Giving & Global Peace: Adjo Akpan

About a year ago, I discussed how in financial insecurity we have a great opportunity to give.

One of the ways my wife and I put this thought into action was through contributing to a small micro loan for a man in Togo, Africa who needed a micro loan for construction. I donated through the organization Kiva.org and wanted to provide a status update, that at this time 75% of the loan has been paid back and on schedule.

My wife and I have recently been looking for opportunities to bless others that we know and don't know in various ways, and we thought of our construction friend Kokouda Baba and decided we would like to give another microloan.

Tonight we have decided to give to a woman, married with three young kids who sells beans, and is currently struggling because her supply does not meet her customer's needs. She also lives in Togo (Agbélouvé) and her name is Adjo Akpan.

At the time of writing this Adjo's $900 loan is 78% funded. I hope she get's funded soon, you can help.

Micro Loans, Giving & Peace
In our discussion on peace, I think security and opportunity are a big part of peace, especially when it comes to global peace.

I think the Nobel Prize committee was wise in recognizing this idea when they awarded Mohammed Yunus the peace prize in 2006. Yunnus founded Grameen Banks of Bangladesh which provides micro loans fighting poverty and creating opportunity in Bangladesh.

I think there is a strong case for Kiva founders Matt Flannery and Jessica Jackley to someday win the Nobel Peace prize, what they are doing could bring peace in a strong way.

Perhaps the active form of creating peace is often giving. Giving of ourselves, time, and resources to ensure a better well being for others. Not mandated giving, but true generosity.

I know I could do better at creating peace, especially to think about how I can be an instrument for peace in the lives of those I will never know or meet.

I think there is a strong case for Kiva founders Matt Flannery and Jessica Jackley to someday win the Nobel Peace prize, what they are doing could bring peace in a strong way.