IBEC Managing Director, Bob Bush speaks for all of us in IBEC when he affirms “…I have so much to be thankful for as God continues to bless…” Read about our involvement in South Asia.
Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures
Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com
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It’s hard to believe that we will soon be celebrating another Thanksgiving…a reminder once again as to how quickly the years are going by. In 2023, I have so much to be thankful for as God continues to bless IBEC and me in ways that are beyond comprehension. In August, I was able to participate in a BAM Conference in South Asia. Captured below is a follow-up email I sent to our team on the ground. As you can see in this message, the grace of God allowed us to be a part of something very special in a very difficult part of the world. As you read this message, my prayer is that it creates a sense of urgency to keep pushing as we head into 2024. May we all hear God’s voice when He calls us to step out of our comfort zone and serve Him…with all our heart and soul.
As I sit here on my last flight segment back to Colorado from San Francisco, I am in awe of what God did this past week. I feel very humbled to have been part of such an amazing conference, quite possibly the most impactful gathering I have seen since joining this BAM movement many years ago. So many words come to mind as I try to capture what God just did, but the one that stands out above all the rest is obedience. The two of you in South Asia never gave up and you continued to push for this to happen, even though numerous challenges continued to come our way. Nothing…and I mean nothing…was going to get in the way of what God had in mind. Without obedience and the will to push forward and not give in to the circumstances, none of this would have happened. The lives that were impacted by the event would have never been changed. And I do believe, without a doubt, that lives were forever changed and the idea of building and growing businesses for the Kingdom has officially taken hold.
One story that will always resonate with me from the conference was in reference to a young man who was employed by a restaurant owner, who participated in our “pitch” contest. He talked about this young man who came to the restaurant every day, and eventually worked his way up to a supervisory role. From the time he set foot in the restaurant, he was the hardest working employee on the team. This young man has since gone on to work in another country and has been able to financially support his entire family. Had it not been for the first position he secured at the restaurant, the impact his family felt for years to come would have never taken place.
Here at IBEC Ventures, we continue to focus on job creation because for many, a newly-created position can create much-needed hope and encouragement. We are thankful for the opportunity to play a role in the BAM ecosystem where economic development is critical. Job creation can, in fact, be the necessary lifeline that changes lives and transforms communities.
Happy Thanksgiving! May God bless all of you and keep you safe and healthy during this special time of the year. Click here to watch a recap video about all that God did during the BAM Conference in South Asia.
Bob Bush, Managing Director, IBEC Ventures
Robert.Bush@ibecventures.com