In a particularly unreached Central Asian country, Access Partners is helping strengthen an existing business and, by the grace of God, build new bridges into this heavily Muslim country.

"Our desire is to see at least one church in every city with a population of 100,000 [or more] that will actively engage the rest of the region," says James (not his real name), the project's head of operations. "We look to make disciples who intentionally, relationally, and lovingly teach Christ's followers to obey everything He commanded, encouraging them towards maturity and challenging them to [take part] in the harvest."

Over the last two years, the team has worked to sharpen its business acumen and capitalize on the import-export possibilities of this nation, which boasts a wide variety of handicrafts, textiles, natural resources, and other goods. This operation is especially strategic because of increased difficulty of obtaining the governments permission to live and work in-country.

Enjoying favor

Focusing on this business provides good access and relationships, both at the government and community level. Exporters enjoy favor with the authorities because they help stimulate the local economy. They provide buyers for locally made goods and they help create jobs in a society that suffers from a high level of unemployment.

As various products will be made throughout the country, the project hopes to create a network of business and evangelism opportunities. "Our goal is to stimulate local economic growth by partnering with local artisans, manufacturers, and businessmen, and paying fair wages in order that we might gain access to plant churches in this region as we broadly share the Good News of Jesus Christ," James explains.

Working with Access Partners

The operation has used Access Partners to help create a business plan, refine its focus, and better use the team's various skill sets, personalities and gifting. "Our team has limited real business experience to make the business truly successful," adds James, "it is our desire to learn and apply lessons from others who have experience in these areas so that God might continue to use us in this place for His glory."

Besides helping make connections with other import-export industries and local and international buyers, Access Partners has been working to set up stateside partnerships, marketing relationships, and to coach the project team on business management.