India or Bust: An Online Journal of Starting a Kingdom Business
Last fall I had the privilege of meeting Jon a passionate young businessman on fire for Business as Mission. He and he his wife Beth are starting a business as mission company and they have begun to journal their experiences "India or Bust". Recently I asked Jon to share some of their story...Business as Mission Blog: What was the spark or catalyst that caused you to "go for it" and get involved with a business as mission company? What about the decision to move to India?
Jon: The spark came as a simple question “Would you be interested in moving to India to start a BAM business?” At first I was apprehensive, but as I thought about the tremendous opportunity it was and the amazing adventure it would be, I began to get excited about it. The journey since that day has been challenging and scary, but God has been forging the path ahead of us -- we’ve just had to follow Him.
We had been exploring Business as Mission for quite some time in regards to our own lives and even teaching it at a local bible college. The chance to turn theory into action was very appealing to us. It’s been difficult to birth the BAM spirit within our existing company, but a new venture in India gives us the chance to found the business on BAM principles, which is very exciting.
We had been exploring Business as Mission for quite some time in regards to our own lives and even teaching it at a local bible college. The chance to turn theory into action was very appealing to us. It’s been difficult to birth the BAM spirit within our existing company, but a new venture in India gives us the chance to found the business on BAM principles, which is very exciting.
Business as Mission Blog: What have been some of the biggest challenges you've encountered thus far in your plans and what big issues down the road are you most concerned with?
Jon: The planning process for India has run fairly smoothly thus far. God seems to be opening the right doors for us and connecting us with the right people to help us understand what it takes to start a business in India. I think the biggest challenge that lies before us in setting up the business is hiring the right people. It’s imperative that we have “the right people on the bus” (a Good to Great principle) for our business to succeed. Fortunately, we will be working with people who are already doing business in India and who can help us along in the process of hiring employees as well as help us navigate the cross-cultural issues inherent in doing business overseas.
Business as Mission Blog: How would you describe the journey and process of making plans to go overseas being newly married? What advice can you already pass on to other 20's and 30's?
Jon: A couple of things...
Don't rush into it
Both of us (my wife and I) decided from the very beginning that we needed to have one full year of being married before making an international move. Others have recommended at least 2 years.
Deal with your issues before you leave
We realize that the next several months are vital for both the success of our marriage and the BAM endeavor in India. We have been very open and transparent about our “baggage” since the beginning of our relationship knowing that anything kept in the dark would only serve to eat away and destroy our marriage further down the road. We are earnestly working through our issues because we want to be as healed and whole as possible, which will strengthen our marriage and our service in the Kingdom.
Start learning now
I feel like I’ve been playing catch-up – there are too many things to read, learn, and do before we head to India! Begin reading up on Business, Missions, and BAM. Find a mentor to help you grow in God and your business acumen.
Simplify your life
Moving overseas forces you to look at everything you own and do differently. Every purchase begs the question: “Do I really need this?” The battle to own your stuff, versus your stuff owning you intensifies when you have to sell, give away or move it halfway around the world (and pay by the pound). Time becomes a precious commodity: when you have less than a year to spend with friends, see your family, and do new things… your priorities become a lot clearer! The earlier you start, the easier it is to face not seeing your friends, family and familiar surroundings for an extended period.
Relinquish control
God is ultimately in control -- He wants a BAM business more than you do. He has perfect plans and timing. He knows everything and everyone that is required to make it happen. Trying to ‘make it happen’ in your own strength is a sure fire way to burn yourself out.
Learn about Spiritual Warfare
The spiritual warfare around our marriage and lives has intensified as we prepare to go extend God’s Kingdom in India. We know it will intensify further once we’ve moved to India. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of Spiritual Warfare, read up on it. Recommended reading: The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane
Build a prayer network
You can never have too much prayer support. It’s important to build the business on a foundation of prayer (Psalm 127:1).
Buy a web cam for yourself and those dear to you
We’ve begun giving web cameras as presents to friends and family. This will allow us to ‘see’ them more often (via video IM) then when we are back in the US visiting.
Read our blog
We’re journaling our entire journey to India and beyond on our blog at http://blogs.globeservebusiness.com/india/
Labels: Case Studies, Panel Discussion, Practical Tips and Tools
