To facilitate a truly global conversation, we ask Christian leaders from around the world to respond to the Global Conversation’s lead articles. These points of view do not necessarily represent the Lausanne Movement. They are designed to stimulate discussion from all points of the compass and from different segments of the Christian community. Please add your perspective by posting a comment so that we can learn and grow together in the unity of the Spirit.
A response to Daniel Devadatta’s - An Indian Perspective on Business as Mission
I was reminded recently of a phone conversation a few days ago. I spoke with a national friend of mine on how fallen the business climate is in this country.
Three years ago he had graduated college with a high level of English ability. He is bright and he was determined to join the work force and explore the world using his abilities.
During our phone call he explained how at his first job he went from an entry-level to a management position, because of the favor of his American boss. But before too long, his best friend, who had first recommended him for the job, turned against him. They lost their friendship, and his friend left the company and the next two years of his life were spent being a “puppet” manager with no actual power or respect from his coworkers.
I could tell that his opinion of himself had taken a turn for the worst. He had gained a lot of weight, his self-esteem was low, and he was cynical about being able to find any other job. He was really discouraged and left wondering where God was.
This is just one of many examples in Asia of people who have a tough encounter with the realities of the market place. My friend had done nothing wrong, but he worked in a very adversarial atmosphere.
In addition to the 1.8 billion people without jobs, there may be another 2 billion who would do anything to get out of the current job – if they could find a better one.
In Asia we see conflicting belief systems. Buddhist touts of one’s life being left to fate. Muslims live a life in fear of their God, and in other Asian places communist the rallying cries of “to get rich is glorious” carry the day. But when put up against the day-to-day challenges of life and work, being stuck in one of those ideologies ultimately end up greatly insufficient.
Without an ability to look beyond a certain worldview, many people cannot step outside of their own norm. That is, unless they enter a different environment completely. That is exactly the place an intentionally kingdom-minded company can incarnate new kinds of values and actions.
One of my favorite mentors who studied philosophy, but now runs a small business, says that theology is very practical. He states that a lot of needless energy is spent splitting hairs as to what side of the fence one might be on; when we in fact are not living in faith in many aspects of our lives.
In many parts of Asia most communities have had no contact with a Christian witness, or anything close to living a Judeo-Christian ethic. But through business we can bring a whole new worldview, a way of approaching life, a kingdom of God culture.
Initially missionaries brought hospitals and schools to meet basic needs of people. As the countries in which they worked developed, nationals gradually organized these services themselves. Now, what country in the world does not want bright, high-achieving profit-minded entrepreneurs? And what better people to do it than those of us who want to love others into the Kingdom? We are God’s businesspeople who want to “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray for the Lord on its behalf” (Jeremiah 29:7).
DR is a Westerner who has worked in a BAM business in East Asia for 4 years.