Are you a money-changer?

by Patrice Tsague, NPIM

And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; and he saith unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye make it a den of robbers. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. -Matthew 21:12-14

If you ever traveled outside of the country where you reside, you probably have used the services of a money changer. A money changer is someone who exchanges the currency of one country for that of another, a much needed service for weary travelers. This service is usually offered at airports or in downtown areas of most major cities. Money changers make their money by charging an exchange fee or through a commission. In Europe they are commonly known as Bureau De Change or the Exchange Office. Most people who have used money changers outside airports or major institutions such as banks often have very negative things to say about money changers. They view them as cheaters and thieves who use every trick in the book to make the most from you. They take advantage of innocent travelers who do not know the country and may not even understand the local currency. They promise good rates to lure people in, just to take advantage of them. The common theme among many international travelers is "never trust money changers".

In Jesus' days money changers were no different than today's Bureau De Change, they provided a much needed service. Since Jerusalem was under Roman occupation the currency commonly used was the Roman currency; however, the Jewish religious authorities required that the temple tax be paid in the Hebrew currency. Money changers were allowed to set up shop within the temple as a convenience for the people so that they could exchange their money without having to leave the temple. Along with the money changers were merchants who sold various animals such as doves, sheep, etc. that were required for sacrifice. What was intended as an act of convenience became an enterprise of greed that took advantage of those who desired to honor God for the benefit of greedy entrepreneurs and priests.

This angered Jesus Christ who was filled with compassion for the people. So, He made a whip to chase the money changers and merchants out of the temple and overthrew their tables. This was the only recorded time in the Bible where Jesus Christ openly demonstrated anger. He was not angry when He was tempted by the devil, He was not angry when he was betrayed by Judas and rejected by the disciples, He was not angry when he was wrongfully accused before the Roman officials nor was he angry when He was prosecuted, persecuted and executed. The fact that He became angry at the money changers and the priests for taking advantage of the people of God and for using godliness as a means of gain, shows the heart of Jesus when it comes to His people and His Father.

Are you a money changer? Well, you may think, "I'm not in the business of exchanging currency for profit." Money changers are not people who just exchange currency for profit, but anyone who renders a service purely motivated by greed or who uses the things of God for personal gain.

As a Biblical Entrepreneur your motivation must be love and you must use the things of God to serve others for the benefit of God's kingdom. Though many start out with this motivation, along the way something happens which turns them from being God-fearing to greed-driven entrepreneurs. Here are seven things to keep in mind that can help you avoid becoming a money changer:

1. Put God's will first in everything you do
2. Serving people must be your focus
3. Always keep your motives pure
4. Resist the temptations of success
5. Develop godly contentment
6. Exercise wise stewardship
7. Remain in the Word of God and prayer

Keeping these seven things in mind will protect you from
becoming a money changer and help you avoid facing the wrath of Jesus Christ.

RCE staff 2008

Spring has sprung here in Virginia Beach! We took a moment to get outside in the sunshine a week or two ago...

I updated our profile picture but wanted to also post it here. (Spring in Virginia is such a change after dusty Central Asia, for me! -skye) ;)

Back row (L to R): Jason Benedict, John Mulford, John C. Rajan, Wesley Stewart
Front row: Skye Ganba'atar, Jeremiah Koshal

Pictures from our lunch for Russ (at PF Chang's, mmm!)

I said (2 weeks ago now?!) that I'd post these pictures 'tomorrow'. Sorry about that folks! Here's a view of our lunch thanking Russ for all he's done here at the Center and wishing him well in this next season of what God has called him to! (see previous post for details)

Ternopil, Ukraine: Biblical Entrepreneurship Training

Here is the group of students Tom worked with in Ukraine. They all completed the Biblical Entrepreneurship I training. (Tom is in the front row, in jeans. Ivan Papish, the director of the entrepreneurship center in Ternopil, is in the front row wearing a purple striped tie.)

One of the students who also completed the Biblical Entrepreneurship Teacher Certification training (for BE I)--doesn't he just look thrilled? :) His joy is contagious.

Here's the whole group of those who completed the BE I Teacher Certification. A great start for BE in Ukraine and a wonderful encouragement to Christians in business in Ternopil.

Tom writes:

God has been incredibly faithful during this entire time. Here [above] is a picture of all the BE Certified Teachers. Ivan Papish, my close friend from being here in 1996 is the gentleman sitting next to me. He is a father to many here in Ukraine, especially to young emerging marketplace leaders.

Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed!

by Patrice Tsague, NPIM

But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen, and if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. I Corinthians 15:13-14

Easter is the time of year when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For the Biblical Entrepreneur, it should be time of reflection on the gift of salvation and the power of Christ's resurrection. As the Apostle Paul stated in Philippians 3:10-11, "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if by any means, I may attain to the resurrection of the dead."

What if He did not rise from the dead?

If Christ did not rise from the dead the consequences for us are great.

If Christ did not rise then; our preaching is empty - meaning that there is no power in the word of God, there is no salvation, there is no forgiveness of sins, and there is no need for a marketplace ministry or biblical entrepreneurship. We can therefore do business like the pagans since there would be no need to use our businesses as a tool to fulfill the great commission.

Secondly, if Christ did not rise our faith is empty - there is nothing for us to believe in, there would be no substance to our faith. We can only have confidence in what we can see and touch.

Thirdly, if Christ did not rise, we are false witnesses - that means all Christians, including biblical entrepreneurs, are liars since we are preaching about something that never happened. Everything then, that we believe, is founded on a lie. If Christ did not rise, then all those who claim to be Christians are fools; we are stupid and biblical entrepreneurship is based on a lie because the Bible would then be a book of lies.

Thank God none of this is true since Christ did rise from the dead. Because He rose from the dead we are saved from death. Since Christ rose from the dead, the same power that raised Him from death can help us overcome any dead situation in our lives and businesses. Since Christ rose from the dead, our faith is based on truth and can therefore move mountains. Since Christ rose from the dead, we are in right standing with God and are true witnesses of the resurrection. Since Christ rose, we have hope in this life in the life to come. Since all of this is true, we can do business God's way; we can use our businesses as a tool to fulfill the great commission and be His ambassador in the marketplace.

Thank God that He has risen. He is risen indeed.

The Details of 'Going'... and a Lesson Learned

Lesson Learned (from Jon and Beth's "India or Bust" blog)

You would think that with all the time we’ve had to prepare for moving that we would have done our homework on international shipping. Well, back in October when I packed a majority of our shipment, I didn’t thoroughly study India customs guidelines because of a time constraint. We had to be out of our apartment in a matter of weeks, were in the middle of selling our furniture and other household items and trying to determine what needed to go to India, into storage here in the States and what could go to Goodwill. It was a crazy time.

After spending a few days packing our shipment with my parents, we read an article that said that the mover should pack our belongings to help move the shipment through customs. Yikes! We had just packed 20 boxes! We quickly decided that we would find a shipper that would repack all of our belongings to avoid any potential problems. Just a few weeks ago we found out that we did not inventory our belongings correctly. I had a general list of the items in each box, but did not specifically describe each item. This was problematic because we need to have an itemized list of everything in the shipment, it’s approximate purchase date and value. So, yesterday we spent a majority of the day going through those boxes in order to create a more thorough list with dates and values. It was a very loooong day!

And, yes, we learned a valuable lesson about preparing an international shipment. Do your homework thoroughly before you start packing!

Bought with a Price

by Patrice Tsague, NPIM

"You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." I Corinthians 6:19b, 20

I recently visited a fellow Biblical Entrepreneur in North Carolina through whom I had the privilege to address a group of Christian entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs come together monthly to grow in their relationship with the Lord and their fellowship with each other as they seek to glorify Christ in the marketplace. I spoke on the 12 Principles of God's Economy, based on the story of the talents in Matthew 25. I talked about the 3 servants who where entrusted with the talents and how the master of those servants expected them to use the talents. After complimenting me on my presentation, my friend Tommy Smith began to elaborate on the idea of being a slave for Jesus in the market place. Through my discussions with Tommy, I discovered that there is a deeper meaning to being a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. He shared that the proper translation of the term "servant" many times in the New Testament is slave. With this new understanding, I recognize that the servants in Matthew 25 are not hired servants or bondservants but slaves. They were slaves, purchased by a master and under legal obligation to serve and obey him. Hired servants can quit their jobs, bondservants can purchase their freedom, but slaves are the property of their masters and have lost all their rights.

The last thing an entrepreneur wants to be is a slave to anyone. After all, most of us get into business so we can be free from corporate bosses who treat us like slaves. I have news for you, you are not free. You were bought with a price, you are not your own and will never be free. You are under moral and legal obligation to serve the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. You just went from one master to another.

What does this really mean? There are two possible worldviews that we can adopt when it comes to our motivation for being in business. One worldview is the idea that through our businesses we can gain freedom and prosperity, which will enable us to live our lives as we choose and enjoy the best things of life. This view is influenced by the Greek/Roman philosophy and culture which, according to John MacArthur, states that the pinnacle of life is to be free from all restrictions of life and to be able to enjoy life to the fullest. This viewpoint has shaped today's secular and humanist culture. The other worldview is the idea that through business we can realize the will of our master, Jesus Christ, by serving others and being a witness for Him. This view is based on the biblical teaching that we are not our own and were bought with a price, therefore we no longer live for the pleasures of sin, rather; we are slaves to righteousness - the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Here is a statement from John MacArthur titled Slaves for Christ:

"Now remember, for Greeks, elevated people, the citizenry, freedom was the pinnacle of life. Personal dignity was attached to freedom, being a doulos(slave) was the worst, it was the opposite. Let me tell you about slaves in the Greek/Roman world. They had no freedom. They had no rights. They had no ownership of anything. They had no legal recourse in the courts. They could not give testimony as a witness in a law case. They had no citizenship. They had no possibility of doing what they wanted to do. They weren't asked, "Say there, Mr. Slave, what would you like to do to be fulfilled?" They weren't asked, "What do you think your purpose is? Can you dream your dream so I, your master, can fulfill it?" Bizarre. They had no choice about anything. They owned nothing. They couldn't be citizens and they couldn't be a part of the army, the military. They were totally dependent on whoever owned them. It doesn't mean that it didn't have some benefits. They were provided for, cared for, protected. In many cases, treated kindly, compassionately, loved within families. But to the Greek and the Roman philosophically and socially, freedom was the pinnacle of life. So free men had only scorn for slaves and slaves longed to be free."

What is your attitude towards the idea of being a slave for Christ?

Did you start a business so you could achieve freedom and prosperity, or did you start your business at the request of your master so you may realize His will?

Remember our Biblical Entrepreneurship role model Joseph. Joseph was bought by the Midianites, sold to an Egyptian named Potiphar and through his service and faithfulness was not released from slavery but rather promoted to greater service and later became Prime Minister of Egypt. You were bought with a price; therefore, cease from serving two masters and devote your heart to serving your true owner, Jesus Christ.

Biblical Entrepreneurship in Kiev

Tom Stansbury is currently in Kiev, Ukraine, to teach NPIM's Biblical Entrepreneurship curriculum there.

Greetings from Kiev,

Many of you are aware of the fact I traveled to Ukraine last October as part of Regent University's Center for Entrepreneurship to participate in a Business Symposium held in Ternopil, Ukraine. We experienced a huge success with several hundred people attending the Grand Opening Ceremonies for the Ukrainian 'Christian Center for Entrepreneurial Success.' Dr. John Mulford and I helped launch this organization with my good friend Ivan Papish who I had met 12 years ago on my YWAM trip to Ukraine in 1996.

For the past several months I have been preparing to teach a follow-up course to many of the people who attended the Symposium - it is called Biblical Entrepreneurship. I arrived in Kiev early this past Saturday morning and will be taking the train to Ternopil tomorrow evening. I would greatly appreciate your prayers while I am here through March 29th. The course will be taught at the YWAM base that was founded while we were here 12 years ago and now the the Team has their own building in Ternopil.

Ivan has been faithfully discipling over 150 business people in the Ternopil community and we are helping him create a small business development center that will be a model Dr. Mulford hopes to replicate in other developing countries around the world. Biblical Entrepreneurship is a course that was developed out of Cameroon Africa to assist emerging micro-entrepreneurs in developing a Biblical Worldview of what Entrepreneurship is about - and helping individuals overcome their obstacles to create businesses that provide for their families and create jobs in developing nations.

This was the vision I had 12 years ago when I cam to Ukraine and saw the lack of hope for a future in the eyes of the people we were reaching here.I would greatly appreciate your prayers over the next few days as I believe this is a strategic work that can influence a whole new generation of emerging leaders who can impact the marketplace here in this country - and in the years to come, we hope will provide a 'tipping point' in the transformation of this nation.

Ukraine experienced over 70 years of oppressive policies while part of the communist Soviet empire and since their independence in 1991 - the nation has struggled to get on its feet. We all know the direction Putin has taken Russia - moving back towards a dominant state controlled system - and many see Ukraine as a pivotal nation in the global balance of power. I know God has a heart for the people of this nation, and your prayers are greatly appreciated. (If you would like to check out Regent's website, it is at http://www.regententrepreneur.com/.)

Blessings,

Tom

Continue praying for Cyd, her driver, this nation, and others working in the region

(Message from the local area)

From our last [news update] about Cyd, the woman who was kidnapped in Kandahar, Af. over 50 days ago, you may think that the affair is all over since there was strong indication from a couple of sources that she and her driver were probably killed. But to date there has still been no proof of death or life and we have heard from others that kidnappers sometimes use this tactic to play on people's emotions and get what they want. So, we are still praying for a miracle in Cyd's and her driver's lives and ask that you do the same. Thank you.

What is happening to Cyd also affects many other people here in different ways... big decisions [may be in the works] that affect many projects... in light of all this. Please pray for them, too.

Let's also pray for the situation in T.ibet...
Heavy Presence of Chinese Police Quells Rioting in T.ibet's Capital BEIJING, March 16 -- Chinese police flooded into the streets of the T.ibetan capital of Lhasa on Saturday to smother riots that have destroyed scores of Chinese-owned businesses and left at least 10 people dead. Officials demanded that the rioters surrender by midnight Monday, and shopkeepers cowered... (By Jill Drew and Edward Cody, The Washington Post)
I know it's not particularly BAM-related (though the fact that non-Tibetans are in control of so much of business in Lhasa is food for thought) but certainly timely. Thanks. --skye

Changes here at RCE

Whew, this has been a busy last couple of weeks! Lots is going on, with a roundtable coming up next month in Atlanta, a prayer luncheon to announce, Tom heading to Ukraine to teach Biblical Entrepreneurship, and a newsletter to finish up, not to mention the fact that our Associate Director is moving on to a new assignment in North Carolina. Center staff had a great time at lunch on Tuesday, celebrating with Russ and Jeanne the adventure that lies ahead. (I'll put some pictures of us at lunch up tomorrow!)

L to R: Russ, Wesley, Skye, John, Johncy, Jeremiah (not pictured: Jason and Tom)

Here's what Russ will be doing next:

I wanted to share with you some very good news: the news of my next Kingdom assignment! Although I was interested in coming to Regent University almost five years ago so that I could in some way “give back” to the institution that has so impacted my life, it was something that God had to push me toward. Now, having the benefit of hindsight, I clearly see God’s wisdom in it all. My three children have grown so much in the Lord since we have been in Virginia, and Jeanne and I have developed so many wonderful relationships! What a wonderful learning and growing experience for us at Regent! How I treasure the many people like you that God has allowed me to meet, work alongside, and share some of life’s journey with. Thank you for the privilege!

Effective April 1, 2008 I will join Arks, Incorporated as their Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Arks is a commercial real estate firm located in Raleigh, NC focused on funding and building God’s vision for the local church. This includes church design, construction, and support services to ensure excellence, good stewardship, and the most effective church building campaign. Additionally, Arks is involved in assisting churches with funding and construction of upscale retirement facilities which serve as a means to minister to the Body as well as to the local community, and to provide an additional revenue stream for churches. This will be increasingly important as “boomers” age. Lastly, Arks is interested in pursuing urban and community development by supporting churches with a call and passion for transforming their communities using cutting edge Kingdom business strategies. Watch video on Arks' Wise Building Program:

We'll miss you, Russ, but wish you all the best in your new position. Congratulations!

Doing Business on Great Waters

by Patrice Tsague, NPIM

"Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see the works of the Lord and His wanders in the deep." Psalm 107:23-24

I have always seen business as one of those activities that could cause an atheist to become a Christian and a Christian to be converted to become a true follower of Christ. Business is an activity of great risks and those who truly succeed at it, whether Christian or not, go through great challenges before experiencing success and victory. Many have found Christ in the midst of failed businesses, and some in the midst of trials within the business. There are very few activities that test your faith as much as starting and growing a business to its fullest potential. Those who achieve business success must do business on great waters.

The unfortunate thing is that many Christians are unable to grow successful businesses because they are afraid of the great waters; they do not realize that the great waters are where you experience the power, provision and protection of God. In Psalm 107:23-24 the Psalmist describes those who see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep as entrepreneurs who go down to the sea in ships and do business on great waters. Furthermore, he says that as they do business on those great waters they are able to see God command and raise the stormy wind and as they cry out to the Lord in their trouble He brings them out of their distress; He calms the storm so that its waves are still and guides them to their desired haven.

Do you want to see the works of the Lord? Do you want to experience the goodness of God? Do you want to see His power and His saving grace? Move from the seashore and take your business in the middle of the sea onto the great waters. On the great waters there is a harvest, on the great waters there is mercy and the grace of God, on the great waters there is divine protection and provision. The great waters are symbolic of the turbulence of the market. They are the places where you take the most risks and must put your total trust and confidence in God.

I am reminded of Luke 5:16, where the story is told of Jesus meeting four entrepreneurs who operated a fishing business. These fishermen had been fishing all night and had caught nothing because they were fishing in the shallow areas of the sea. Jesus came and borrowed their boats to use as a pulpit to preach to the multitude that was following Him, and as a thank you He instructed them about catching fish. His instruction was that they should launch out into the deep. In other words, they should go out into the great waters and there they would get the provisions of God.

Our concern about the great waters is that we will be totally insecure and the risk seems to be so high. What we must realize is that the place where we have the greatest protection and provision is in the great waters. You don't need God in the shallow waters. You don't need God to help you do want you can do yourself. You need God to help you do what you cannot do on your own.

So you want to experience God's power, God's provision and God's protection? Take your business to the next level, move from the shallow areas of the market and go out and do business on great waters - there you will experience His Power, His Provision and His Protection. As you do, thank Him for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to His children. Exalt Him among others and praise Him in the company of the elders for He is good and His mercy endures forever.

Prayer for Craft Co-Op Founder

I just received the news that the founder of the Craft Co-Op, mentioned in an earlier post, is back in her home country for the next few months receiving treatment for a very serious recurring illness. Please pray for Ann,* that the treatment will be effective and that she will be able to return to the Craft Co-Op before summer.

Pray also for the women sewing for the co-op, that they will continue to work faithfully; pray for those who are overseeing the project in Ann's absence, that they will have wisdom and discernment to deal with issues that crop up, favor with local government officials, and protection from the enemy and his devices.

Please also pray for more orders for sewing crafts, as well as the issue of new salary requirements demanded by the government, mentioned in the previous post on the co-op.

Thanks!

Setting Godly Goals Based on your Responsibilities

by Patrice Tsague, NPIM

Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2

Goal setting is a concept that is often viewed as something that only non -Christians should engage in. Many ask, "How can a Christian set goals when His trust should be on God and not on his own abilities?" This view is very limited and assumes that all goals are bad. Goal setting is a tool that must be used by Christians, especially Christian entrepreneurs, to realize God's purpose and plan for their lives. When the Scripture teaches us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, it is giving us a guideline on how to prioritize our lives and not a mandate against goal setting. The statement itself supposes that you are a goal setter, for how can you seek first if you are not seeking at all?

Goal setters are individuals who are continuously seeking after something. The question is what will you seek first? Will you seek first things or will you seek first God's will and trust that things will follow you? The Apostle Paul wrote these words as he expressed his determination to realize his goals, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

We are all born for a purpose. That purpose is to conform to the likeness of Christ and be witnesses for Him in all that we do. As Biblical Entrepreneurs, we ought to be witnesses for Him in the market place. Based on this purpose, we each have a calling; a special assignment that is unique to us based on how God designed us, our individual passions, burdens, and the gifts, skills, treasures and abilities He has given us. Through this calling, He has given us stewardship over several things such as our families, businesses, money, possessions, relationships, knowledge, ministries and bodies. His desire is that we be found faithful over those things. Those things that He wants us to be faithful over are our responsibilities. God expects us to give an account for our responsibilities. In order to effectively handle our responsibilities we must be goals setters. Our goals cannot just be things we are trying to do because we want to, they must be things that line up with our purpose, our calling and the responsibilities God has given us.

Goals are measurable achievements that allow you to fulfill a vision or God's plan for your life. When setting these goals you must ensure that they meet four basic criteria: (ARRM) Achievable, Responsible, Reachable and Measurable.

- Achievable - you must set challenging goals but they must be within your potential and the level of your experience.
- Responsible - your goals must be in line with those things that the Lord will hold you accountable for and not based on your feelings and personal desires.
- Reachable - your goals must be within your reach and not beyond your ability.
- Measurable - your goals must have timelines and beginning and ending dates.

Once you determine the type of Goals you must set, how do you ensure that you realize these goals? The following 7 things will guide you in realizing your goals:

- Build on your past, but do not rely upon it (Philippians 3:13).
- Be Kingdom-focused (Matthew 6:33).
- Remove all known hindrances (Hebrews 12:1). A hindrance is anything that is keeping you from achieving the goal you have set.
- Set goals at the level of your abilities (Luke 17:5-6 & Matthew 25:15).
- Act on your goals (James 2:26).
- Have patience (Hebrews 10:36). Patience is the ability to persevere under pressure.
- Never give up (Hebrews 6:15). To give up is to allow life's challenges and circumstances to cause you to abandon the pursuit of God's plan for your life.

Reflect upon the things that you are currently doing: Are they in line with your purpose, your calling, and the things that God will hold you responsible for? If they are not, seek the Lord to assist you to make the appropriate adjustments and begin to set godly goals based on your responsibilities.

Moving to India... Jon and Beth are getting close!

We’re really moving to India (click to see original post)

It’s hitting us daily now: we’re really doing this.

I put our car (!) up for sale today.We’re compiling the list of things we need to buy (things that we can’t buy there, like good toilet paper) before we go.We have a moving quote for our stuff.We have our going away party planned and invites sent out.

We’re really moving to India. This month!

In the car the other day, we were talking about where we’d be in just a few weeks.

It went something like this: “Right now, we’ll be on the plane, over the east coast, on our way to India, and we won’t be coming home for a very long time.”

Yikes!

Pray for Jon and Beth as they prepare for moving to India and go through the emotional journey of saying goodbye to friends and family and hello to a new world.