rope taking action, changing lives

The Rope Story

In 1991 the businessman, Michael Wood, founded Rope (Relief of Oppressed People Everywhere). Michael had travelled extensively around the majority of the world because of his interest in Christian international mission.  Motivated by his understanding of scripture, particularly Matthew 25, Michael responded from his own resources when confronted with need caused by oppression and poverty. As opportunities increased to help Christians in different parts of the world meet these needs, Michael decided to launch Rope to enable others to respond to God’s love for the poor, oppressed and vulnerable.

All Rope’s work, in approximately 40 countries, continues to be carried out by national partners, known as Ropeholders. Each partner is responsible for identifying needs and presenting projects which are then financed by Rope. The organisation is also committed to enabling and supporting these partners through advice and ongoing engagement with them.

In 2003, Friends of Rope was launched to cover all the organisation’s running costs maintaining Rope’s proposition to its supporters that 100% of all gifts given to Rope will be applied for the benefit of the poor. Rope continues to have a strong culture of volunteering and through this has kept the number of employed staff to a minimum. Throughout its history, Rope has had a strong relationship with its supporting churches and individual supporters and it is from these sources that the majority of the income comes. In 2010 a new strap line was adopted Taking Action. Changing Lives. which is a summary of Rope’s vision statement and encapsulates all that Rope has been since Michael Wood founded the organisation.