So many of us have a heart for missions, but our finances are limited. Many people I’ve talked to have told me, “I wish I had more money so I could give more to build His kingdom.”
We read article after article about persecution and wish we could be of some help. Sometimes it’s even hard to read the articles or open a BTJ newsletter because we feel so helpless.
But let me tell you how much your dollars are doing. Every small gift you’ve given has gone such a long way. There is a reward in heaven, but we’re also seeing your giving multiply here on earth. Let me explain what’s happening in India.
We’re helping get pastors out of jail, but it doesn’t stop there. We help their families and their children’s education, and now we’re helping them start businesses.
The Indian government does not understand the Spirit who lives inside us. They put these pastors in jail, and they come out with more fire and more passion for Jesus than ever before. They still want to preach. They still want to serve Him. And now these pastors are starting businesses, and some of those businesses are thriving.
We’re not starting huge businesses at all. These are small businesses, but you would be surprised how far a little can go. For example, we helped start a spice business for about $800. As that business grew, this pastor became able to support his family, run the church, pay for his wife’s education, and help other poor believers in his own church.
Before, he was depending on tithes and offerings. Now he’s able to support his own church members. One member had leukemia, and the family couldn’t pay their rent or buy groceries. Because this little $800 business was doing well, he was able to help them. That’s what I mean when I say your dollars are multiplying. The person who needed help is now able to help someone else.
Another business we helped start, for about $1,500, is a small bridal jewelry and bangle shop. The pastor’s wife sells imitation jewelry for brides, and she rents it out too. If you know India, you know jewelry is a big part of our weddings!
They had to shut down their church office, which was in a main area, so they started a shop in that space. Now the business is doing so well that they’re able to educate all four of their children.
This family belongs to a lower caste. Their whole caste has been pushed aside by upper-caste people. That is the reality they live with. Now this pastor is able to work with people throughout his village and help them grow. He’s even thinking about running for village leader in the next election.
We also helped start a laundromat that’s providing for three or four families. And just last Saturday, we helped open our fifth business, a small furniture store. This pastor is a carpenter. He has good skills, and he’s also very good at talking to people. With this store, he’ll be able to find more clients, go into people’s homes to build and install furniture, and use those opportunities to share Jesus. He’s using the skills he already has to provide for his family and build God’s kingdom.
And the list goes on.
Business as Missions is such a blessing in India. I wanted to write a big thank-you to tell you how far your contributions are going. I wish you could see it yourselves. I’m intentionally not sharing the pastors’ names or the places because I want to protect them. But let me tell you, these are really, really poor families. These are men who have been in jail for their faith, and they still want to keep serving Jesus.
Some people have asked me, “How do you know the people you’re helping start businesses are reliable?”
My answer is simple. If they’ve been arrested, if they’ve been tortured in jail, and they still come out wanting to serve Jesus and preach the gospel, I don’t think I need much more proof of their commitment to Him. They’re willing to work hard with their hands, too. Like Paul making tents, they’re earning a living and continuing to preach the gospel.
So when you give, please don’t think your gift is too small. Look at what $800 has helped one pastor do. He can care for his family, serve his church, and help a family dealing with leukemia. Your gift is reaching people you may never meet.
Thank you so much for all your support. Because of your generosity, we’re able to stand with these families and help them keep going. I’m so grateful to you.
We have many, many more stories to share, and I look forward to telling you what God continues to do through your giving.
God bless you.
