FEEDBACK ON THE CHRISTIAN BUSINESSMEN'S MEETING HELD ON THE 25th MAY 2001

Twelve of us gathered around Welfit Oddy's boardroom table, much like the disciples in Jesus's time.

We shared and were greatly challenged when we examined how the disciples went about fulfilling what God had called them to do. To a large extent we have become comfort Christians and a word was clearly received that as Christian Businessmen we need to :

• Act with Boldness
  

• Take Risks
  
• Be in Agreement

We all left the meeting with a real awareness of how far short we fall of the glory of God.

A great concern was expressed at the lack of true vision for the Nelson Mandela Metropole. (There may be 3 or 5 year plans, but no real vision for economic revival and a totally transformed community.)

The idea was tabled that we hold a one-day "Men of Vision" conference and invite top leaders from business, academic and local government to come and share their vision for this region. This conference can, with media coverage etc., play a big role in restoring hope and instilling a fresh vision for this area.

We agreed that we would take a final decision on this after the Investment conference taking place on the 31st of May at the Edward Hotel.

Many of you may have heard of or have read the book called the Prayer of Jabez. In his prayer to God Jabez made a heart felt plea for God to enlarge his territory. (1 Chronicles 4v10). At that stage land was a very important asset and Jabez asked God to enlarge his "borders". As Christian businessmen we have other "territories" which we manage and which we would desperately want to enlarge. It could be more customers, increased export orders, new equipment, create more employment etc.

As residents, Christians and businessmen in this area we could pray the following prayer patterned along the lines of what Jabez prayed to God.
"Oh, that you bless the Nelson Mandela Metropole indeed,
That you would bring economic revival to this region, starting with us as Christian businessmen.
Only You can do this, and we humbly submit ourselves and our business to You to perform Your will through us.
Protect us from the evil that has pervaded in this area and keep us from business practices that are not honouring to You.
We thank you that you have heard our cry."

As we read in Verse 10 "So God granted him what he requested." Scripture says that "We don't have because we don't ask." but God performs his work "Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord".

Pray this prayer or write it in your own words. Let us be in agreement and ask this of the Lord that He may "grant what we have requested". This area can be so transformed by the spirit of God that people will flock to it from all parts of the world to be part of the miracle. All we have to do is ask. (Please feel free to share this message with whomever God leads you to do so.)

We will advise of our next meeting and regarding the "Men of Vision" conference. If you have any input please address it to myself or Charles Snider or Mike Smith mike.smith@kpmgmail.co.za
 
Kind regards
Claude Warner
Assoc. of Christian Businessmen

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