Historic Business Consultation in Cyprus by Mats Tunehag

Unemployment in Algeria, Mongolia, Tajikistan and many other countries in and around the 10/40-window, is reaching proportions that we cannot even imagine in the West - sometimes more than 50%. If we want to preach a full gospel, meeting real needs and influencing the whole of society, we will increasingly need to emphasize economic and business development.  God calls and equips people to be Bible translators or evangelists. He also calls and equips people to be businessmen and businesswomen, in order to serve Him and other people. And the world needs these people - among unreached peoples there is a desperate need of entrepreneurs and business people. Like any other ministry, that of the entrepreneur needs to be linked to other gifts and ministries in order to have maximum impact. We need to integrate the work of businessmen with church planting, theological training, Bible translation, relief work and all other ministries which are necessary to reach the unreached peoples. To that end, more than 100 Christian businessmen and key leaders from a dozen partnerships recently met for three days at a Business Consultation focusing on a region in Asia. The purpose was to build relationships, learn about needs and opportunities and to provide practical connection between Christian businessmen and the field. This was an historic event, initiating a process that will have long-term implications on the church planting movements among these unreached peoples in Asia. A Steering Committee composed of people from both the business and mission communities, including Interdev’s Regional Advisor for the region, planned and led the Consultation. The Business Consultation provided a forum where different Christian ministries could meet, share, pray, plan and cooperate in working together strategically. Many lessons were learned as the business community met with other Christian ministries. A number of projects were started and many relationships and links were established for further cooperation.

 Antioch Network Annual Gathering

The 1998 Antioch Network Annual Gathering will take place on Aug 27 - 30, 1998 here in Phoenix. I would imagine that Dan has already twiste your arm to attend, but I sense the business track at the Gathering is very significant. It would be wonderful for you and many of your constituents to know about this event and its significance.

 Entrepreneurial and Economic Development in Creative Access Nations

The Center for Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (CEED) is sponsoring a seminar in ISRAEL on the Sea of Galilee in April 1998. This seminar is designed for persons with field based mission experience and/or experience in business management, who intend to be involved in business multiplication through business creation or training. The seminar will be 3 weeks of intense, interactive training with business, law, and missions leaders providing practical tools for immediate implementation. . Please see the CEED Seminar page at

http://www.scruples.org/web/ceed/ceed.htm for more information or e mail: CEED_UofN@compuserve.com Space is still available but limited!

Scruples Opens Business & Missions Site

Located at www.scruples.org/bizetmiz/ The Business and Missions Home Page is full of resources for Business and Missions Initiatives. It features a Directory of organizations or networks promoting opportunities, a Library of Tentmaking Teaching Resources, a secure Forum for discussing issues, a list of Business and Mission Articles and the latest Bulletins from Scruples. Please visit and see what are the latest events in business and Missions. PS. You don’t need a password to access the resources just the Forums!

INTENT To Convene National Tentmakers Gathering

With the theme, "INTENT '98: MANY JOBS; ONE TASK - Networking Professionals For Global Impact," INTENT's National Gathering will convene May 15-17, 1998 at the Divine Word Retreat Center, "Techny Towers," located about 20 minutes from O'Hare International Airport in Techny, IL. Dr. Christy Wilson will be the featured speaker, supported by other plenary speakers, and selected workshop/breakout sessions in two tracks -- Job Takers and Job Makers. There will be an emphasis on Afghanistan and lots of networking time. Simultaneously, the content of INTENT '98 will focus on what God is doing through tentmaking, as well as what He will do through the Finisher's Project in mobilizing second career baby boomers to "move beyond success to significance," as Bob Buford of Tyler, Texas puts it so well. Contact INTENT AT 1-800-478-2598 or email dorothyblaha@msn.com for more information.

Tentmaking Website Online

Global Opportunities has launched a Web Site dedicated to equipping Christian Professionals & business people for Tentmaking opportunities overseas. Located at http://www.globalopps.org/ the site provides information and opportunities for Christian Tentmaking Missionaries. Ruth Siemens has prepared some excellent articles to help Christian Tentmakers: "Why did Paul make Tents?" "Tentmaking and the 1990's Job Market;" "The Tentmaker's Motivation," "The Tentmaker's Preparation." "The Tentmaker and Truthfulness: Is it ever right to lie?"

Blessings!

Mike McLoughlin, Director
Youth With A Mission, Marketplace Ministries