This excerpt from Second Mile Ministries blog by Amy Syres discussing how supporting local business in a country like Haiti may be the most helpful form of aid.

"We attended a conference today that supports this statement. 300 Haitien business people were signed up for the conference and key players from major and minor NGO's were also in attendance. The theme of the conference was to "Buy Local." A major way to boost the economy and drive Haiti out of it's food deficit is to support projects that's encourage food production within the country of a Haiti. NGO's have two options. They can ship food and building materials into the country or, they can purchase Haitien products from Haitien vendors an action that lifts the economy and creates a demand for jobs. It's an important concept. It's a bit revolutionary. If business persons and non-governmental aid agencies alike can jump on board, this trend will push Haiti in the right direction.

The partnering organizations which sponsored this meeting are lobbying for the creation of 100,000 new jobs in Haiti by 2020. So what's new two years later? Well, some of the tents have been folded up or discarded and some of Haiti's boldest and brightest are making their entrepreneurial debut. After the conference we witnessed these men and women courageously showcasing their services and goods to major international organizations. Exciting stuff."

Read the full blog post here.

Several weeks ago we received an email from the friend of some faithful supporters of IYT.   Her daughter was starting a new ministry in Haiti, and it was suggested that we might want to connect and possibly work together on some business ideas.

First of all, this is EXACTLY the kind of connection that we hope to make!  Friends who are familiar with the work we do, telling their friends, seeing an opportunity, and playing the most important role:  CONNECTOR.  God uses people.  He lets us be a part of the work He is doing.  And when we ACT on opportunities, we become the instruments of His hands!  Amazing!

We met with Jenn and Amy over bagels and coffee and immediately saw a spark in them.  Their plan to open a healthcare facility in Cap Haiten, Haiti was not only ambitious but inspiring.  They were in the beginning stages of forming their ministry and we were honored to be able to counsel them and offer some assistance with their formation.

Second Mile Ministries will build the "House of Hope", a facility where they will minister to sick and malnourished children and empower their families through healthcare education and small business opportunities. 

At IYT we plan to provide consulting during the building phase of "House of Hope" and possibly hosting a short term trip to help with the construction.  We are also working closely with Second Mile Ministries in developing business opportunities for the people of Haiti.

This video about the church in Mizoram, India is a beautiful example of giving from what you have.  It's not about going without or huge sacrifices.  It's about giving everyday - in your home - with no one watching except your children.   

Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward - Mark 9:41

Recommended reading:
Business as Mission:  The Power of Business in the Kingdom of God by Michael Baer

We were blessed to be introduced to members of the organization Feeding God's Children  based in Knoxville, Tennessee.  They have worked with the church in Guatemala providing much of the funds that support the children feeding programs.  They also are involved with feeding children in the nearby Appalachian mountains.   Check out this great organization at their website:  www.feedinggodschildren.org

Investing Your Talents is interested in forming relationships with other ministries so that we can work together to get the right projects and needs to the right organizations.

Joe recently attended MTW's 2010 Global Missions Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee.   The weekend provided many opportunities to meet others who are engaging in business as missions around the world.

Brian Fikkert of the Chalmers Center, co-authored 
When Helping Hurts - How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor.   In addition to attending Brian's seminar, we enjoyed getting to know him and learning more about the Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College.

Thanks to W. Ashley Maddox with Missionary Films, this short video tells a little bit more about Investing Your Talents and our mission.

Click HERE to view video

Joe shares his heart for the ministry of IYT and how he became involved in the ministry.

Missionary Films helps missionaries, churches and organizations share their story.  Ashley is doing great work for the Kingdom.

We (the Atkinsons) just arrived in Waxhaw, North Carolina at the JAARS Center to attend a Business As Missions training conference.   We'll be in the Charlotte area for the next few weeks.  More updates to come!