August 2018 The Link

Philippine Businessmen

A Great Reason to do Business
Changing the paradigm is difficult. Being an innovator begs questions, sometimes more than one wants to answer. Jumping in first on an idea can be dangerous and lonely. Thanks so much to you who believed in the vision of Mission Resource from the beginning, and who have supported us as we have stayed the course. We are beginning to reap some of the rewards we dreamed about 15 years ago.

I recently made a trip to Davao, Philippines, on the island of Mindanao. It was kind of a silly trip in that I had four flights, totaling 19 hours of flying time, not considering the time between flights, delays, etc., and I was actually only there for 4 nights. HOWEVER, it was extremely valuable, worth it, encouraging, and confirming.

We arrived Saturday around lunch, and Saturday afternoon, over 30 people met us at the Christian Seminary to share their interest in starting businesses to support their evangelism efforts. Four separate groups presented hog farming ideas while one group presented a poultry farm business. Our Christian Brothers and Sisters in Davao desperately want to do business as a means to present the gospel and give themselves an income.

On Monday we travelled 4 hours each direction to a rural area where we met with the potential poultry farmers. It capped off an amazing God ordained experience. We visited a fourth generation farm of 28 hectares, approximately 60 acres. The farm currently has hundreds of coconut trees, banana trees and a fish farm. The sole purpose of the farm is evangelism. Twenty-one of the evangelists were there to meet us and learn about this new possible venture. I was captivated!

Gabrenor, head of the family, a trained mechanical engineer who was working in Dubai, returned to the farm when his father died unexpectedly a few years ago. He is intelligent, committed, and has a cousin Franz who works alongside him. Most of all, he wants to continue honoring his Christian heritage to make a difference for Christ. Even though they live in a remote, jungle-like environment, they have access to the internet and use it to learn best practices for their business.

They need additional capital and understand that they need to work hard to create income so their evangelistic, discipleship efforts continue and grow. How exciting it will be to see what they will accomplish through Christ, for Christ, through their business.

Mission Resource International, in my opinion, is ready to move to the next level of helping so many other people around the world have lasting hope and a reason greater than themselves to do business. That reason is the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord.

Len, Mark and Doug finishing the 900 mile ride

Zalia sewing in her shop

Noah on his farm where a tractor is plowing to cultivate his onion and green pepper

John in his canoe with diving equipment similar to what he would like to purchase

How Far Would You Go?
Maybe you heard about the three men who passionately rode their bikes 900 miles from Louisville to Canada. And you may wonder what would bring anyone to do such a crazy thing! For Mark Yeaton, his brother Doug Yeaton and Len Newton is was a passion to serve and to use their gift to glorify God and help grow the Kingdom.

Mark has been cycling for many years and has even written a book “Elephant on the Menu: A Cycling Venture Across America” about his experiences. But more than cycling, he enjoys using his gift to serve others. He has partnered with Mission Resource numerous times to help fund Christian men and women who need a business loan. And this ride was no different. Through the efforts of Mark, Doug and Len over $3,100 was raised which far exceeded their goal and allowed not one, not two but three Christian business owners to become fully funded!

Zalia is a dressmaker in Ghana. She completed a 4 year apprenticeship after Junior High School and then started her own shop where she has been working for the past 4 years. Zalia and her husband have 2 small children of which they work hard to provide for. With her business loan, she will be able to purchase dress making materials in bulk which will save time and travel costs as well as help to better provide for her customers.

Noah has been farming maize and cassava in Ghana since 1998 but in 2015 he expanded his operation by adding green pepper and onion. He has been renting irrigation equipment for his crops but it is eating up much of his profit. With his business loan, he will be able to purchase his own irrigation equipment to save on rental costs and increase profitability. Noah and his wife have 5 children all under the age of 13.

John is a fisherman in Ghana. He uses different methods of fishing such as trap setting, hooks, nets and diving all of which helps support his wife and 5 children. With his loan, he will be able to expand his business, create employment opportunity and purchase diving equipment.

Through these three families alone, 12 children will be educated, at least 3 additional people will be employed and 3 different churches will be supported. Noah sometimes preaches at his church and John is an elder at his. Having a solid business which creates consistent income allows these men to continue in their service to their church. When business is supported, the church is supported and the Kingdom grows.

900 miles on a bike may seem crazy but thanks to Mark, Doug and Len these families and churches will now have a greater opportunity to thrive! How far would you go?

#GivingTuesday 2018
#GivingTuesday is a nationally recognized day of giving created to bring awareness and to help fund the work and ministry of non-profits like Mission Resource International. On November 27th visit our WEBSITE and give a gift that will help empower, equip and encourage men and women in the developing world. Our model works because we empower men and women to start new businesses, we equip them with finances and resources and we encourage them with training and mentoring along the way. By granting the funds for business loans, we offer individuals a hand-up rather than a hand-out and provide them the opportunity to earn a living and experience the joy of giving. #GivingTuesday has the potential to impact the lives of many Christian businessmen and women as we once again have generous donors who will be matching all gifts given up to $10,000 on November 27th! Your gift will be doubled! So join us on Tuesday, November 27th as we work to overcome poverty one business as a time!