Ruth Chan is currently interning with Videre as an Operations Intern during her winter break as she pursues her Masters in Public Administration at The Maxwell School, Syracuse University. She graduated from Cornell University in 2011 with a degree in Policy Analysis and Management. Here is what she has to say about her experience with Videre so far:

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 ESV)

During the past several weeks, my internship with Videre has been like an exciting crash course that combines development economics, business planning, Gospel-centered creativity, and cross-cultural evangelism. Somehow, all the pieces have fit neatly together into a coherent whole, but it is not Videre that ultimately unites them all. Neither is it the conviction to use business as mission (BAM), as important as that is. Rather, it is the underlying vision of Videre and all of Christian life – the simple truth that whatever we do can be used for God’s glory through Jesus Christ.

Through Videre, I am continually reminded that the Christian life is not only about commitment to a local church, sharing the Good News, praying, or studying God’s Word. Instead, living as a Christian is even better and deeper because it joins all that we are and do into worship to God. There is no divide between activities that are seemingly “sacred” and those that are “secular.” Instead, each moment of our lives is redeemed and transformed into opportunities to reflect the character and image of God. Whether someone is a pastor, business volunteer, entrepreneur, or team leader, their commitment to honor God in their work and life glorifies God.

Reflecting on this powerful truth presents both a challenge and encouragement. Dedicating every word and deed to Christ is what He commands, and it’s hard! On the other hand, what a promise to know that each moment of my life is precious to God! What could possibly be more exciting than knowing that even the most mundane activities can be valuable praise to Him? As difficult as the task may be, the greatness of God’s redemptive work draws us in.

As the hymnwriter Isaac Watts writes:

Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

RUTH CHAN
Videre 2011 Winter Intern

Videre needs three business professionals to go on a Phase III trip to complete the business training program for 18 entrepreneurs in Ghana!

In September, a team went on a Phase I trip to begin teaching 30 participants how to use their businesses to share the Gospel.

In October, a second team went on a Phase II trip to create business plans with 21 participants who came out of Phase I.

Now we have 18 entrepreneurs who made it through Phase II and are anxiously waiting for their loans. We need a team to go on a Phase III trip so that these entrepreneurs can complete the program and graduate before they are funded!

On the Phase III trip, the team will provide training for the final 18 entrepreneurs in small groups and work with them in the following ways:

• Build savings and reinvestment schedules for long-term business growth
• Review specific loan terms and qualifications for a loan
• Teach on evangelism in the marketplace
• Teach on the importance of keeping records
• Understand how to nurture relationships with family members and employees through the business
• Participate in a sales pitch competition
• Role play on specific what-if scenarios tailored to their business plans

The trip is scheduled for January 20 – 29, 2012. Email iliang@videre.org if you are interested.

SUBMIT A TRIP APPLICATION NOW!

The Phase II team returned from Ghana on the last day of October. This team was uniquely diverse, as it was comprised of business professionals from the United States, Kenya, and Ghana.

The team worked with 21 participants who came back from Phase I in September. The team visited some of their business to get an idea of what it means to do business in northern Ghana. Below is John Kaserman as he visits Rita, who sells sewing materials and accessories, and her husband Timothy, a tailor, at their home that also serves as their workplace. Visiting the entrepreneurs at their workplace helps team members understand the business context of where these entrepreneurs operate.

Each of the team members then sat with these participants one-on-one and vetted their business plans. Mark and his translator Solomon (center) worked with Yakubu (left), an entrepreneur who sells medicine in twelve different villages. Yakubu was formerly a Muslim who started two or three mosques. Now he uses his business to heal the sick and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with hundreds of people.

After an extreme vetting process, we determined that there are 18 fundable entrepreneurs in Class 2. These entrepreneurs have not only proven their business savvy and impressive plans to grow their businesses, but they have also shown us their hearts to use their businesses as an extension of their calling to show the love of Jesus Christ.

These entrepreneurs are now waiting for their loans. The average loan size for an entrepreneur is $638. Depending on the individual business, the loan size ranges from $156 to $1291.

We need your help and generous contribution to fund these loans!

Click here to make a donation now to sponsor one of our 18 entrepreneurs.