Faith in Action: Empowering Persecuted Believers to Build Kingdom Businesses

During one of our Pioneer Business Planning Training sessions in a remote Asian nation, something remarkable happened. A man, who had come from a Muslim background, reached for his Bible, gently removed it from its beautiful cover, and kissed it. I was stunned. In that moment, I witnessed something profound—his deep reverence and love for the Word of God. This man, once lost but now transformed, had been completely changed by the power of the Word and the Holy Spirit. It saved him.

Now, he shares Jesus with others, even though it could cost him his life. Over the years, he’s led many to Christ—people who have found their way to salvation, or as we sometimes say, they’ve “gone swimming.”😉 Watching his boldness made me reflect on how often I take my access to the Bible for granted. I have ten different versions sitting in my home, yet in this nation, many have no access at all. When they do encounter God’s Word, they honor and treasure it like nothing else.

Later that week, I learned that he purchased a small oil press to extract pure, organic oil from mustard seeds and other elements. Together, we planned a budget, strategized how to market the oil and prayed for God’s blessing over the business. It was a powerful time of hope and direction. His son was struggling to keep his small spice shop afloat. His profits were slipping away, spent carelessly, and he didn’t know how to save or invest wisely. By the end of our training, his son joined us, eager to learn.

Two weeks ago, we had the incredible opportunity to train 60 church planters and disciple makers in an Asian nation where the church faces some of the world’s most severe persecution. Believers here live under constant threat, enduring harsh conditions, and risking their lives when they choose to follow Christ. Despite this, their faith remains unshakable. By helping them start Kingdom businesses, we aim to empower them to stand firm in their faith, become self-sustaining, and use their businesses as a platform to share the Good News of Jesus in a place where the gospel is often silenced.

Our focus was on launching Kingdom businesses, where God is the true Owner, and they serve as His faithful stewards. Throughout the training, several participants repented of the mindset that business was sinful or evil—a misconception that had hindered their growth. Others left feeling encouraged and equipped, having learned not just how to start their own businesses, but how to ensure those businesses are sustainable and profitable.

A common challenge we see is that many of the people we train lack essential skills in bookkeeping, saving, and investing, which are crucial for business growth. Through interactive games and hands-on exercises, we guided them in developing both personal and business budgets—giving them practical tools to manage their resources effectively.

By the end of the week, every participant had developed their own Business Model Canvas—a one-page map of their business idea and personal budget. This powerful tool now equips them to step into their new ventures with confidence and purpose.

Several evenings I knelt at my bed and thanked the Lord for what He is doing in this nation and the privilige to work alongside what He is doing.

Testimonies

"I had many questions before coming, but it is now clear. I learned that God is the Owner of my business, I am a steward. I made a U-turn in my thinking. After the teaser training day I was encouraged and started a small business selling dishwashing liquid. I am encouraged to now expand my business and start selling spices."

"I wanted to come to the training but there were many hurdles. Through the training I realized that I need to make God my Lord. I started to follow God and made Him my Lord."

"Before coming I was just living purposelessly. This week I learnt how to live with purpose."

About the Author: Jonathan Nolan is the International Business Director for All Nations International (https://allnations.international/b4m). In this role, he helps church planters in Asia and Africa become self-sustainable and help use business to make disciples. He has been part of All Nations since 2008 and has been doing church planting and business planting in Cambodia, Spain and The Netherlands.

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