Young Alumnus of the Year - 2009

Peter Brinkerhoff ’04

 

Upon graduation from Covenant, Peter Brinkerhoff joined the staff of Hope International to oversee a microfinance institution (MFI) in Congo. As the only American expatriate in the city of Kisangani, he was asked to provide savings and loan services for at least 800 clients within the first six months. And he did.

 

Although scheduled to be in the country for only two years, Peter stayed for five. In 2006 he moved to the city of Kinshasa, where he spent the next three years growing that city’s MFI from 2,500 to 12,000 clients and from 18 to 60 staff, as well as adding a new branch office. Peter’s gentle spirit, cultural sensitivity, and humility reflect a strong character and a real faith as he sees his efforts as God’s grace in action. This summer he worked for Hope in Afghanistan. He returned to Congo in the fall.