“MDE makes BAM sustainable.” I heard this phrase recently from one of our Business AND Mission (BAM) entrepreneurs and it really touched me. We get to see up close how difficult, unpredictable, risky, and discouraging BAM can be. Making BAM sustainable for these courageous brothers and sisters felt like such an honor and affirmation of why we exist. After a few moments of enjoying that feeling, I had a second realization: Volunteers are what makes MDE sustainable.
Faithful people steward the gifts, skills, and experience God has given by passing them on to our BAMers serving on the Kingdom frontlines. In the process, God rewards those volunteers with that same sense of joy, knowing they have been used well by Him to advance His purposes in unreached places. MDE is privileged to tend such a holy eco-system. BAMers plant, volunteers water, and God makes it all grow.
Below are some testimonials from our BAM members and volunteers. Would you like to learn more about how you can use what God has given you to support a BAMer on the field? Here are some ways. Even better, join us on March 8th in Indianapolis to experience how God uses regular people to advance the gospel in unreached places through BAM.
Bill Burke, COO | MDE
Having served in two countries in East Asia, we appreciate the assortment of challenging experiences missionaries incur when living in a different culture. We have been reminded that God calls unique individuals to take the Gospel to lost people of different cultures. As mentors, we can create a safe haven for conversation, which includes being attentive, sympathetic listeners while providing genuine encouragement. We encourage everyone who loves missions and wants to support those answering the mission call to consider volunteering with MDE. Through our participation with MDE, we are able to relive many of our international mission experiences. Each time we meet with our mentees, we feel blessed, encouraged, and truly honored to play a small role in the BAM process.
People should volunteer with MDE if they are interested in seeing missions succeed in limited-access countries. There are a lot of church people with specific skill sets who don’t believe they have anything to contribute to BAM. Oftentimes, the MDE member does not have basic business skills, and volunteers make a huge difference by serving even for a short period of time. Some examples include reaching a target audience, setting up a bookkeeping program, and helping them through an IT challenge. Any basic business skill can add real value to a BAM venture in a third-world country. So this is a great opportunity to help a front-line mission team without the need to move to a third-world country.
One thing I truly appreciate about MDE is its ability to recruit individuals with practical professional skills. When you’re in a tough situation and need real expertise—whether it’s a lawyer or an accountant—you require someone with concrete skills. Most of us involved in business as mission are capable ministry leaders, but we may lack professional skills or experience. If you’ve been honing your abilities for 30 or 40 years, you possess valuable skills that could make a significant difference. Others may not be as direct in asking for your help as I am now, but we genuinely need it. Without your capable assistance, things are unlikely to go as well.
In places where openly sharing the Gospel is difficult, the marketplace provides a unique avenue for impact. Marketplace & Development Enterprises (MDE) equips missional businesspeople to thrive in these spaces—and the secret to our success? Incredible volunteers. Join us on Saturday, March 8th (8:30 AM–3:00 PM) for The Gathering in Indianapolis, a one-day event celebrating MDE volunteers and their role in supporting marketplace ventures worldwide. Come and be inspired!