RESPONDING IN CRISIS
March 27, 2020

An entire people group is on the brink of extinction, and the actions of a particular woman will determine their destiny.


In the Old Testament, we learn of a Jewish woman named Esther. Esther is a leader with tremendous influence. She is given an opportunity to use her influence and potentially save her people from genocide. However, an appeal to the King could very easily equal her death.

Esther decides to approach her friend Moredecai, who responds to her dilemma by saying, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish" (Esther 4:14a).


Plain and simple, Esther is in a pickle. She is in between a rock and a hard place with few places to turn. Times are tough and none of her options look especially desirable to her. But then Mordecai says something very profound. He says, "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14b).


You see, Mordecai saw something that Esther didn't. He saw a calling on Esther's life, he saw possibility where Esther saw catastrophe. Esther had influence, but more than that she had an opportunity to be bold and show others what faith really looked like.


In the end, Esther took the risk and embraced the unknown. Through her obedience, she aligned herself with God's plan. But it required her to be bold, take a chance, and lead the way.


Does this story sound relatable? In your case, a group of people may not be at the brink of elimination, but it is no secret that times are tough for business leaders. Work isn’t just slow, its absent. Times aren't just tough, they are uncertain.


For some, the hard questions are no longer "Who should I hire?" or "How do we keep growing?" Rather, they have turned into "Who do we let go?" or "Are we going to make it?" Difficult decisions need to be made and a lot of things are up in the air. However, it is in times like these that God asks leaders to step up, take a risk, and embrace the unknown. It requires seeing difficult times as a chance to strengthen the faith of yourself and those around you. Point blank, it requires a new perspective on tough times.


Let's look to the book of James for a proper perspective: James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 


Need we be reminded of the life of James? An apostle of Jesus and a martyr of the faith. James faced death at the hands of men. Nevertheless, he considered his life pure joy. Despite the trials, despite the setbacks, and even despite the danger his life was in. 


Due to the coronavirus, life as a leader just got a whole lot tougher. And yet, James encourages you to consider your challenges "pure joy". He demonstrates that joy is not a result of our circumstances, but of our hope in Christ.


The coronavirus gives you an opportunity that few leaders will ever get in their lifetime. You have the opportunity to respond in a crisis. What a unique opportunity to glorify God! You have a chance to be like Esther and be bold in the face of the unknown. A chance to be like James and admit that although times are tough, there is a purpose behind them that will mold and shape you.



Times such as this require you to understand that you are limited in your strength. God is in control, and he very much sees you in this trial. So do not allow a negative perspective to determine the outcome, but rather let the hope of Christ lead you to ultimate victory. Be bold, choose joy, and give up control. Because maybe, just maybe, you have come to your position for a time such as this. 

Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs as Agents of Change

By Elizabeth Rivas • March 14, 2023
Faith-driven entrepreneurs, like our Branches Worldwide Leaders, can play a significant role in positively impacting their communities through their businesses. These individuals have a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in the world, which can drive them to create innovative solutions to community problems and to lead with integrity and compassion. One way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by creating jobs and economic opportunities (like AJ in South Africa ). By starting and growing successful businesses, they can provide employment for local residents and stimulate economic growth. This can help to reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, faith-driven entrepreneurs may choose to pay fair wages and provide good working conditions, which can help to improve the lives of their employees and their families. Another way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by addressing social issues through their businesses. For example, they may choose to start a non-profit organization that provides services to those in need, as Alice has done for girls and women in Kenya. Such entrepreneurs may also choose to incorporate social and environmental responsibility into their for-profit business models. This can include implementing sustainable practices, fair trade policies and supporting local charities, which can help to improve the lives of people in their communities. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as role models for others in their communities, particularly for young people. By demonstrating the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, they can inspire others to pursue their own business dreams and to strive for success in their own lives. Furthermore, their demonstration of faith in action through their businesses can serve as a powerful example of how one can live out one's values and beliefs in the world. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as leaders in their communities. They use their influence and resources to bring about positive change through various initiatives, such as supporting local schools, promoting environmental conservation, and working to improve the overall quality of life for their community members. Our Leader, David , is doing exactly this in his international school in India. Our Branches Worldwide Leaders are proving the multitude of positive effects that faith-driven entrepreneurs can have in their communities. From providing direct assistance through jobs or providing services to those in need to being a source of inspiration for others, these entrepreneurs are creating change that will reverberate across geography and generations. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .

Merging Business Mentorship and Christian Mentorship

By Elizabeth Rivas • January 30, 2023
Business mentorship can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to grow and succeed in their careers. A business mentor is an experienced individual who can provide guidance, support, and advice to help you navigate the often complex and unpredictable world of business. Meanwhile, Christian mentorship is a type of mentorship that involves a Christian mentor providing guidance, support, and advice to a mentee, with a focus on spiritual and moral development. Branches Worldwide Mentors serve as both business and Christian Mentors. We believe that faith and business can not only coexist, but that they can mutually strengthen each other. Our Mentors not only guide our Leaders in pragmatic elements of business, but also in their spiritual journeys. One of the key benefits of business mentorship is the opportunity to learn from someone who has first-hand knowledge of the field. Our Mentors share their own experiences, insights, and lessons learned, helping our Leaders avoid common pitfalls and to make better decisions. This can be especially useful for those who are just starting out in their career, as they may not have the same level of experience or knowledge as more seasoned professionals. Our Mentors also serve as role models, offering guidance and support as the Leader navigates their own faith journey. They may provide biblical teaching and encouragement, as well as offer practical advice and application of the scriptures. Another benefit of merging Christian and business mentorship is the opportunity to network and build professional relationships with other entrepreneurs of faith. Mentors can introduce Leaders to other like-minded industry professionals, giving Leaders the chance to expand their network and strengthen their spiritual development. Overall, mentorship is an invaluable resource for Christians looking to grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of life and business. We at Branches Worldwide are honored to work with a number of such individuals. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .
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