More than 25 years ago, HOPE International, a Christ-centered global nonprofit that equips men and women to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their community, gave out its first micro loan in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Just recently, Jeff Rutt, founder of HOPE International, recounted the story of a Ukrainian blueberry farmer named Anastasiya. "Anastasiya decided not to let the war cause her to leave, which is a big deal," said Rutt. "She had gotten a loan from HOPE prewar for seedlings for her blueberry farm, and in 2022, she was able to secure a second loan for irrigation to increase her crop." Last year, Anastasiya and her family harvested their first blueberry crop. HOPE has given out a total of $1.2 million in Ukraine since the war began.

Since its founding in 1997, HOPE has disbursed $1.6 billion in micro loans with the goal of restoring dignity in families' lives. To raise funds to reach such goals, HOPE holds a yearly golf tournament. This year's fundraiser will take place in three locations: Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, Md., at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14; Iron Valley Golf Club, Lebanon, on Friday, Sept. 15, at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Wyncote Golf Club, Oxford, on Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. Those who wish to register to play or who want to provide a sponsorship may do so at http://www.hopeinternational.org/golf by Friday, Sept. 1.

Rutt emphasized that HOPE focuses on all domains, not just the material but also personal, social, and spiritual. "It's exciting to see what God can do through what He puts in the hands of the clients we serve around the world," he said, adding that as the war in Ukraine continues to rage, HOPE continues to offer loans in that country and pray with clients. "God is working," said Rutt. "We see more and more people coming to Christ through interaction with our teams and the churches even through the destruction and disillusionment of the war," he said, adding that many people who had no interest in spiritual discussions prior to the war want to pray with the HOPE team. "I believe it will have an impact on the generations to come," he said. Rutt pointed out that before the war, 5.5% of Ukrainians lived below the poverty line. That number is now at 24%, and it is estimated that it could take a decade for the Ukrainian economy to recover.

Sarah Smith, content and media writer for HOPE International, said that the HOPE approach offers a sustainable way to alleviate poverty and positively impact a community. "When someone takes out a loan or is saving money and starts a business, they often start employing other people in the community," she noted.

Rutt added that sustainability is the reason HOPE has always avoided simply giving handouts to those in need. "We believe we can get to a longer-lasting solution through allowing people to use the gifts that God put in their hands. We are interested in restoring dignity, not creating dependency." To continue to make that happen, Rutt has set a goal of raising $1.1 million toward a goal of nearly $35 million for the year. "It all happens through partnerships and sponsorships," he said. "Contact us and help drive out poverty."