Justus writes:
“I’d like to suggest “Great Commission Companies: The Emerging Role of Business in Missions” (InterVarsity Press, 2003) as a book that gives the church several new options in expanding her influence. “

“This book highlights several different companies and describes their types, including a furniture/handicrafts manufacturing company based in Central Asia, a Real Estate company started by a church to augment their missions financing, and the Pure Vida coffee company.”

Amazon.com (external link) describes Great Commission Companies:

    By establishing authentic businesses that employ local workers among the least-reached peoples of the world, they contribute to the economic health of the immediate community and also provide avenues for both physical and spiritual ministry.

Christianity Today (external link) says:

    The authors believe that globalization may have the same gospel-disseminating effect in the beginning of the third millennium that persecution had in the first millennium, and that exploration and colonization had in the second. They argue persuasively that powerful forces of worldwide material and financial interdependence—commonly called globalization—have created unprecedented opportunities for taking the message of the Cross to all nations, tribes, and tongues…

    …One such entrepreneur started a company identified as the SR Handicraft Company (the authors have prudently disguised most names of the firms, executives, and their locations). After a rocky start, it has grown to two factories generating $3.1 million in revenues. About 90 percent of its 300 employees have become Christians. These employees in turn are reaching out to their communities and have planted eight churches—one with 400 people.

“I hope that discussions started by this book will help us ensure that ‘all nations on earth will be blessed by you’.”

Justus