Greg Elzinga

I've been meaning to respond to the original comment about Partners Worldwide being run by 'development people' and not 'business people' but I've been tied up in my work of "engaging, equipping and connecting business people in global partnerships which grow enterprises, create jobs and transform the lives of all involved."

If that sounds canned it's because that is the mission statement of PW. It's true that many of the staff positions at PW were originally done by people who had experience and credibility in the international development arena, but it's important to remember that the idea for PW was created by business people who felt as though God wanted them to do more than just write checks to mission agencies. They knew that they were called to be good stewards of the financial resources entrusted to them but God has also equipped them with business skill, experience and talents that can be used in a very practical way in the fight against global poverty. The marketplace is the one arena that brings people together...regardless of religion, race, tribe, nationality or socio economic status. I firmly believe God is beginning to do things in and through the marketplace which could lead to the next spiritual revolution.

I have not served internationally but I do have 16 years of business experience working with a couple of large companies...AT&T and FedEx and my four years at Partners Worldwide has opened my eyes to the tremendous impact that Christian business people can have on building the Kingdom of God...both economically, spiritually and socially. While there's always room for improvement, I believe PW has done an effective job at engaging the time, talent and treasure of Christian business people in helping to deal with the challenges of poverty through the growth of small businesses and creation of sustainable jobs (click here for stories).

As I skimmed through the comments made in this entire string, I realize my experience pales in comparison to most of the folks that have been contributing. I openly admit that dealing with the challenges of global poverty are immense and complex, but I think the western church has spent an inordinate amount of resources of approaches that have not addressed some the root causes but merely treat the symptons. I'm not so bold as to say that business is the only answer, but I do believe it is a very important part of the long-term solution and God is calling more and more Christian business people to seek ways that they can be part of the solution in a way that honor and glorifies him through the use of the time, talent and treasure.

Many of you have probably seen the Poverty Cure video, but for those who haven't click here.