A Leap of Faith for Church-Centered Microfinance
by David Larson

Abstract:
Local Enterprise Assistance Program (LEAP), located in Liberia, West Africa, is a microfinance institution or organization that provides loans to low-income persons for business purposes. This paper describes LEAP's efforts to positively affect the lives of Liberians who have suffered from years of civil war. After outlining the history, mission and vision, context, and description of services provided, the paper presents some observations in which the lives of LEAP clients have changed. The paper concludes with factors that have allowed for LEAP's success and that should be considered by anyone interested in using microfinance as a tool for ministry.