends to Ramona too. Ramona feels the loan was a blessing, and she uses her store as a way to let others know the power of her faith. Psalms 113:5, “Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high” is written along the front of Ramona’s colmado. She talks about Jesus to customers as they pay, and she can often be found ministering throughout the area.

For Ramona, the store is not just a place of business. It’s a way for her to preach the Gospel to those around her. She is a true example of how faith and hard work can accomplish almost anything.

Visit www.homes4hope.org and www.hopinternational.org to learn how you can help make a difference and break the cycle of poverty in other countries.

Until next time,

Jeff Rutt

Find Out More About Hope International at These Events

Hope International isn’t wasting time in 2014. While last year was a great one for the organization and the thousands of people it helped, that doesn’t mean there is time to waste in the new year.

Several events are planned in February, and they are perfect for anyone looking to make a difference this year without having to travel across the globe.

What’s coming in February:

·         Peter Greer, President and CEO of Hope International, will be speaking at the Fort Worth Club’s Speaker Series. Greer will discuss how the organization’s new approach to poverty is changing lives. Learn how loans to hard-working entrepreneurs instead of handouts can help them break free and start making a living that can support their families. Tuesday, February 4. The Forth Worth Club. 306 West 7th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102

·         The Believers in Business Conference, a conference for MBA students welcomes Peter Greer to discuss how faith and business intersect. Check out the full agenda for other great speakers. More than 275 attendees are expected for the conference, which is now in its ninth year. Friday, February 14. Redeemer Presbyterian Church. 150 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024

·         Learn how Christianity and social justice merge in a unique conversation between two important figures in global change. Peter Greer will be joined by Shane Claiborne, an author and prominent advocate who works with the poor. Admission is free, but a ticket is required. Call (717) 691-6036 for more information and for tickets. Messiah College, 1 College Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 

Keep an eye out for more events in the future. Remember, it’s easy to make a change. Find out more about joining Hope International, and discover how your time can change the world.

Until next time,

Jeff Rutt

From Hopelessness to Business Owner in India

If you’re reading this, then you are better off than more than half the women in India who have no ability to read or write. Access to a computer is not even a possibility. Life for them is “hopeless.” That’s their word.

The country does have a very successful technology sector. However, for the other half of India, the future is bleak. One in three people live in extreme poverty. Thanks to the caste system, they are taught to believe that their status in life was decided when they were born.

There is no way out and, in an emergency, the only option is local money lenders who charge 120 to 240 percent interest. For the women of India, there is no way to move up. Often, staying afloat is enough of a challenge.

With the help of Hope International, women in India are leaving poverty and becoming empowered. They are learning about the Gospel, the love of Jesus Christ and that He has a plan for them. It starts with a simple idea: 10 to 15 women get together and create a savings group. A dollar or two a month is saved. Soon, an internal pool of money is available for the women to use to pay off money lenders, in case of emergency or to start a business.

Suddenly, these women who saw the future as just more of the same struggle are experiencing Jesus’ love for them and seeing that the road ahead is bright. For instance, Shanty used the money from the group to start a small grocery shop. Women like Andandi can sign their names, an important skill now that she and the rest of the women in her group are dealing with banks on a regular basis.

Where they were alone and scared, they are now united and strong. “One woman alone can’t do much, but when there’s 10 of us together can accomplish anything.”

It’s a message we should all remember. With Jesus Christ, we can change the world for the better. Hope International has served 35,000 people in India. As you look forward in 2014, know that anything is possible with Jesus Christ.

Until next time,

Jeff Rutt

Homes for Hope Program Expands to California

Jeff Rutt, here.

I recently got back from a Homes for Hope trip a wonderful group of people from all over the country to the Dominican Republic. This trip, like so many others I've taken, reminded me of the true purpose behind Homes for Hope and HOPE International. It's still amazing to me how so many people have banded together over the past few years to help make a difference in global poverty.

Following on the heels of this trip, I am glad to announce that Wathen Castanos Hybrid Homes has joined the Homes for Hope team, and that they have started construction on our first Hope home in California.

Wathan Castanos is nationally recognized for their quality, green homes. However, the builder also embodies a culture of stewardship, supporting organizations such as Project Playhouse, Youth for Christ, Habitat for Humanity and now Homes for Hope.

Through this build, we hope to raise more than $100,000 in funds for HOPE International who will use the money to find micro-loans to aspiring entrepreneurs in 17 developing countries, including the Dominican Republic.

The new home will be located in the Artisan Harlan Ranch subdivision at 4317 Salem Lane, Clovis, CA 93619.

If you're in the home building industry either as a builder or trade supplier, I hope you will take the time to check out Homes for Hope. To date, we've generated more than $10 million, which has helped more than 100,000 entrepreneurs break the cycle of poverty. By joining our team, you too can experience how giving a "hand up" can build a future of hope and promise.

Blessings,

Jeff Rutt

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.