SfK Ministries: Newsletter

SfK Ministries Newsletter - SEPTEMBER 2018

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."

(1 Thessalonians 5:23,24)

Over the past few months, we have examined what BAM (business as mission) is and explored various businesses that currently operate under a BAM model. By now, you are probably asking yourself, "How is BAM relevant to me? What can I do to get involved? How does God want me to serve?" There are several avenues to become directly/indirectly involved in BAM. SfK has many opportunities to serve within various capacities. We continuously search for willing Kingdom servants to become part of our ministry. Whether it be directly consulting BAM businesses with your business acumen, sharing your expertise in a specific field or supporting through monetary means, YOU can be involved in impacting many lives.

Below is an article from the Christian Broadcast Network website that outlines 6 tangible ways you can become involved with BAM. SfK provides business mentoring opportunities, MBA (Missional Business Academy) trainings, as well as opportunities to contribute financially to BAM businesses. Feel free to contact us at info@sfklife.org to get involved and see where your talents can be used for His Kingdom.

- Editor

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Six Ways to Get Involved in the 'Business as Missions' Movement
by Scott McFarlane

Have you ever felt that your calling is not as "spiritual" as someone else's? Has a friend or a leader in the church ever implied that if you were really "on fire for the Lord" you would drop your current profession and enter what is commonly referred to as "full-time ministry"? Have you wrestled with why God would give you skills and abilities in the field of business if that is not a valid use of your time?

In many church bodies, the Christian business community has been effectively marginalized by what Dr. R. Paul Stevens has poignantly described as a "Spiritual-Vocational Hierarchy." Illustrated in the shape of a pyramid, Stevens shows how unbiblically some in church leadership view business people. Each level of the pyramid supposedly gets you closer to becoming more spiritual since, in the minds of these leaders, God is more pleased with the service of those in the upper sections—those known as "professional" clergy. (Apparently, then, He must be pretty displeased with lawyers, politicians, and others who don't even make it onto the chart!)

Sadly, these are the prevailing assumptions about work in many churches, and they culminate in apathy, discouragement, resentment, and ultimately, a sweeping demobilization of talented people. The good news, though, is that many leaders are seeing through the fallacy of this pyramid and actively awakening people to the important work they can do for the Lord, both locally and globally, using the skill set He has already given to them.

In fact, this has now become a burgeoning movement of the Spirit. Today, it is loosely called the "business as mission" or the "Kingdom business" movement, but these are not new ideas. They are freshly packaged in a way that fits the global marketplace. Because God desires to use the whole body of Christ to advance the Kingdom around the world, He has opened up several options to gifted business professionals. Here are six of these options.

Click to read more

Ministry Updates

SfK Central Asia #1 - God has opened the door of opportunity for SfK to serve in Central Asia through this missional business. For security reasons, we are calling this business SfK Central Asia #1.
Please pray that this missional business will play a pivotal role in this region that is hostile to Christianity.
SfK Life Board Meeting had a board meeting on August 10, 2018 - The board has resolved on a few important issues unanimously. Please pray that all board members will remain true to God's calling for each of them.
Travel to Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Malaysia - SfK served a couple of missional businesses in Malaysia, and one of them signed up to be a member of the SfK Missional Business Community (MBC). Please pray that this business will thrive in building the artisans and their community with eco-friendly products.
Travel to Kolkata, India - SfK visited several freedom businesses that aim to give freedom to those in modern slavery including human trafficking, and met with their leadership teams. One of the freedom businesses has signed up to be a member of SfK MB Community. Please pray that this freedom business creates significant transformation impact in the lives of these women who desire to escape from the modern slavery.
Travel to Kathmandu, Nepal. - SfK spoke to approximately 100 Korean business men and women and many wanted to participate in SfK MBA BCT (Boot Camp Training). We have scheduled a 2-week training in August 2019. SfK also spoke to 30 members of GCC and spent time with a few freedom businesses and one bioponics business. A Kingdom investment opportunity has been brought up to SfK and we are reviewing their business plan. Please pray that the seeds sown in this harsh land will be deeply rooted and sprout to grow.
Travel to Kunming, China, - SfK visited various cities to explore the Yunnan Province, meeting several business people. It was joyous to talk to them and provide them with words of encouragement. A couple of missional businesses desired to minister together with SfK. Praise the Lord! Please pray that the ground-breaking efforts will bear fruit over time and we will be patient for God's perfect timing.

Upcoming Events & Prayer Requests

SfK has made a working capital loan and disbursed it in early September to a missional business in Nairobi, Kenya. It was the first financial investment that SfK has made for the Kingdom impact in Africa. This missional business is engaged in several businesses, including an automobile garage that has so far rescued and empowered approximately 50 young people from Kibera, the world's largest urban slum. Please pray that this business will uplift more Kibera youth and empower people in need.

SfK will participate in KBM Global gathering to take place in Sorak, S. Korea. Approximately 50 people will attend and share their stories for mutual learning and encouragement. Please pray that this gathering will receive God's favor and participants will be blessed.

SfK Korea Board Meeting - The board members will deliberate a few important proposals for decision. Please pray that all members will honor God in the process of reviewing and making decisions.

BAM Conference in Philadelphia, PA - There still is time for you to register if God is calling you to serve people through business. Please pray that the event will inspire and challenge the participants to see God's calling in business for His purpose.

SfK will hold a few strategic meetings in Korea during September. Please pray that these meetings will be fruitful in God's eyes.

SfK Missional Business Academy is scheduled to hold the following 2-week BCT (Boot Camp Training) programs in the coming months:
- October 22 - November 2, 2018 - Chiang Mai, Thailand (in Korean)
- January 14 - 25, 2019 - Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Korean)
- April 29 - May 10, 2019 - Central Asia (English)
- July 8 - 19, 2019 - Arusha, Tanzania (English)
- August 5 - 16, 2019 - Kathmandu, Nepal (Korean)

If you are interested in learning more about this intensive but useful training, please send your inquiry to info@sfklife.org. Please pray that all these training schedules will produce synergy and impact for His Kingdom.

Thank you for standing with us in equipping and empowering missional businesses in Asia and Africa for His Kingdom! Your prayers and financial support are invaluable to our ministry.

Until we contact you with more updates, God's peace be with you and your family!