Aquila Network Blog

I was reminded the other day from Scripture why Business has a great potential to radically impact the way we do Missions in restricted access countries:

Acts 4:14-21 (Peter speaking before the Council after healing a lame beggar)

But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.

When a business is set up properly it will bring economic prosperity to the local community. New jobs are created. New goods or services are provided. It brings a real benefit to all who are involved.

If the government hears that the owners of the company follow Jesus, they may get suspicious. But if this company is making a tangible economic and social impact in the local community, the government will be less likely to force the owners to leave the country. Like the Jewish leaders at the council, they will be faced with upsetting a community that sees this business as strong asset to the local economy.

Compare that to a business that is set up as a front to allow entrance to a restricted access country. This type of pseudo-company brings no real, tangible benefit to the community. There is nothing in place that would cause the government think twice about kicking the workers out of the country.

When a Business is set up to bring economic prosperity while displaying the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it becomes a powerful tool for fulfilling the Great Commission.