During these difficult economic times with such high unemployment, the body of Christ has a tremendous opportunity to use our positions in the market place to help train those in need with employable skills and actually hire them in our companies.  The story of Boaz and Ruth is a great example of God’s plan for those in need to work the edges of the field to meet their needs.  Too often today we are more concerned with our profit margins and not our faith and obedience margins.  Where in the Bible does it say we are to ignore the needs of others and focus on our profits to the detriment of those in need?

            There are however, many great examples of some Christians in the market place who see their business as a ministry for God and others.  One of our partner companies with BridgeBuilders has employed five men who have completed employment training classes.  We believe along with their employer that someone’s past does not define them today or for their future.  Praise God that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  This particular CEO has now opened his company for a weekly Bible study open to all of his employees taught by BridgeBuilders volunteers.  In addition, he has donated over 1200 sq ft of his building for training space for our ministry to train in employment skills and make disciples for the Lord.  As I have watched the faith and faithfulness of this brother in Christ, I am in awe of his faith margins in a down economy.  He is now looking at how he can plant a factory in Romania to help bring a place of employment and discipleship to our work there.  I am certain this man will receive a great reward in Heaven for his faithful service to God.

            I am prayerful that God will continue to awaken many more Christians in the market place to realize our command is still to make disciples before making dollars.  Amazing to me that if we seek first His kingdom that everything else will be added to us.  It is time to trust and obey and watch God meet all of our needs and the needs of so many who are in great despair.  Remember it is all His yet He is just asking for the edges of the field.