by a Pioneer in Central Asia
“I normally don’t drink or smoke,” Smur said, “but lately under all my financial struggles I have started both.” As Smur and I discussed the soybean business together, Smur let me have a glimpse into his deeper struggles. I, in turn, was able to share my testimony about how Jesus Christ has met all my needs. Smur listened and received prayer in Jesus’ name. The next time we met, Smur said that he felt the heaviness was lifted and he had stopped smoking and drinking. I know we will have regular contact with Smur because the soybean factory is located on his property. This is the heart of BAM.
A few weeks ago our entire family went with Fati and Abraham to their soybean fields to see how the crops were growing. They are using quality soybean seed that we brought over from America to grow beans which we will buy in the fall. My wife also helps Fati with her English lessons. Our two families had a picnic, our kids played together, and I had an opportunity to share with Abraham about my faith in Jesus Christ. This is the heart of BAM.
What is BAM? It stands for ‘Business as Mission,’ and that is what we are doing in Central Asia. Our vision is to see a church-planting movement started among a minority Muslim group. Since there are no believers that we know of in our village, we are trying to meet as many people as possible in order to share seeds of the gospel. We are also seeking to bless the community, to God’s glory, by providing jobs and community development through small businesses.
I am the executive director of a local trading company. In the past, the company has dried tomatoes, sold flower seedlings, and imported and rented farming equipment. Currently the company has contracted with 23 local farmers to grow soybeans that the company will buy, process and extrude into a meal that is a critical ingredient in quality animal feed. To our knowledge soybeans have never been extruded in this country but already folks are lining up to buy the product. Though we are still in the early stages, this business has a lot of potential for providing jobs and blessing our village. We are also going to employ Muslim-background believers in the factory so they can have close interactions with our local Muslim friends. Also, some of the finished meal will go to trained local evangelists who will go into unreached villages with small-scale chicken businesses, based on this soybean feed. Praise the Lord with us that He has graciously provided all the funds and equipment that we’ve needed. Please pray that He will continue to use this business for His glory.