From tigers prowling through the lush green forests to nomadic tribal groups traipsing through desert plains, India is a land of diversity. Cities of wealth created by information technology (IT) giants and colossal call centers juxtapose slums full of oppression and brutality, recently highlighted in Academy Award Winner, Slumdog Millionaire. In the midst of this billowing economy and rampant poverty are Christian entrepreneurs, seeking to serve God through their professional skills and faith-centered passions.
“No one has ever created a network of Christian business professionals in this country,” stated Michael Brian, Founder of Expera India, a staffing and resource company spanning six large south India cities. Looking to fill this hole, Partnership Facilitator for Partners Worldwide, Greg Matney, recently traveled to this land of contrasts, and hosted business training conferences for hundreds of Christian entrepreneurs in three separate venues. Christians gathered for several days and shared thoughts on Vision/Mission/Values, Business Planning, Business Finances, and how to recruit members for this emerging International Business Affiliate. From the border city of Calcutta to Jabalpur in the heart of India, many shared the same news – There is a lack of training material on Business as Mission, Financing, Accounting, and Marketing. Further, there are no North American partners to walk-alongside and inspire their potential.
“I have been to spiritual seminars and workshops for nearly forty years, and this is the first time we’ve talked about business,” a Pastor looking to start a silk-making factory in central India mentioned. In this training conference, 80 entrepreneurs gathered from 10 regions to discuss how Christians can collaborate in business. Many shared that the intense persecution facing many Christian in the country could subside if the Christian business community made their mark on this ‘tiger economy.’
In order to do so effectively, they are seeking partnerships through Partners Worldwide. This network could quickly expand into a nationwide movement of Christians, if God brings the people with the experiences and passions that will complement these efforts! Nutraceuticals, silk-making, human resources, handicrafts, construction – the list of sectors these Indian Christians need partners for goes on and on!
Please consider working in partnership with Christians in India. You can help the Christian community realize their potential in this growing economy, and at the same time, empower them against intense persecution!
