Not all stories end happily; in fact, not all readers want stories to end with good outcomes. However, Business as Mission (BAM) seeks quadruple bottom line outcomes which are good. One of those outcomes has to do with the spiritual, faith, and discipleship. Some call them Kingdom outcomes.
The book Missions Disrupted provides the reader with 27 BAM in action stories. Here are some short snippets of good faith related outcomes:
- “I have learned to love others…” They loved their jobs because of a culture – a culture of love, care, passion, mentoring, character and family. (English school in Asia; page 125)
- “Annie, I used to catch myself with my head low because I was ashamed of who I was and what I was doing. Now, I catch myself with my head up high because I am proud of what I am doing.” (Trafficked survivor employed at Nightlight in India; page 130)
- “In January 2018, after a long time reading, studying, joining in fellowship with others in the company, I was baptized. Thanks be to God for bringing Tims, which changed my life, changed my personal actions, and led me to the path of knowing Jesus.” (one of 400 employees at Tims in SE Asia; page 167)
- “I have always wanted to be a small-scale farmer and to know God and have a greater relationship with him…Ebenezer has changed me … and now I want to pass it on to others.” (Student at Ebenezer Agricultural College in Zimbabwe; page 178)
- Jonathan is an example of someone changed by the power of God. In 2012, he met Jun, Dignity’s community development leader, who spent extended time with Jonathan and his wife Jenelyn. Since that time their lives have changed. Jonathan stopped gambling … he and his family now have hope for their future. (Employee at Dignity Coconuts in the Philippines; page 193)
- In the probation process he learned the difference between penance and repentance, and he agreed he wanted to learn. At the end of three months, George was a changed man and clearly understood the gospel.” (An IT company employee in India; page 205).
- As a result, ten members of the group decided to follow Jesus. Since then, hardly a day goes by when someone doesn’t ask for more knowledge about Jesus. (English school in Thailand; page 198)
- “As I was wondering where God who changes all situations was and at the last minute He came and changed my life. He has done so many wonderful things, most of His wonders have brought tears of joy where I used to be filled with bitterness and anger … there is nothing that can be compared to His love just like how He promised that He will bring back all that I lost.” (Winifred, a human trafficked survivor now employed at Nguvu Dairy in Uganda; page 213)
- Several Super Gifts workers made a commitment to learn sign language and befriend Lilly. Today, Lilly has blossomed into a confident, outgoing, and popular member of the Super Gifts family at our factory. She now seeks out new employees and gives of herself to make them feel comfortable and respected as integral members of the team. She loves the nurturing, supportive atmosphere at the factory where value is placed on friendship, encouragement, and excellence. (Super Gifts factory in Asia; page 102)
- Luciana joined the band at the age of eighteen praying that God would change her skin, but Chris, the band leader, showed her that her identity was a gift from God since he made her that way. God began to heal her childhood race-related traumas, and she saw that she was not only accepted by him, but also important to him. (Luciana, Kerusso band member in Brazil; page 92)
The book Missions Disrupted: From Professional Missionaries to Missional Professionals, by Larry W. Sharp is an apologetic for Business as Mission with missional theology and business theory supported by stories of God at work in the marketplace. It is available at Amazon and Christian Book.
Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures
Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com