Mike called and there was a problem.
He was an adviser to an extraordinary project in Cambodia in which several ‘impact businesses’ provided training and sheltered employment for women rescued from sex trafficking. For example, one business provided contract catering across Phnom Penh and included a training restaurant. I had visited some of the business sites with him and been deeply moved.
But the project was in financial trouble and could fold. Mike was to fly out but needed immediate funds to keep things going. “I need ten Christians to give me £5k each,” he said. “Can you help?”
Ouch. I led a network of Christian businesspeople who worked on enterprise-based solutions to poverty and his request was aimed at the network. But I also sensed – with some dread in the pit of my stomach – that this was also for me.
At the time I was struggling to sell my share in a business I had founded. I thought that if only I had managed to sell it, then of course I could have helped.
However, I also had a nagging feeling that I could and should still help. I did have some savings, though painfully little I thought for my stage of life. £5k would be a significant chunk of it. I sensed that God was prompting me to help. Rather reluctantly – and frankly, a bit cross with God – I transferred £5k.
Two weeks later, I received an unexpected and generous offer for the business. It was enough to start an impact business of my own and generate a pension when the time came.
I don’t believe in a simple ‘prosperity theology’, but I certainly do believe that we serve a God of abundance. In retrospect, it felt like the £5k was a kind of ‘firstfruits’ offering: a gift back to God of the first portion of what He has given us, made in faith and overwhelmingly blessed by God.
Slowly, I am learning to follow His lead and step forward in faith.
Jerry Marshall
Chair, Transformational Enterprise Network
Reflect
‘Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.’
Proverbs 3:9-10
Pray
- Pray for courage to give even when it feels costly.
- Ask God to deepen your trust in His provision and timing.
- Thank Him for being faithful and generous in every season.
Act
A generosity challenge for you to complete today:
| Take a box of biscuits to a local school, GP surgery, fire station or somewhere else where people are serving your community. Add an encouraging note or Bible verse to brighten their day. |
About Transformational Enterprise Network
Transformational Enterprise Network is a community of followers of Jesus using enterprise to tackle poverty and bring transformation, especially among the world’s poorest communities across Africa, Asia and other developing regions.
By connecting entrepreneurs, mentors and investors, this organisation helps create financially sustainable, impact-driven businesses that model integrity, generosity and hope.
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