As we all know, our daily life in the United States is often fueled by drinks and food both appealing to the taste-buds and loaded with sugar and caffeine. For better or worse, many areas around the world are growing in their appreciation for these products and following in our footsteps.

One team we support is seeking to capitalize on this increased interest. A few years ago, five church planters started a business to make some of these products available in one country in Asia.

Currently, this team is making these products available to shops, restaurants, and hotels in several locations in this country. Many of the ingredients are shipped from the States, with the final product being completed in-country. The products are all high-end and have been well received.

The business is doing well, but more importantly, as a result of their enterprise, more people are hearing the gospel. The business gives these workers a legitimate reason to be there, which is an increasingly crucial part of doing ministry in places unfriendly to the Gospel. The government now looks favorably on the team being in-country, and the business is helping build relationships in the community and commercial world. It also employs local believers, some of whom are unable to secure work because of their faith, with much-needed jobs.

Bob (name changed), one of the workers who pioneered the concept, says that the business has greatly helped his witness. "Before we started it, the locals thought I belonged to the CIA or something," he says.

Access Partners has recently begun working with Bob and his team. We are looking at ways to help them with their operations and order processing system. We also believe that there may be opportunities for the business to be replicable in other countries and support other teams.