Look no
further. A web-based Christian Microenterprise Development (CMED)
course began in January 2001. Dr. Russell Mask, International
Microenterprise Development Coordinator, at the Chalmers Center for
Economic Development at Covenant College, teaches this 16-week,
three-credit course designed to help you learn the right way to
approach CMED (The course may also be taken as non-credit). Dr. Mask
is an experienced CMED practitioner and co-author of the new
book "The Christian Microenterprise Development Handbook." Learn how
to reach the poorest of the poor spiritually and economically.
Properly done, CMED can give churches a visible tool for holistic
outreach, help in evangelism and discipleship and help form community
groups while improving the lives of the poor.
For more information,
contact the Chalmers Center at <chalmers@covenant.edu>, or by phone:
706-419-1805.
Chalmers Center for Economic Development
Chalmers Center for Economic Development
Covenant College
14049 Scenic Hwy.
Lookout Mtn., GA 30750
706-419-1805 (p)
706-419-1813 (f)
www.chalmers.org
Dr. Mask will teach a 6-week module on Christian Microenterprise
Development beginning in August 2002.
Second, the Chalmers Center is hosting an institute on Christian Economic
Development from May 20-31, 2002. There will be two tracks, one for US
domestic workers and one for workers overseas. Information about both and
applications are on their website: www.chalmers.org.
Please contact the Chalmers Center for Economic Development for future
courses, or check their web site.
Christian Microenterprise Development Handbook Available Now
The world of micro enterprise development (MED) can be bewildering. There
are so many terms, so many organizations, and so many concepts to
learn. If this is how you are feeling, then this handbook is for you.
Co-authored by David Bussau, the "father" of Christian MED, and Dr.
Russell Mask, International Microenterprise Coordinator for the
Chalmers Center for Economic Development, this book is designed to help
churches, missionaries, and Christian NGOs understand the basics of MED
in the Two-Thirds World. Using original research as well as the current
literature, this handbook sheds light on the wide array of issues and
challenges associated with the implementation of Christian MED
strategies. Readers are introduced to the foundational theory behind
microfinance for poor people and are introduced to the principles of
best practice emerging from Christian MED programs around the world.
The pre-publication edition is available in limited quantities for the
price of $10 plus shipping and handling.
Contact the Chalmers Center at
chalmers@covenant.edu, or call 706-419-1805 (USA).
http://www.farmsinternational.com
Meanwhile, Farms International[4] is looking for some key
young missionaries to help lead the needy to Christ all around the world.
Farms International's Joseph Richter says the ministry is now operating in
eight countries. However they're not just doing agricultural work. "We
call this micro-enterprise which might incorporate sewing, tailoring,
carpentry, welding, manufacturing as well as the things that we do in
agriculture. Generally we work through the local church to become
self-supporting and reliant upon God for their resources to do
evangelism." However, they're unable to expand into other countries
because: "...we're finding that even at the level we're at right now,
we're under staffed. But, that the problem that you have when you're
small you can't afford just to hire staff. So, we're looking for some of
the right people to come on board. And, maybe for funding."
