Every individual, every organization has a story to tell.

Helping Other People Eternally (HOPE) International's story is one of compassion and empowerment and the human spirit. It's a story that continues to evolve, continues to change - one whose final chapters have yet to be written.

"I think some people do (know about HOPE International's mission)," said Jeff Rutt, chairman of the board and founder of the organization. "I think more people need to know about the work God is doing through HOPE International. If we can share that with more people, hope can be restored in more lives. I'm always looking for ways to spread the word about the difference HOPE is making in the lives of families around the world. We need to be a voice for the voiceless."

Headquartered at 227 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, HOPE International is a Christian organization focused on helping individuals and families in poverty around the world to become financially stable. HOPE International performs its work through small, low-interest loans; savings groups; financial education; microfinance services; housing programs; and agricultural initiatives.

"When HOPE International was started, I didn't know what I didn't know," said Rutt. "If you go to start a global organization, you don't start out as an old dairy-farmer-turned-builder. But God knew the steps. My vision at the beginning was to help a few poor families in Ukraine. It's grown explosively, and I think we're just getting started."

That was 27 years ago, in 1997. Since then, HOPE International has provided financial assistance to more than 3 million people in more than 20 countries, such as Haiti, the Republic of the Congo, Thailand, Guatemala and Indonesia.

But the nonprofit is neither satisfied nor resting on its laurels.

"When we first started, we were looking for ways to provide hope spiritually and financially," said Rutt. "We were just a fledgling 501(c)(3) at the time. We were trying to figure out how we can join hands with other organizations and work together."

HOPE International's work is funded through individual donors, fundraisers, churches, foundations and business donations. Since its inception, HOPE International has raised more than $275 million and lent more than $1.7 billion.

Between 2017 and 2023, 98% of the loans in the HOPE International network were repaid.

"We want to continue to grow our programs and deepen our roots," said Rutt. "There are more families to be served, thousands and thousands. There's plenty of need out there. We want to restore dignity in families' lives and use that platform to proclaim the Gospel. I think there's so much potential. HOPE International is a partner; we're not trying to provide the answers."

Financial stability in a community can have far-reaching ripple effects. It can spur growth and stimulate local economies.

"The families we serve are very competent; they have talents just like you and I," said Rutt. "The point of the story is that I think the world can be a better place. Praise God for the amazing life inspirations that have happened and will happen going forward. I'm just a small part of it."

For additional information about HOPE International, go to http://www.hopeinternational.org.