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Jan Erik Larsen and son Viggo in the Husoy, Norway Prayer House. My wife and I spent a week in Norway last month exploring the roots of our son-in-law in that country. It was a privilege to be with his family, and learn about this amazing country. One of the interesting things was to have […]

Monday is Labor Day in the US and Canada, a national holiday that dates back to the 1880s.  It has its roots in the labor movement and is celebrated in September in North America, distinct from most of the world which celebrates the International Workers Day on May 1. Our Christian faith has much to

IBEC Board member Dave Kier writes a regular “Leadership Tip”  using stories from his career as a business owner.  This one includes several principles which apply to us all and he uses a real-life example from a well-known company. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com —– I am starting to write my

Here are seven questions that can provide you with a framework for a good idea: Are you passionate about it? Do you have the gifts, skills, and experience to carry it out? Is it unique, and can you monetize it? Is there a growing market for the idea? Does the idea align with your calling?

As I have travelled around the country, given seminars in churches, schools, various small groups, and taught full courses in four colleges/universities, I have heard many comments which have intrigued me at best, and disturbed me at worst.  I was reflecting on some of them recently and share them with you here, with my perspective

I remember when one of our kids questioned everything with “Why” when he was a toddler.  He even continued into his teen years.  We learned to take advantage of his curiosity and use it as a “teaching moment”.  He became an avid learner. Why should a BAM practitioner continually listen carefully and ask good questions?

I read lots of stuff on entrepreneurialism and even teach a class in college on the subject.  Recently, I discovered an article by an entrepreneur which covers it in a succinct and accurate manner.  The author, Diane Bryant, introduces it with this paragraph in the Sept 21, 2022, issue of Fast Company magazine. After a

Last year, IBEC Board member Don Simmons, CFP published a book which everyone should read.  It is entitled The Steward Investor – Investing God’s Resources for Eternal Impact. Don has over thirty years of experience in asset management and knows the power of investing in redemptive businesses to build people and communities.  He is an

Sometimes, your employees rise to greater heights than you. Judy, Philip’s wife, once worked for me in the USA, then they married and moved to Asia and as a team they started a bakery and coffee shop in a major city in South Asia. It takes a long time. 8 years ago, they wondered if it