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3 Different Routes into Business as Mission: How They Got Started

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Read this classic blog from our Archives, first published on The BAM Review blog in January 2016 and republished for the Summer Series 2022.

From Dream to Island Reality: Samantha

At the tender age of nine, rather than dreaming of make-believe castles and glass slippers, Samantha dreamed about living her life on a certain archipelago in Asia. After college Samantha spent a year in China teaching English then returned to the States to get her Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Upon graduating, she taught English for several years at high school level. Then one day God began stirring that dream from her childhood of living in Asia. After months of seeking wise counsel and pushing on doors, a plan began to take shape. True to His word, God did “more than she could ask or imagine”, doors opened for her to join an organisation that fit her youthfulness and passion. She raised long-term support, and took a survey trip. Within a short time Samantha had moved and begun studying the local language on a main island of the archipelago. She was open to God’s provision, setting no expectations on how long she would remain long-term in the country.

Three months into her language studies Samantha received a phone call from a certain small business ministering out in the islands asking if she would join them in their endeavor. Samantha had connected with this business months prior during her survey trip, hoping that God would open the door for her to join their business since their vision was the same as hers for the islands. With her teaching skills and a passion for the Islands, she immediately said, “Yes!” – believing she could do anything God called her to, including small business. Read more

BAM as an Effective Strategy in Urban Asia: Reaching a Tipping Point

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by Francis Tsui

>> Read Part 1, How Business has Transformed Nations and Lifted People Out of Poverty in China and East Asia

Continuing from Part 1, this article explores BAM as an effective mission strategy for missional impact in urban Asia, especially as we aim to reach a tipping point for macro impact through BAM companies.

Increasingly Asia has been transformed right before our eyes, and people’s lot has greatly improved over the last century. From a missiological perspective, urban East Asia has transformed into a totally different mission field compared to just decades ago. The fast transforming Asia powering into the twenty-first century certainly needs a new missiology and a new missional paradigm to raise up leaders to keep mission relevant and effective.

It is against this backdrop that the global church – with its mission leaders and workers, including those from Asia – has to contemplate and reassess their understanding, approaches, and strategies for the new Asian harvest fields. The gospel message remains the same, yet the church needs to search the heart of God to ask how the missio Dei is relevant in such a changing time and to a transforming continent.

Affluent and Open

The mission fields in Asia are no longer just remote, isolated, exotic destinations. In the last two centuries, in many Asian countries, the church has survived and the mission work has thrived through poverty and persecution. Yet, many are now asking how the harvest fields in Asia will survive affluence and openness.

Throughout Asia, people are nearer to each other, not only physically but virtually. Whether it is in the urban or the rural areas, technology has brought people closer. It was only in August 1991, almost exactly thirty years ago, when the World Wide Web became publicly available. In just about two decades, the advent and then proliferation of the internet have brought people together in ways no one could have imagined before. One could easily surmise the easy access of online experience in the cities. Yet, even before the introduction of smartphones, when it was still at the 2G technology level, China and India had already started to equip their mobile communication network and empower their rural population to get connected to the internet.

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How Business Transformed Nations and Lifted People Out of Poverty in China & East Asia

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by Francis Tsui

 

How have businesses, especially SMEs, transformed nations and lifted people out of poverty in China and East Asia? What were critical and contributing factors?

More than 1.5 billion people, about 38% of the population of Asia or 22% of the world population, live in geographic East Asia. The region is one of the world’s most densely inhabited places, with 133 inhabitants per square kilometer (340 per square miles), being about three times the world average of 45 per square kilometer (120 per square mile).

In recent decades, at least up till the Covid pandemic, East Asian economies are increasingly one of the key global growth engines with a sustained high single to double digit economic growth and development, and are fast emerging as a manufacturing and information technology hub of the world. One of key characteristics of the East Asia region is the presence and contribution of a large small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) sector comprising the majority of enterprises in all the region’s economies, and especially in the region’s urban scenes.

A New Consumer Culture

The rise of the East Asian urbanization phenomenon has one distinct characteristic. While urbanization in North America for the most part goes horizontal as cities sprawl, urbanization in East Asia goes vertical, with buildings scaling tall. It is now very common to see residential apartment buildings in excess of fifty stories tall or higher in places like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, or even Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. The result of such a mode of urbanization is that a huge number of people are packed into a rather small catchment area. People’s proximity to each other has become closer. Never before have we seen higher density of people within shouting or maybe even whispering distance with each other, which is very conducive to accelerated entrepreneurial economic activities.

The urbanization and modernization of some of the largest cities in East Asia ushers in new lifestyles. The birth of an urban middle class among the baby boomer and Gen X generations breeds for the first time a leisure class or a leisure lifestyle. Roaming about on the streets or in shopping malls, exercising in gyms, attending concerts or cultural events, or hanging out at coffee shops are activities unheard of possibly just two generations ago for anyone in Asia. Nowadays, these have become common pastimes. A new consumer culture has emerged out of over half a century of a mostly peaceful political environment, without major wars, and significant economic progress for many developing economies. The gradual rise of disposable income level among East Asians means that most people and families have more to spend. Indeed, East Asia is at a historic moment of major wealth creation and generational transfer. All of these exciting developments have created fertile soil and opportunities in multiple dimensions, including the emergence and maturation of SMEs. It has also brought about new possibilities for mission.

A Lift Out of Poverty

The emerging role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is also an indicator of the economic prosperity that helps to lift people out of poverty. And, the SMEs in East Asia and China have indeed scored spectacular success. In the last 30 years, according to the World Bank, East Asia accounts for two-fifths of global growth, and, during the same period, the number of extremely poor people living in East Asia fell by almost a billion. This is also the same period we saw SME businesses grow in leaps and bounds in East Asia and China.

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Let’s Make Business as Mission Both Global and Local

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As part of our continuing series on ‘BAM: A Global Glimpse’ we revisit this article by Joseph Vijayam.

In 2013 I was on a business trip in Jakarta. One afternoon my host asked if I would join him for a gathering of believers in his office building. To my surprise, this was not a small gathering of believers; it was a full-fledged worship service with songs, intercession, testimonies, and a short sermon with over 100 people in attendance. During the time of testimonies, people were sharing about their needs, including those at work, home, and in their communities. One of the business owners in the room shared that he sees himself as a pastor to his co-workers. At that moment, I realized that here in one of the megacities of Asia, weekly church service had taken a new form. The venue was a business conference room, the people in attendance came as individuals rather than families, significant time was spent in sharing of testimonies by new believers, and the time of their meeting was on a busy weekday. Every aspect of the event perfectly fit the needs of first-generation believers working in high rise offices in Jakarta. 

Though the purpose and function of the Body of Christ have remained the same, its local form has changed from age to age and from one culture to another. What I experienced in Jakarta was a unique expression of the local church that is ideal to the city of Jakarta for this generation. If the gathering of believers can take different forms, can our approach to bringing people into the Church be just as creative and specific to their situation? Not only do I believe that it can, I think it is essential.  Read more

BAM Job Opportunities

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Welcome to the updated list of BAM Job Opportunities on The BAM Review for March 2021.

 

Internships – Various BAM Companies

OPEN is looking for interns for between 6-12 weeks to work in BAM Companies in Africa, Middle East and all parts of Asia. On-site and virtual internships available now through 2021. More information

 

Sales and Marketing Team Leader – Manufacturer in Nepal

Our mission is to provide world-class, ethical manufacturing that empowers marginalized people and survivors of exploitation to fresh starts and fulfilled lives. The job purpose will be to increase our sales by effectively leading the marketing and sales team to find new contract sewing clients. As the marketing and sales team leader, you lead our marketing and sales efforts. You are an enthusiastic, motivated, and confident individual, passionate about results and growth. You can identify the right opportunities and enjoy connecting with potential clients. You can think strategically and manage a team of five people. Download Job Description

 

Coffee Roastery & Café for Sale – Hospitality Industry in Nepal

An existing business owner is seeking a buyer/investor-manager interested in carrying on the coffee operations for a well-established coffee business. It’s a great opportunity for someone looking to establish a presence in Nepal and avoid the heavy foreign investment requirement that is usually necessary. Download Purchase Prospectus

 

Various Positions – Handmade Production Company in South Asia

We are a business located in South Asia that is passionate to create employment for women at risk and survivors of trafficking. Through our non profit affiliate we provide a path to employment to ensure that women and children never face the threat of human trafficking again. Our company provides safe and secure employment, on site daycare facilities, and wrap around support allowing each woman to build a bright future for herself and her children. Every day we observe the transforming power of hope and love through employment. We are inviting someone with strong marketing and fundraising skills to grow and improve our production in order to provide more opportunities of freedom and hope to women and children. We currently are seeking people for the following roles:

Fundraising and Marketing Manager: Develop fundraising tools and strategies for our non profit, while also supporting staff to promote and sell our products and services in order to create holistic services and employment for survivors. More information

Production Manager: Oversee production systems and procedures, promoting efficiency and growth in order to grow as a brand and to employ more vulnerable women. More information

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BAM Job Opportunities – September 2020

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Welcome to the rebooted list of BAM Job Opportunities on The BAM Review. Much has changed in the world since we last posted a ‘job blog’ in March 2020 and so we felt it was appropriate to start from scratch with a brand new list. All jobs listed here are up to date and current, open positions (at date of posting).

 

Internships – Various BAM Companies

OPEN is looking for interns for between 6-12 weeks to work in BAM Companies in Africa, Middle East and all parts of Asia. On-site and virtual internships available now through 2021. More information

 

Various Positions – IT Company in North India

Envision yourself as part of a team built on the foundation of servant leadership, where we intentionally support each other in growth as individuals and a company. Since 2001, we have been working in India providing businesses in the West affordable and quality IT resources to keep their companies growing, while creating local jobs that build team direction and personal growth.  We’d love for you to bring your skills and leadership to our team, accelerating our growth so that we can impact more lives globally.

Business Development: Acts as the lungs of our business, working strategically to qualify and turn prospects into long term clients. This person works from their home office (or co-working space) closing deals that will be delivered by our software teams in India. Download job description| Apply Online

Account Manager: Grows trustful relationship with our clients in order to create multi-project, mutually fruitful relationships. Focuses on staging the projects and coaching the delivery team toward success in our offices in India. Download job description | Apply Online

Technologist in India: Works closely with our development and testing teams in India to encourage continuous learning and quality products via strategic processes. Download job description | Apply Online

College Student Intern in India: Soaks up an immersive multicultural experience along with the most practical real-life education on the market—all while creating value and becoming an integral part of our team. Download job description | Apply Online

Gap Year Internship in India: Acts as a Jack-of-all-Trades by flexibly taking on different responsibilities and projects throughout the entire company, providing real value while also gaining multicultural experience in the many different components of business. Download job description | Apply Online  
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50+ BAM Job Opportunities Around the World

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Each quarter we post an updated list of BAM Job Opportunities on The BAM Review. Welcome to the March 2020 edition.

 

Senior Web Engineer – Equakecreative – Remote/Contract

Equakecreative is a branding and product development agency based in San Diego, California since 1999. We assist our partners by telling their incredible stories online and build products that fans love and deeply engage with. Our expertise has allowed us to work alongside many world-class partners and brands. We’d be thrilled for you to bring your skills and leadership to our team, accelerating our mission to impact businesses around the globe in the most positive way. The Senior Web Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing technical solutions and contributing to the team delivering a quality product that meets the client requirements. The engineer should also have a solid understanding of American major league sports including but not limited to NFL, NBA, and NHL. They will also act as a mentor within the overall team.

Download job description

 

Various Positions – IT Company in North India

Envision yourself as part of a team built on the foundation of servant leadership, where we intentionally support each other in growth as individuals and a company. Since 2001, we have been working in India providing businesses in the West affordable and quality IT resources to keep their companies growing, while creating local jobs that build team direction and personal growth.  We’d love for you to bring your skills and leadership to our team, accelerating our growth so that we can impact more lives globally.

Business Development: Acts as the lungs of our business, working strategically to qualify and turn prospects into long term clients. This person works from their home office (or co-working space) closing deals that will be delivered by our software teams in India. Download job description| Apply Online

Account Manager: Grows trustful relationship with our clients in order to create multi-project, mutually fruitful relationships. Focuses on staging the projects and coaching the delivery team toward success in our offices in India. Download job description | Apply Online

Technologist in India: Works closely with our development and testing teams in India to encourage continuous learning and quality products via strategic processes. Download job description | Apply Online

College Student Intern in India: Soaks up an immersive multicultural experience along with the most practical real-life education on the market—all while creating value and becoming an integral part of our team. Download job description | Apply Online

Gap Year Internship in India: Acts as a Jack-of-all-Trades by flexibly taking on different responsibilities and projects throughout the entire company, providing real value while also gaining multicultural experience in the many different components of business. Download job description | Apply Online  

 

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60+ BAM Job Opportunities Around the World

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Each quarter we post an updated list of BAM Job Opportunities on The BAM Review. Welcome to the December 2019 edition.

Various Positions – IT Company in North India

Envision yourself as part of a team built on the foundation of servant leadership, where we intentionally support each other in growth as individuals and a company. Since 2001, we have been working in India providing businesses in the West affordable and quality IT resources to keep their companies growing, while creating local jobs that build team direction and personal growth.  We’d love for you to bring your skills and leadership to our team, accelerating our growth so that we can impact more lives globally.

Business Development: Acts as the lungs of our business, working strategically to qualify and turn prospects into long term clients. This person works from their home office (or co-working space) closing deals that will be delivered by our software teams in India. Download job description| Apply Online

Account Manager: Grows trustful relationship with our clients in order to create multi-project, mutually fruitful relationships. Focuses on staging the projects and coaching the delivery team toward success in our offices in India. Download job description | Apply Online

Technologist in India: Works closely with our development and testing teams in India to encourage continuous learning and quality products via strategic processes. Download job description | Apply Online

College Student Intern in India: Soaks up an immersive multicultural experience along with the most practical real-life education on the market—all while creating value and becoming an integral part of our team. Download job description | Apply Online

Gap Year Internship in India: Acts as a Jack-of-all-Trades by flexibly taking on different responsibilities and projects throughout the entire company, providing real value while also gaining multicultural experience in the many different components of business. Download job description | Apply Online

 

Early Childhood Pre-school Teacher – Alabaster Project in West Africa

Alabaster Project is a Christian mission organization currently established in three countries. It is located and works among the unreached people groups of West and North Africa. One of it’s strategies is to use education as a springboard to sharing the gospel and discipleship opportunities. We have a teaching opportunity available for an early childhood education (Pre-school) practitioner. This opportunity is available on a short term (3 months) or long term (multiple years) basis. Those interested please contact us by email for further details. Contact Email

 

Internships – Various BAM Companies

OPEN is looking for interns for between 6-12 weeks to work in BAM Companies in Africa, Middle East and all parts of Asia. 2020 Internships are available now! More information

 

Marketing and Sales Team Leader – Manufacturing Company in Nepal

We are an ethical cut-and-sew manufacturer based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Our mission is to provide world-class, ethical manufacturing that empowers marginalized people and survivors of exploitation to fresh starts and fulfilled lives. The job purpose will be to increase our sales by effectively leading the marketing and sales team to finding new contract sewing clients. As the marketing and sales team leader, you lead our marketing and sales efforts. You are an enthusiastic, motivated, and confident individual, passionate about results and growth. You can identify the right opportunities and enjoy connecting with potential clients. You can think strategically and manage a team, that includes a US business development manage, a local sales coordinator, and communications manager and help them be successful. Download Job Description 

 

Account Director – Software Development Company in Vietnam

We are an IT outsourcing company located in SE Asia and are currently looking to hire for various positions to join our growing team. We are looking for people who can also take an active role in discipling our staff and interns. Previous work experience is important but we are open to training and working with individuals if we feel that they have the right heart and personality fit for our company. The Account Director maintains and expands client relationship by ensuring projects are executed and delivered in a way that meets the customer’s needs and expectations. This position is also responsible for building strategic account plans and making sure these account objectives are met. Link to job description
Read more

How We Built Consistent, Committed Prayer into our Company

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A classic from our ‘Ask a BAM Mentor‘ Archive

 

Dear BAM Mentor,

What prayer habits have you found helpful in your business? How have you experienced prayer and hearing direction from the Lord fitting alongside ‘normal’ business practices and hearing from advisors and others?

~ Exploring Prayer

Dear Exploring,

Whatever we attempt for God has to be in accordance with His will and be blessed by Him if we are to see genuine success (in the heavenly definition of success). This is true for every venture, whether operated under the auspices of a local church, a Christian organisation or an overtly commercial business venture. In fact, because of the pressures and expectations that the world brings to bear on business ventures, it is all the more important to ensure close communion and communication with God. Whatever this may mean in practical terms, it has to include prayer.

The most obvious biblical instruction about how we should pray is Jesus’ introduction to His model prayer – that which most people refer to as the Lord’s Prayer – as recorded in Matthew 6. What these instructions boil down to is: keep it sincere, keep it personal (you and God) and keep it short and to the point. How this operates in practice will vary according to local circumstances. Our own experience was developed over a short time but then served the business well for many years – but not without some hiccups along the way, it may be added. Read more

55+ BAM Job Opportunities Around the World

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Each quarter we post an updated list of BAM Job Opportunities on The BAM Review. Welcome to the September 2019 edition.

 

NEW: Early Childhood Pre-school Teacher – Alabaster Project in West Africa

Alabaster Project is a Christian mission organization currently established in three countries. It is located and works among the unreached people groups of West and North Africa. One of it’s strategies is to use education as a springboard to sharing the gospel and discipleship opportunities. We have a teaching opportunity available for an early childhood education (Pre-school) practitioner. This opportunity is available on a short term (3 months) or long term (multiple years) basis. Those interested please contact us by email for further details. Contact Email

Marketing and Sales Team Leader – Purnaa in Nepal

Purnaa is an ethical cut-and-sew manufacturer based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Our mission is to provide world-class, ethical manufacturing that empowers marginalized people and survivors of exploitation to fresh starts and fulfilled lives. The job purpose will be to increase Purnaa sales by effectively leading the marketing and sales team to finding new contract sewing clients. As the marketing and sales team leader, you lead Purnaa’s marketing and sales efforts. You are an enthusiastic, motivated, and confident individual, passionate about results and growth. You can identify the right opportunities and enjoy connecting with potential clients. You can think strategically and manage a team, that includes a US business development manage, a local sales coordinator, and communications manager and help them be successful. Download Job Description 

 

Various Positions – Handmade Production Company in South Asia

We are a business located in South Asia that is passionate to create employment for women at risk and survivors of trafficking. Through our non profit affiliate we provide a path to employment to ensure that women and children never face the threat of human trafficking again. Our company provides safe and secure employment, on site daycare facilities, and wrap around support allowing each woman to build a bright future for herself and her children. Every day we observe the transforming power of hope and love through employment. We are inviting someone with strong marketing and fundraising skills to grow and improve our production in order to provide more opportunities of freedom and hope to women and children. We currently are seeking people for the following roles:

Fundraising and Marketing Manager: Develop fundraising tools and strategies for our non profit, while also supporting staff to promote and sell our products and services in order to create holistic services and employment for survivors. More information

Product Designer: Design new products and services, including developing technical sheets, training procedures, and product promotions in order to create employment for survivors. More information

Read more

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