Kiva was recently featured on Oprah, CNBC’s “Business Tonight” and was also mentioned in Bill Clinton’s latest book. There is a lot of junk on the internet, but at the same time it can be used in amazing ways by God. I think Kiva is one of them.
Here is Kiva’s description:
We let you loan to the working poor
Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can “sponsor a business” and help the world’s working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you’ve sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.
So, I decided to jump in. I mean, what’s 25$ anyway? I’ll spend that on a book and not think twice about it. I found a woman in Pucallpa, Peru to support. She is seeking a 350$ loan to fix up the moto-taxi you see there in the background. Having ridden many times in one of those bad boys, I feel especially invested. Let me know if you decide to loan to her too. That would be pretty cool. Here’s the link to her profile.
My husband’s extended family gets together each Christmas and has a $1 “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. This year we are donating $10 each to go toward a goat for the Heifer Project. I think it’s a great idea and a great way to teach the young ones about giving and what the season is all about. Last year we gave money to go toward a local woman who wanted to buy Christmas gifts for her kids and we raised over $300. It’s a great feeling to help people out…better than one would imagine. This post made me think about helping out the poor and how Jesus called us to help others in need.
So now I am an official KIVA donor as well!! Thanks for posting about this great site Ryan! This truly is a gift than can keep on giving and giving. Your money can go so far without feeling like you have to make such a sizable donation! I am also helping a woman in Peru with a grocery store, since my heart is so dear to Peru also! Thanks again….
kammie » Awesome! Keep me updated on how it goes. I actually just recieved notice that my borrower has just made her first payment. What a cool way to use an extra 25$ dollars!