Vision Principles

Certain principles that represent a vision for the accomplishment of the goal through the enterprises are listed here. We refer to these as vision principles. If those involved do not feel ownership for these ideas they are not really a part of the process. Those principles are as follows:

1. The church in the 2/3 world is crippled by poverty and Christianity in the West has a responsibility to help.
2. Authentic relationships with God through Christ are foundational to successful self-help programs among poor peoples.
3. Poverty is only overcome on its own soil.
4. Poverty elimination methods must be adapted to the context.
5. Vocational training through viable business is a multiplication solution to poverty.
6. Training on all levels, from vocational skills to management, is best accomplished through apprenticeships.
7. Management must be able to train apprentices for local ministry.
8. Management must feel ownership.
9. Subsidies are only used for startup capital; occasional gifts are used for encouragement.
10. People in the partnerships must:
• be authentic in their faith and Christian worldview,
• possess the skills and aptitudes necessary,
• be committed to the vision of LIAI and hard work.
11. The purpose of LIAI is to empower local churches. Local churches are central to the vision but not owners of the businesses.
12. Local opinion leaders must advise the cultural aspects of the projects.

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Market potential criteria for the enterprises

Every enterprise for vocational development must meet one or more of the criteria listed below in its production in order to stay in business and either train people to have a share in the market through personal vocation or to be marketable to the employment available.

These are illustrated in the examples given.

• High Demand/Volume Product
• High Demand Skills
• Outsider Skills in Demand
• Rare Product with Fixed Niche
• Felt Need Satisfaction
• Quality Niche
• Outside Market Availability

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Essential People in 2/3 world Vocational Training

The people essential in the enterprise to be used must meet qualifications that fit the vision principles. Briefly put, all individuals involved must first have an authentic faith in Christ and a Christian worldview, and they must have a commitment to the vision of Love in Action International. Other qualifications are as follows:

Instructor/Manager

• An expert in the business to be used
• Intercultural training and above average adaptability aptitude for expatriates
• Aptitude for business management and ownership for nationals

African Consulting Committee

• An understanding of the effects of the culture on the business
• Must be made up of opinion leaders with influence in the wider community
• Able to participate with managers in decisions

Apprentices for Vocational Training

• Necessary aptitudes
• Respected in the Christian community
• Willingness for ministry

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In Summary

The necessary elements of vocational training for the African church are not optional if the endeavor is to be indigenous and is to survive to help churches become self-sustaining in Central Africa.

• A vision for enabling the national church and their participation in it
• Market potential for the product of the training business (seven criteria)
• Finding African experts or outsiders with expertise for training nationals
• African structure and resources for the venture
• Respected, influential Africans committed to the venture who can give cultural advice
• Apprentices with an authentic faith, an aptitude for the training and African business

Enterprise for Vocational Development can help produce vibrant, self-sustaining churches in Africa. Love in Action International exists to use enterprise toward this goal.

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