Building up Businesses and Families

Jesus worked as a carpenter before he began His public ministry; Paul worked throughout his ministry life. Jesus’ disciples had occupations as well -- many of them without schooling. Our caregivers (parents, grandparents, aunties etc…), most lacking in formal education, were lamenting the lack of work opportunities available to them. Desiring to see our families flourish, Hope Alive! hosted a business training to invest in the overall strength of our students’ families. Men and women gathered to learn the basics of setting up a successful, God-honoring business. The group considered two major questions during the training. 

What would my business be?

Jesus expects us to think about our businesses carefully before we invest in them as recorded by Luke. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you.” Luke 14:28-29 This passage set the stage for parents to think through what a business requires and how it would function. 

How would I sell my products or services?

They discussed what makes customers buy some items and not others and how to present a business in a way which will encourage others to buy from them. The training extrapolated on principles from the Bible. A business, as with life, needs to be built on a good foundation. A good foundation for a business includes hard work, dependability, care with money, quality products, positive attitude, planning, discipline, honesty, and saving – all partnered with prayer. 

After the training, many caregivers started their own small businesses, leading to increased income for their households. We are overjoyed to see this positive change in the lives of our fragile families. Hope Alive! will continue to not only provide an education for children but build up families for the good of the whole community – to elevate the name of Jesus!