Many things about Opportunity International have changed since our founding, but one thing has remained unchanged for the last 50 years: the heart behind our work. Our motivation is clear: We respond to Jesus Christ's call to love and serve the poor. We seek to emulate the Good Samaritan, whose compassion crossed ethnic groups and religions. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Each year, our philanthropy team chooses a Bible verse to serve as inspiration. The verse reminds our staff of our purpose, grounds us in our faith, and energizes us for the work in front of us.

This weekend, as we celebrate Easter, join us as we revisit some of our past team verses and remember the ways they guided, encouraged, and motivated us.

2014

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us..."

God has called us to this work, and it is our job to remain fixed on his purposes for us. We will not be mired in distractions, disagreements, or disappointments—instead, let us move forward in faith, with perseverance, remembering that we are surrounded by both the "great cloud of witnesses" and our team.

 

2015

Matthew 5:14-15

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."

May we be bold in our faith, encouraging in our relationships, and compassionate in our leadership. May our lives be an example of God's love to everyone we meet.

 

2016

Esther 4:14

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

We are in the place and position by God's choice and provision. He has a purpose for us here in this moment—so let's discern it, choose it, and live into it with boldness. How can we use our voices, our power, our leadership, and our influence for good?

 

2017

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Even with countless hurdles in front of us, God calls us to be strong. He calls us to stand firm. He calls us to be courageous. And he once again reminds us to not be afraid. Though we face trials of many kinds, God is with us.

 

2018

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands."

We pray that God would bless our work, strengthen our relationships, and encourage our community. We ask for our mission to be blessed by His favor and guided by His wisdom.

 

2019

Psalm 27:13-14

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

We find our confidence in our God, even when things are difficult. We look for His goodness and see it all around us, even in the midst of suffering and struggle. And we take heart, even as we wait.

 

2020

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

With God, we work boldly, enthusiastically, and with purpose. We share our mission with confidence, build relationships with love, and serve clients with compassion. God has equipped us for the work ahead of us.

 

 

Each week for the next 50 weeks, we will share a piece of Opportunity's history—major or minor, sobering or inspiring. We have gotten to where we are today by facing some of the world's greatest challenges, with you by our side. Please join us in celebrating the many significant moments that have built the foundation on which we will embark on our most audacious vision yet: ending extreme poverty.