Poverty is unquestionably the single greatest challenge facing African families, communities, and churches.  Over 700 million people in Africa live on less than $2.00 per day.  Vail and I moved to Africa to establish a Christian microfinance outreach in Uganda because we believe it enables us to help people break out of poverty and experience genuine spiritual and physical transformation.  Rather than creating dependency, it empowers.  It not only teaches people to fish but helps them build a fish market!  As you know from my previous correspondence we have partnered with BANCS Microfinance here in Uganda, which was founded in 2007 and at present has over 800 active loans.   We not only provide loans for the poor, but also provide basic business training as a prerequisite for receiving a loan, followed up with on-site visits. It’s important for the loans to be repaid, but our main goal for each client is to move out of poverty spiritually and financially.

Many of you have asked if you can give directly to fund loans for the poor.  Last year we did not have the capacity for that and I had to refer many potential donors to other organizations.  But now with BANCS we do have the capacity to receive your gifts designated for microfinance!  100% of your gift will be used for loans, and like always your contributions will be tax-deductible.  We have over 200 loan applications pending and if you give at least $75.00 I will personally oversee matching your gift to a corresponding loan.  I will also email you a profile of the recipient with a photo, some information about them and their family, and the nature of their business.  I wish I could do it for all gifts regardless of size, and maybe one day we can, but we have to limit it for now.  Whatever the amount, just know that it will make a difference.  (click HERE to give)

Regardless of the size of your gift to our microfinance outreach, it will never be spent, but will remain in what is called the “loan portfolio” only being used for loans.   Think about it - over a ten year period your gift will be loaned, re-paid, loaned again, and so on for a minimum of 20 loan cycles.  If you give $100.00, that is actually like giving $2000.00 and will help at least 20 families have an opportunity to move out of poverty.

I want to also thank you for your support for me and Vail personally.  Your prayers and your giving empowers us to do what we’re doing here.  May God abundantly bless you!
 
Sincerely,

Mike Croslow