China (MNN) — China's meteoric rise to power over the last two decades is
likely one of the most significant developments of the marketplace.
Today, it has amassed the wealth and power so that every move can be
calculated to make or break global markets. Its strength is surpassing the U.S. economy,
and it may likely become the biggest economy in the world.
While most developed countries are seeing stagnating economic growth, the
burden of sustaining global consumption falls on emerging markets like India
and China.
The reality is that China is a force to be reckoned with, and
it's a good time to engage the leaders of the business world. Global
Advance recently held a strategic meeting in China to do just that. Jonathon Shibley with Global
Advance says, "Today is the day that we need to plant
those seeds of thought into these new emerging Christian leaders in China, that
they have a global responsibility for the fulfilling of the Great Commission. As
resources shift, and as power shifts, we'll see Chinese helping fund the
advance of the Gospel around the world."
Business ethics often challenge Christian business leaders
in China. The tools utilized by Marketplace Missions meet a growing need. "A lot of them struggle with being in a
culture where spiritual capital is lacking in terms of doing business,"
Shibley explains. "There's a lot of
bribery and things of that nature, so the hunger level is high to learn how to do
business from a godly perspective, but also to see themselves as a catalyst to
being a light and an influence to other people through the marketplace."
Through Marketplace Missions, Global Advance teams worked with
Christian business leaders in China to awaken Kingdom vision and increase the expertise
of Christian entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. "People who are managers in
multi-national companies and love Jesus are being catalysts for God's purpose
through the marketplace. It's just exciting to see what God is doing. So we've
been meeting with some of these people and trying to help them grow in their
biblical worldview."
The initiative provided a conduit for U.S. business leaders
to mentor and learn from these emerging marketplace leaders. Why? Training Christian businessmen and women
increases economic and spiritual capital throughout the world. "As business is done on the up and up
with biblical values of that country, it adds to the spiritual capital of that
country. It adds to the moral fabric of the country, and the more that that is
done, I think that the more believers will be seen in a positive light versus a
threat."
"We truly are a global Church now. The call to Great Commission is for the
entire church–for believers in every nation, and not just the West,"
Shibley notes. He adds that the meetings were a valuable resource for China's
Christian business leaders to connect with others who desire to transform their
nations.
Global Advance provided some resources through their
Business Institute (GABI). Special modular teachings focused on areas
such as Accounting Finance, Management, Marketing, and Human Resources.
Shibley says although there are reports of persecution occurring
throughout the country, believers are undeterred. Now that the Christian business leaders have
tools, friends, and a growing spiritual acumen, "Pray
that they'll have the strength and the biblical encouragement to live out and integrate
their faith into their work." That's not the only need. Global
perspective is the next challenge. "Pray that God will give them greater
vision for their responsibility as it relates to the world. As a multi-national
business opens up lanes of commerce for the Chinese, pray that they'll be a mission's
force."
