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But Opportunity has found that microfinance doesn't work in every nation. South Africa's relatively affluent economy, where people have greater access to resources, has posed a unique challenge. Opportunity clients number only 389, with a paltry loan portfolio of under $125,000. The ongoing political crisis in Zimbabwe has severely crippled OI's work there. And in Zambia, alleged local leadership infighting led to the closure of the Opportunity initiative in the country. Elsewhere in Africa, OI has acquired nonprofit microfinance operations, which have a hard time raising significant capital and sustaining operations long-term.

Despite these challenges, Opportunity is growing its programs in Africa. In 2005, the organization launched the Lending Hope to Africa campaign aimed at raising $25 million to fund 10,000 trust groups. By the spring of this year, 7,562 groups had been created.

OI president Chris Crane said, "We are working toward the day when all poor Africans who need a loan to grow their businesses, a safe place to deposit their savings, or an insurance policy to protect their families' health and assets [will] have access from an organization that is dedicated to their needs and well-being."

After 16 intense months in Rwanda, Dabbs Cavin and his family returned to Little Rock in mid-August to catch the start of the academic year for their school-age kids. Urwego's acting CEO is Todd Brogdon, who will remain in place until a permanent replacement is hired. The combined operations of Urwego now include 170 employees. Dawson serves on Urwego's board.

For all three Arkansans, the experience has been a defining moment in their lives. Cavin sums it all up with the convicting question: "What is our duty in the world when we live with so much abundance?"

Isaac Phiri is a journalist based in Lusaka, Zambia.

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Opportunity International has more on OI Bank in Rwanda.

Christianity Today's "Small Loans, Big Goals" explained how Muhammad Yunus' Nobel Prize boosts growing microfinance ventures.

"Lessons from the Poor" explains why giving the award to an organization that encourages entrepreneurship is significant.

PBS has a transcript of an interview with Muhammad Yunus

A preview of "A Hand Up is Not Always a Handout" by Yunus is available at the Wall Street Journal.

PBS has an article on the history of microfinancing

The Economist writes on the pros and cons of microlending in "The Hidden Wealth of the Poor."

The Association of Evangelical Relief and Development Organizations has a paper on Microenterprise Development and links to Christian development organizations that implement MED.

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October 2007, Vol. 51, No. 10