SfK Ministries Newsletter - AUGUST 2018
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"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
(1 Peter 2:9)
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Recently, I came across an interesting article in the New York Times about the BAM movement and BAM businesses. BAM is not just a contemporary form of missions work. Its ideology calls for a more sustainable model for missions and makes living out the gospel more relevant. One thing that struck a chord in the article is the idea that BAM does not depend upon donor contributions. Rather, because it is globally funded, there are no restraints in the capacity of the system. Below is an excerpt of the article. It is our hope it opens your eyes to the endless possibilities and greater impact on reaching unreached nations the BAM movement has. Below is an excerpt of the NYT article. It goes on to feature various BAM businesses and the kingdom impact these businesses have.
- Editor
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Article published in The New York Times on Nov. 14, 2005
TOM SUDYK is not most people's idea of missionary.
On paper, he looks like a modern global capitalist, which he is. Mr. Sudyk, an entrepreneur from Michigan, runs, among other things, an outsourcing company in Chennai, India, providing medical transcribers and software engineers to American businesses. In six years, the Indian company--a subsidiary of EC Group International, a larger outsourcing company that Mr. Sudyk founded in Grand Rapids--has grown to 75 employees and is moving into a building triple its present size.
But the Gospel, Mr. Sudyk says, illuminates every aspect of his business, from its ethics to its help to local ministries to the technical support it lends a Christian-run vocational school for polio victims in Chennai. Each afternoon at the Chennai office, there is a 10-minute prayer, and while the prater is interdenominational, employees who ask to learn more about Jesus Christ--as many have--are gladly accommodate.
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Ministry Updates
- Exploratory Trip to Nairobi, Kenya (July) was tremendously fruitful! The Lord opened doors of opportunities with a Christian university and another Christian college. Also, SfK found a missional business for a new relationship and explored the potential opportunity to partner with a Christian investment firm. Praise the Lord! Please pray that all these initial contacts may bear fruit pleasing to God's eyes.
- SfK Tanzania hosted two BAM Seminars in Arusha, Tanzania with great success. As a result, SfK Tanzania will lead a Missional Business Network (MBN). SfK's implementing member in Tanzania will begin its hospitality business, called Mianzi Lodge, in August. Please pray that the seeds sown in Arusha will produce the sprouts and grow into a movement that will transform Tanzania and beyond.
- SfK MBA Boot Camp Training (BCT), Kigali, Rwanda was held for two weeks (July). Despite some last minute dropouts, all graduates participated with great enthusiasm throughout the rigorous 80-hour training. Please pray that the graduates will form solid foundation for the missional business movement in Rwanda.
- Nanuri Co., Ltd., Kigali, Rwanda - Nanuri, a member of SfK's Missional Business Community (MBC), has been building a medical center and a hospitality lodge for the past 18 months or so. It is now almost completed and the leadership team has been preparing for the initial launch and operational plan. Please pray that the remaining construction will be completed as scheduled and the preparation will be thorough for the successful launch scheduled for early 2019.
- SfK Missional Business Fund: SfK's financial investments in missional businesses have been made more slowly than anticipated, but are growing gradually and surely. Please pray that the underwriting team and the Investment Committee members will employ God's divine discernment through the evaluation process as His good stewards.
- One Egg Project, USA - This ministry, focusing on serving eggs for early-age children in developing nations, has agreed to partner with SfK in expanding its ministry outreach in the nations where SfK operates. We will launch a pilot program in 2018. Glory be to God! Please pray that this partnership will produce the synergy for His Kingdom.
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Upcoming Events & Prayer Requests
- August 10, 2018 - SfK Life will hold its Board Meeting. Please pray that all board members will remain true to the mission all the time.
- August 12-29, 2018 - SfK will make a "K-City Tour" to four cities in four different countries in Asia. They are Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kolkata, India, Kathmandu, Nepal and Kunming, China. SfK will explore several opportunities to serve missional businesses and to establish partnerships. Please pray that we will discern well what the Lord's will is.
- September 10-13, 2018 - KBM Global will hold its annual gathering in S. Korea. SfK will participate in this important event for mutual learning and encouraging. Please pray that all attendees will be inspired and challenged for His Kingdom.
- September 17, 2018 - SfK Korea will hold its Board Meeting. Please pray that all board members will seek God's divine wisdom in deliberating all matters.
- September 21-23, 2018 - The annual BAM Conference will be held in Philadelphia, PA. Please pray that all attendees may be able to see God's design and purpose in business for His Kingdom impact.
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Thank you for standing with us in this journey of equipping and empowering missional businesses in Asia and Africa! Your prayers and financial support for this ministry is essential and greatly appreciated.
May God bless you richly so that you may become a greater blessing to people in need around you and around the world!
Shalom until the next month.
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Consider a charitable contribution in partnering with SfK
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