November 5, 2025
Missions of Hope International began in the Nairobi slums with the goal of serving the poor through education, spiritual development, economic empowerment, and basic medical care.
September 3, 2012
By Jennifer Johnson It”s the attention-getting title of a new cookbook that”s received international attention””and helped Saiyuud “Chompoo” Diwong create a new life for herself and her family in the Klong Toey slum of Bangkok. Poo began by offering cooking classes as part of a microenterprise initiative led by Ash and Anji Barker, directors of Urban Neighbors of Hope (UNOH), which partnered with Christian Missionary Fellowship (Indianapolis, IN) earlier this year. The Barkers and two other families live in the Bangkok, Thailand, slums and lead community centers, a Christian school, the Helping Hands microenterprise program, and more. Other UNOH teams live among the
December 13, 2011
By LeRoy Lawson When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor and Yourself Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert Chicago: Moody Press, 2009 Banker to the Poor: Micro-lending and the Battle Against World Poverty Muhammad Yunus with Alan Jolis New York: Public Affairs, 2003 The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World Jacqueline Novogratz New York: Rodale, 2009 A Billion Bootstraps: Microcredit, Barefoot Banking, and the Business Solution for Ending Poverty Phil Smith and Eric Thurman, Forward by Muhammad Yunus New York: McGraw-Hill, 2007 First, hear the story: “Elephant and Mouse
August 19, 2007
How can the gospel be communicated amid poverty and despair? This article explains “business as mission,” outlining three levels of investment and a “quadruple bottom line” that combines profit, ministry, community impact, and stewardship.
August 19, 2007
A California church partnered with leaders in Nairobi’s Mathare Valley to support microenterprise as mission. One $8 loan helped Elizabeth start a chapati business, escape exploitation, and grow in faith and community.
May 13, 2007
Economic justice and the church’s witness Economic justice comes into sharper focus when living in poorer neighborhoods reveals how deeply economic standing shapes daily life, church challenges, and the way believers relate to one another. This article reflects on the Bible’s attention to justice and generosity, then offers practical suggestions for both wealthy Christians and poorer churches. Economic disparities can shape trust, opportunity, and long-term stability in a community. Scripture repeatedly addresses justice, mercy, and the spiritual dangers of favoritism. Both wealthy Christians and poorer churches can take concrete steps toward healthier relationships and clearer witness. By Jim Herbst Diane,
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May 5, 2026
Doug Redford
May 5, 2026
Joel Riehle
May 5, 2026
David Faust