“Really big and sudden changes in the world of mis- sions don’t come often. But now one is upon us. It’s the major optimism and thrill of business people who are devout believers starting or extending ‘Kingdom Businesses’ around the world.”

(Ralph Winter in Mission Frontiers, Nov-Dec 2007) 

Faith At Work & BAM

The Moravian Brothers of the 18th century were artisans.  They practiced their trade and made apprentices of the natives. Their business bettered the lives of the people they were called to reach, and provided natural daily opportunity for interaction with them. 

The story of the Basel Mission Industries in 19th century India is also quite inspiring.  The Indian converts were rejected as outcasts by their community. So the British missionaries had to provide for their employment and livelihood.  The Mission started printing, weaving and tile manufacturing businesses that employed 3,600 workers, of whom 2,800 were Christians.  Employee benefits for both men and women included low cost housing, savings accounts, and sick funds.  The famous khaki color was invented in their weaving factory.  In 1978, the business became a public company in compliance with government policies, but continued to channel profits to support charitable institutions set up by the Basel Mission Trust.