HOPE International Vision Trip

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Have you ever been on a trip to a developing country? Do you know what poverty looks like? Do you know that approximately 66% of the world’s population lives on less than $4 per day? Have you ever wondered how finance and business skills could be used in missions and in lifting the world out of poverty? Do you know what microfinance is? Do you know there is an organization based in Lancaster that is using a business approach to bring dignity and employment to the poor?

If you would like to answer yes to any of these questions, then join me on a short trip with Hope International to the Dominican Republic on January 7 – 9, 2010.

My good friend Peter Greer is president of and will be leading our trip. On this trip we will learn about microfinance, interact with loan recipients, and experience a community bank.

Microfinance is defined as providing financial services, such as small loans, to poor people so they can increase their income and decrease their vulnerability to unforeseen circumstances. Microfinance has been successful around the world. It works for one simple and indisputable reason – the vast majority of the poor are willing and able to lift themselves from poverty if given the opportunity. The cost of the trip is $1,100 and includes airfare, lodging, food, and a program donation.

The trip promises to change your life as you will get to see the impact of helping someone unlock the entrepreneurial spirit and enterprising potential to pull themselves out of poverty.

This trip would be great to bring your teenage child or grandchild. If you are interested, please soon as there are only 15 spots available.

Links:
[1] http://www.accountingweb.com/blogs/accountingweb/exuberant-accountant