Nurturing Businesses in Developing Countries
to Benefit Communities, Churches, and Employees

Rural poor in Latin America face low commodity prices in the globalized markets and hard growing conditions. Worse by far is the gang violence which threatens the very lives of those unwilling to cooperate. Often the police are intimidated too, or even complicit. Today farmers in just such a context are finding new hope. “New Hope Farm” is helping them plant fruits and vegetables for domestic markets as well as export. Young trees are being provided by an export company, along with the training of an agronomist. The critical factor? A Godly mentor is overseeing it all, teaching the Bible to the farmers and their families, and leading them in prayers for their crops, their community, their churches.

A business student at BIOLA University, Samuel Mendez spent his summer interning with BPN, who frequently partners with MED/SME loan programs that have a close relationship with churches in South America. Reflecting on his internship, Samuel said, “The thing that really gets me about micro-financing is that it takes time. It takes time from being nothing to building something… to develop a vision and dream instead of simply settling for someone’s compassion and support.”

Overseas Missionary Fellowship International invited BPN Board President, John Warton, to speak at their Partnership for Asia Conference which supports missionaries in a variety of endeavors. BPN knows there are strategic ministry advantages for Christian professionals to serve the Lord through their business, especially in countries like China, Bhutan, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and others. John spoke on Business as Mission, showing how business is becoming the prime strategy for contemporary evangelism. He also lead a small group workshop, detailing 7 proven models businesses use around the world to spread God’s love and mercy.

BPN partners with agencies “on the ground” who provide training and accountability to each loan recipient. This helps ensure entrepreneurs will be successful and loan capital goes further. In 1999, Vasile Popan received his first small loan of just a few hundred dollars from CAMED and began a small sausage production. Seeing the hand of God in this opportunity, he committed his business to Him. Vasile was able to hire more than 20 employees, won a national award for sausage quality in 2005, and supplies free sausages to local orphanages! With proceeds from his business, he is able to build a sustainable operation and donate back to his local church community.

BPN loaned Raul $1000 and he immediately fell behind on his payments. FUNSALDE loan officers determined he would have a better chance at his business with $2,000 to leverage. They INCREASED his loan and Raul’s business turned around immediately because he was able to employ more workers. He expanded to over 12 cites with nearly 30 employes in his Christ-centered recycling operation – despite his family facing death threats and violence from local gangs.

Together, BPN and Integra Ventures invited 65 entrepreneurs to participate in a highly-interactive, all-day discussion. Participants from a variety of industries including manufacturing, agriculture, accounting, law, consulting, real estate, and more gathered to learn what made successful businesses. Presenters from around the world spoke on topics such as clarity of vision, applying the truth of the Bible to the corporate world, marketing communications, seeing the customer’s perspective, and more. Ultimately, BPN helps small businesses make profits and further God’s purpose while thriving in the face of corruption.