ERIK JOSEPHSON
Financial analyst
Education: Philosophy, University of St. Andrews, Scotland
Position: Operations Advisor (grant writing, translation, Web site design, video production)
Partner: Ecumenical Church Loan Fund-Peru
How did you first hear about Five Talents International?
I worked at Goldman Sachs in London for five years, and in May 2006 they organized a roundtable discussion on microfinance. I’d never heard of microfinance, but I was absolutely hooked because the subject of poverty always interested me. But finding a sustainable way to fix the problem instead of just donating money to people was the key. Six months later, I made the decision that it was time to go. I asked around the firm and was put in touch with Charles Eve [a partner at Goldman Sachs], a member of the Five Talents UK board of trustees.
What was most inspiring about your time in Peru?
Prior to going to Peru, I hadn’t spent much time among people of a vastly different socioeconomic class than my own. It was really affirming to meet quite a few people who really don’t have very much and to see how they live with real optimism and faith and ambition.
Why should someone be a Five Talents Fellow?
Five Talents is a fantastic organization, with a fantastic mission and vision. They’re doing extremely good work and are staffed with lovely people, who are very knowledgeable and know how to go about achieving their goals of poverty reduction.
SIMON LEE
Accountant
Education: Engineering, Durham University, UK
Position: Technical Advisor (working with staff on reporting, processes, systems, staff training events, finance)
Partner: Five Talents-Uganda
What drew you to Five Talents' mission?
I'm a Christian, and I'm an accountant, and consequently I believe in microfinance and particularly in any institution that uses microfinance more from a social (and Christian) perspective than merely a commercial one. It is every Christian's duty to 'love their neighbor' and for me that meant working with Five Talents to 'fight poverty, create jobs and transform lives.'
Why should someone be a Five Talents Fellow?
For me, volunteering with Five Talents has exposed me to a different country, different culture, different work and different challenges, not to mention a different social scene and my new bride! Five Talents has transformed my life, not just those of the entrepreneurs we are aiming to help. I can't recommend it strongly enough.
EDD PARKER
Education: Business Administration and Sociology, Aston University, UK
Position: Developed computerized loan tracking system
Partner: Mama Bahati Foundation-Tanzania
What was the highlight of your experience?
I really enjoyed building relationships with both the team and clients, particularly when I had opportunities to pray for them in times when they were struggling.
What draws you to Five Talents’ mission?
God spoke to me through Isaiah 58: “Stop oppressing the helpless and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumours. Feed the hungry and help those in trouble then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around will you will be as bright as day. The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be a well watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” I felt like Five Talents’ mission was one that fit this call that God makes to his people.
Why should someone be a Five Talents Fellow?
Partnership and relationship are such important parts to effective foreign aid and this is a way that people can show that their concern for the poor goes beyond giving money but time and love as well.
How did your time at MBF grow you in your walk with the Lord or change or expand your view of Christ’s Kingdom?
It helped me to see a fulfilment of some of the promises that God made throughout the Old Testament and to see how many people are passionate about God’s heart for the poor being lived out in our lifetime.
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