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Participant Report from the 2008 iBAM Course EFFECTIVELY FIGHTING POVERTY IN AFRICA THROUGH BUSINESS AS MISSION The effort to fight poverty in Africa needs to be multiplied, increasing initiatives as well as the individuals involved. But above all we need to take development in the right direction. Poverty is not just material or physical. A development program, in Africa like anywhere else, can only be optimal, holistic and sustainable if it also accounts for the spiritual dimension of man. The model of development expressed by Jesus Christ concerns itself with the spiritual, the physical and the social domains. Development can, therefore, be defined as moving into the intentions or the perspectives of God. Who then is best placed to fight poverty effectively and accomplish this holistic development of society? Is it not the body of Christ? Development is the responsibility of Christians, the Church and Christian organisations. We must become initiators and be involved in development that aims at improving the wellbeing of man spiritually as well as physically, emotionally, economically and socially. If we understand the Gospel and look at the character and attributes of God, this is not optional but, a command. The church is called to make disciples of all nations, to bless every people and every nation. God’s power is at hand for this purpose. Every nation and society is made up not only of the people but also the different spheres of activities in which they are involved. Therefore, if we want to see the Gospel deeply influence the social values of nations and become the driving force of our behaviour, our efforts must be focused not only on every person but also on all spheres of activities in society. 
| The economic realities are closely linked to the social realities. There is no society without an economy and no economy without a society. If the Church wants to succeed in her divine mission of societal transformation (i.e. to make disciples of nations) we cannot ignore the economic domain. We bear the responsibility to be “salt and light” in that sphere by bringing in Biblical principals and righteous practices. |
This means that we need to go beyond simply proclaiming Christ with our lips or preaching between four walls; we must get involved in all the spheres of society. Hence we must each get involved in specific spheres of activities. This is where Business as Mission (BAM) finds its reason for existence, and I am thankful for having been able to take part in the first Introduction to Business as Mission course earlier this year in Chiang Mai, Thailand. My vision and strategy to see BAM in Africa is shaped by thinking of sustainable development, and of holistic mission and transformation. I dream of seeing a revolution in development in which, as Christians and churches, we are actively involved as initiators and doers. Christian initiatives must increase in Africa and become more efficient as well as more creative. We must aim at reaching the greatest number and answering the crucial needs of our societies. In many areas we have sufficient resources to start breaking up the cycle of poverty that is crippling our societies. We can also join our efforts to achieve specific common goals. The actions of every Christian every day makes a difference. Poverty will not leave Africa one night as if in a dream; we will not wake up one morning to find that all has changed after we were passive day after day and slept thinking that others should take care of our happiness. K. A. Eli GOE March 2008. For more information about the iBAM 09 visit our training page or email us @ bamtraining@oval.com
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