Question 1

What are the repayment statistics on microlending?

Accepted Answer

Statistically, microfinance loans have a 98% repayment rate. Post COVID, that rate has lowered to a 90% replacement rate. People in third world countries see repayment as honor and if one does not repay loans, they are shunned by their communities.

Question 2

What happens if the recipient does not pay back the loan?

Accepted Answer

We will enter a covenant with the loan recipient.  If the recipient of the money fails to repay the loan or if they are routinely late in their payments, their ability to receive additional funds will be negated.

Question 3

What happens if the recipient cannot pay the loan because they lost their business due to tragic weather events, wars, illness etc.?

Accepted Answer

It is not the desire of AWAKE International to further burden already burdened people. We look at each case, along with the sponsoring missionary, to determine the correct course of action. The recipients and their community may look at the lack of repayment, no matter the cause, as lack of character and may self-impose isolation. We do not desire this to happen to of our participants. Therefore, most people will be made whole in the form of a grant.

Example: A typhoon hits a rabbit farm and all structures are lost,  including the rabbits. We will have dialogue with the AWAKE participant and sponsoring missionary to determine what is needed. If the participant is in the debt repayment phase, we will freeze the payments and provide a grant to allow them to restart their business.

Question 4

Is micro-lending a new idea?

Accepted Answer

There are over 10,000 micro-lending institutions around the world. Still only 20% of the of the worlds estimated 3 billion poor have access to a micro-loan.

Question 5

Why don’t you just give the money? Why create debt?

Accepted Answer

It is true. AWAKE International could just provide grants. But we believe man was made to work. Biblical references for these beliefs can be found in the following verses:

I Timothy 5:8
II Timothy 2:16
II Thessalonians 3: 10-12
Proverbs 14:23
Proverbs 5:8
Psalm 128:2

Question 6

Isn’t debt an unhealthy practice?

Accepted Answer

The most common Bible verse presented in the concept of avoiding debt is Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” If a person borrows more than they can afford or lives outside their means, they do become a slave to the lender whether that lender be a bank or Mastercard. The Bible does not say debt is a sin.  Like most concepts in the Bible, extremes pave the road to sin.

Question 7

What is the average size of loans?

Accepted Answer

Most loans are $1000 or less.

Question 8

What is the interest rate charged for the loans?

Accepted Answer

Interest rates range from 1% to 4%.

Question 9

Are monies available for established businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, monies are available for established businesses.

Question 10

Why doesn’t the participant go to the bank for a loan?

Accepted Answer

According to data released by the World Bank, three quarters of the world’s poor don’t have a bank account, not only because of poverty, but the cost of travel and amount of paperwork involved in opening an account.

Question 11

What are the terms on the loans?

Accepted Answer

The terms of the loans vary according to the amount of the loan and the product in which the person is borrowing.

Question 12

How does one qualify for a micro-loan?

Accepted Answer

The potential recipient must be nominated by an established missionary and they attest the person is faithful to the local church and community.

Question 13

What is the process once nominated?

Accepted Answer

Once nominated, AWAKE will meet with the candidate to listen to their business idea. We are looking for well thought out ideas that will have not only an economic rippling effect but a kingdom one also. The candidate, with the help of an AWAKE counselor and the local missionary, will create a business plan and request for needed funds.

Once approved, the A.W.A.K.E. participant will complete online courses in the A.W.A.K.E. Academy. Biblical concepts of money management, business growth and discipleship are just a few of the courses available.  Once the funds are awarded, the participant will continue taking courses with AWAKE. Repayment begins when the AWAKE participant’s business has positive cash flow.

Question 14

Is the A.W.A.K.E. Academy accredited?

Accepted Answer

No. The AWAKE Academy is not accredited.