Generosity is like planting seeds. With care, patience, and support, those seeds grow into trees that provide shade, shelter, and fruit for others. For many entrepreneurs in underserved communities, generosity is the sunlight and water that helps them grow into their full potential.

At IBAM (International Business as Mission), we believe that businesses can do more than just generate income—they can transform lives and communities by providing hope, opportunity, and faith. By combining entrepreneurship with Biblical principles, we empower people to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change.

Today, we’re sharing the inspiring story of Suryan, a young entrepreneur from Indonesia who went through IBAM’s training program. His journey shows how faith, generosity, and hard work can create ripple effects that stretch far beyond one person.

What is Business as Mission?

Business as Mission (BAM) is the idea of using businesses not just to make money, but to share God’s love and create meaningful impact in communities. At IBAM, our mission is to help entrepreneurs in poverty-stricken areas start sustainable businesses rooted in faith.

We do this through our Three Fish Model:

Give a Fish: Provide startup loans to help entrepreneurs get started.

Teach to Fish: Offer business training to build sustainable practices.

Equip for Discipleship: Help entrepreneurs use their businesses to spread faith and mentor others.

This approach isn’t just about providing resources—it’s about creating opportunities, building skills, and fostering spiritual growth.

Suryan’s Journey Before IBAM

When Suryan first joined IBAM’s training program, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Like many others, he thought it was just about getting a loan to start a business.

“I assumed I would just submit my business plan, get it approved, and receive the funding," Suryan said. "I didn’t really have goals or a clear vision for my business.”

At the time, Suryan didn’t realize how much more IBAM had to offer. He didn’t just need money—he needed guidance, skills, and faith to create a business that would make a difference.

How IBAM Transformed Suryan’s Perspective

Through IBAM’s training program, Suryan’s mindset began to shift. He realized that starting a business wasn’t just about personal success—it was about serving others and making an impact.

Here are some of the key lessons Suryan learned:

Business is a tool for impact: Suryan learned that his business could be a platform to bless others and share God’s love.

Preparation is key: He gained the skills to plan, manage, and grow his business with confidence.

Faith is the foundation: The program helped him see that his business could serve as both an economic and spiritual tool.

“This is not just about a loan,” Suryan explained. “It’s about being ready to open a business and make a difference.”

IBAM gave Suryan the tools and confidence he needed to turn his dreams into reality.

Impacting the Kingdom Through Business

Today, Suryan is using his small business to make a big impact. He works with a local student ministry in Manado, Indonesia, where he helps financially struggling students by providing job opportunities.

“My business helps students who come from far away and are struggling financially,” Suryan said. “We give them work, pray together, and share Bible stories. It helps them grow both financially and spiritually.”

Most of Suryan’s employees are part of the same Christian student organization. This creates a supportive, faith-driven environment where they can grow together in their work and their faith.

Suryan’s business is like a lighthouse—shining God’s light in his community and guiding others toward hope and faith.

Sharing Faith Through Everyday Conversations

Suryan doesn’t just use his business to sell products—he uses it as a platform to connect with people and share his faith.

Here’s how he does it:

• While marketing his products, Suryan has small conversations with his customers.
• If someone is struggling, he shares how God has helped him through challenges.
• He invites people to learn more about the Bible and God’s love.

“I tell them my story,” Suryan said. “And I ask, ‘What do you think about that? Do you want to learn more?’ These small moments can lead to big changes.”

The Three Fish Model in Action

Suryan’s story is a perfect example of how IBAM’s Three Fish Model works:

Give a Fish: IBAM provided Suryan with the startup loan he needed to launch his business.

Teach to Fish: Through training, Suryan learned how to build and manage his business with confidence.

Equip for Discipleship: Suryan now uses his business to share God’s love and mentor others in his community.

This model doesn’t just create businesses—it creates ripple effects of hope, opportunity, and faith that extend far beyond one person.

How You Can Be Part of This Mission

Generosity doesn’t have to be big to make a big impact. Here are three simple ways you can help entrepreneurs like Suryan:

Pray: Lift up entrepreneurs, their families, and their businesses in prayer. Ask God to guide and bless them as they build their dreams. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16

Give: Your donations provide startup loans, training, and discipleship resources. Even a small gift can create lasting change. “Give, and it will be given to you.” – Luke 6:38

Engage: Volunteer your time or skills to mentor and inspire entrepreneurs. Your encouragement can make all the difference. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

The Power of Generosity and Faith

Suryan’s story shows that business is more than just a way to make money—it’s a way to serve others, share God’s love, and create lasting change.

When you support Business as a Mission, you’re planting seeds of hope and opportunity that grow into something greater.

Just as a tree provides shade, shelter, and fruit, a business rooted in faith provides jobs, hope, and spiritual growth for the community.

“And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Ready to make an impact? Visit https://www.ibam.org/impact-members to learn more about IBAM and how you can support entrepreneurs like Suryan. Together, we can create a world of flourishing.