As the 2011-2012 fiscal year winds down, we want to take a moment to thank all of our supporters for their friendship, advocacy, prayers and donations. You have joined with us in an important cause, and we would not be as effective as we are without your backing.

So, thank you. Thank you for believing in the micro-entrepreneurs we serve. Thank you for recognizing their inherent dignity and investing in their businesses. Thank you for obeying Christ's command to serve the poor.

Finally, we have some good news to share with you: It is always encouraging when others outside of our circle recognize the worth of our cause. And as of late we have had several such words of affirmation.

After a months'-long campaign, Five Talents received word this month that it had been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Giving of Life Foundation. We'd peppered you with e-mails, blog posts, Tweets and Facebook posts, asking for your votes. You came through, and our approach to microfinance stood out from the crowd.

We also received word recently that, for the second year in a row, Five Talents will be re-featured on the website of Greater Washington's Catalogue for Philanthropy. We're so excited to be connected with such a prestigious publication once again.

Thank you for helping us to an amazing year – we are truly blessed to have you by our side.