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$4.83: The cost to impact the life of a child for a year… maybe forever.

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With $4.83, you could buy a large coffee, grab a medium-sized movie theater popcorn, or even pay for thirty minutes of big city downtown parking. But with that same $4.83, through Christ-centered microfinance, you could impact the life of a child for a year... maybe forever. The evidence is when parents are given opportunities, the lives of their kids improve. This book brings together data and 10 compelling, real-life stories that show how kids win through Christ-centered microfinance. And you win too. This book will educate and bless you as you engage in this aspect of God's incredible unfolding plan. All net proceeds from book sales will be donated to Christ-centered Microfinance organizations. By purchasing a book, you're impacting the life of a child for a year, maybe forever. Find out more about the amazing organizations we support on our website, kids-win[dot]com/organizations

Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2020

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11 people want to read

About the author

Jenn Tarbell

2 books

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
1 review
August 4, 2020
If you care about the impact of your giving dollars, $4.83 is a must read!

This is a great book that takes the very complicated concept of microfinance and distills it down to what really matters: 1) real life stories of changed lives and 2) indisputable evidence of how little it really takes to provide Kingdom Impact in the lives of the most vulnerable families on the planet.

As a CPA and finance professional, I have always been focused on finding ways to make my giving dollars go as far as possible to help those in need. In the 1990’s I started my career at Arthur Andersen, where I worked with co-author Lance Wood. In 2009, he introduced me to the concept of microfinance through information meetings he and Jeanie would hold at their home for anyone that would come and listen. He was so passionate about the impact per giving dollar of this new form of giving. I was there with him at a breakfast about ten years ago when he did his first back-of-the-napkin run at “calculating the impact” (on a person’s life for a year and maybe forever). The figure that day was $6.00 (calculated as follows: $100 sample loan ÷ 2 loan cycles a year ÷ avg. family size of 5 = $10 gross or $6 net of tax benefits, because he has always been a tax guy at heart). I have been blessed to see Lance’s heart for both God’s people and this amazingly effective solution grow over time. I loved seeing how he and other world-renowned experts’ work coalesced in Chapter 12 to prove the math he always knew in his heart.

In 2010, our family’s involvement in Christ-centered microfinance went from concept to action when the devastating earthquakes hit Haiti. My middle daughters where four and six at the time. They became came very focused on how they could help the many poor families they saw on TV, much like Elimés story in Chapter 11. Every night that week at dinner they would pray for them and ask how we could help. That week we made our first mustard seed size offering to HOPE International and Esperanza for Haiti relief, with my kids each giving from their piggy banks. Over the next year, they each got bios from actual clients and they prayed over them, their families and their businesses. Ten years later all my girls are still very involved with HOPE and the three oldest have gone to the Dominican Republic and Rwanda to see the fruits of their giving and prayer first-hand. Their involvement in the lives of children, from their time they themselves were just children, through Christ-centered micro finance ministries, has forever changed them.

Lastly, I want to commend the other co-author Jenn Tarbell for her gigantic heart that is so evident in the many compelling stories of transformation and deliverance. She was the one that first opened my eyes to the cycle of dependency (discussed in Chapter 2) that occurs when individuals repeatedly receive financial hand-outs: 1) Gratitude; 2)Anticipation; 3)Expectation; 4)Entitlement; 5)Dependency. Her passion for helping without hurting and the concept of “uncharity” as micro-finance is often called (as people are given the means and support to help themselves and do the work that God has called each of them to do) has always been an inspiration to our family.

I highly recommend that all believers read this enlightening book as I believe it will help many become fully versed in this often-misunderstood ministry. If you feel called to be come engaged with the many great organizations highlighted in this book, I know from my own experience that you, your family, and the family of God will all be blessed eternally.
2 reviews
July 24, 2020
On a recent flight from California to the east coast, this book captivated my attention from cover to cover. I'd venture to say that unless you live in a 3rd world country you can afford $4.83. Compared to the true life stories of those in this book, we live a life of abundance. I'm redirecting some of my giving as a direct result of this book. Jenn & Lance so eloquently and without making the reader feel guilty brought real life struggles into view. Also, you clearly point out that true charity is more than money. It's providing an opportunity for someone to have dignity. A hand up instead of a hand out. An investment in someone's life and future for their family and community. Thank you Jenn & Lance, first for your humanity and second for so beautifully bringing these needs to our attention.
1 review
July 23, 2020
This book is an eye opener on how and why the world's poor are in the position that they are in, how they can be helped and the challenge in getting them the help they require and need. The book should inspire us and gives a great message, perspective and a vision of the things we can do in small and or large ways that will make an impact on so many families, individuals and children as well as help nurture all of their dreams. We all have them and should share them, and help grow them!
The book is a simple quick read that you will not be able to put down.
Thank you and Congratulations Jenn and Lance.
1 review
August 12, 2020
As a retired businessman, entrepreneur and supporter of many charitable organizations, I have never been more impressed than with this book to gain knowledge about microfinance organizations and their impact to empower, motivate and transform impoverished people in all parts of the world.
It was a gratifying experience to read these real life stories and remarkable results achieved.
Reading this book will also make an indelible impression and likely educate the reader on how they can make a difference and redirect some of their charitable gift giving.
2 reviews
July 20, 2020
Great book, helpful and inspiring, and it answers a lot of questions I've had about how to empower people in poverty. This book contains captivating stories about people who have used Christ-centered microfinance to improve their lives. I smiled, teared up, and felt motivated to spark change while reading this book. Plus, it gives you concrete steps on how to make a difference. Definitely a must-read for anyone desiring to impact the needy in this world.
Profile Image for Dan Sommerville.
3 reviews
August 21, 2020
This book is incredibly well written and practical. If you can afford to buy this book and read it, then you can also make a difference in the life of a child. $4.83 intertwines the practicality of micro financing with the calling of faith and makes it possible for almost any American to be able to make an impact in God's kingdom. I highly recommend this book, it will change the way you view your financial abilities and enable and inspire you to make a difference.
416 reviews
June 25, 2021
This was a very eye-opening book and changed my views on charitable contributions. The format was great, with real life stories that told how microfinance had improved the lives of parents and thus their children. Helping others in a meaningful way that honors their own work is not expensive. It is certainly something most all of us in the West can do to help others who don't have our same advantages.
2 reviews
July 24, 2020
Don't wait! Buy it now and give it to everyone you know! Congratulations to Jenn and Lance! What an inspiring book! The stories are so compelling and many times heartbreaking but with each chapter you feel as though you can truly make a difference in the lives of hurting children! You will be so happy that you read this amazing book!
Profile Image for Scott Ward.
130 reviews6 followers
October 22, 2020
I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could—and I barely rate anything above 4. Not only does it deal with financial support/micro finance and the monetary effect on potential entrepreneurs in other countries but the intangible—emotional, spiritual, communal impact on kids and their families and communities.
Profile Image for Maya Wood.
9 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2020
Phenomenal. Jenn and Lance share their personal stories with global ministries and show again and again how microfinance is bringing many families out of poverty—including their kids! For those who care about investing in the next generation around the world, you have to read this book!
Profile Image for Jana Isaacson.
2 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2020
This book reminded me, once again, how "fortunate" we are to live in the top 10% of the world. I loved how the message of the book was conveyed through stories and it changed my behavior since reading it. There is something to learn for everyone in this book!
1 review
September 29, 2020
This is a wonderful book! For those who are not aware of how microfinancing works, it will open your eyes to this lifegiving process that helps people stand up on their own two feet. It is amazing how a small loan in the hands of industrious people can literally make a difference between starving and flourishing. The book is full of personal stories of redemption. For those who have heard of microfinancing scams, the book provides beautiful stories of how it can be done powerfully in a Christ centered, Christ honoring way.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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