Instant Gratification this Easter

I was thrilled to see this e-mail in my mailbox. There are just a few lines of text but what an amazing story of triumph in areas of the world where people are struggling to meet their most basic needs. Please consider making a loan to a group on Kiva.org right now.

What a wonderful way to celebrate Easter! You can take an active, highly significant role in the growth of small businesses in the third world and you can do it right now with an amount of money that, while trivial to you, can have an incredible impact on the lives of these amazing entrepreneurs.

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Rasool Siddique Masih Group in Pakistan (Activity: Fruits & Vegetables)
You Loaned: $25.00
Newly Repaid: $4.58
Total Repaid So Far: $17.19 (68.76% of your loan)

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Bendia Group in Mali (Activity: Crafts)
You Loaned: $25.00
Newly Repaid: $4.17
Total Repaid So Far: $16.67 (66.68% of your loan)

This Easter please celebrate by sharing your blessings. Melanie and I spend a lot of time in the undeveloped and developing world- please understand that your loan goes a very, very long way in these countries. Your participation might seem insignificant but it is actually very dramatic for these people who are not seeking a handout but simply need credit to grow their small business that feeds and clothes their family.

Also in the spirit of Easter please remember that these poorest of countries are also places where terrorist groups come knocking. They offer a way out of poverty- cash, a home, and a future- for jihad. Every government has a political aim and an agenda to satisfy. Every offer of help comes with strings. But microfinance is a way to use the internet to move beyond politics and terror and poverty. It is an olive branch as much as it is a loan of money. Please give now.