But the woman was concerned and a little bitter. She told the coordinator of her group, “How can I start a business in this desolate place that looks as if God has completely forgotten us? Look around you! There’s nothing here. We have been moved to one of the most worthless places in our country.”

The local coordinator did not try to tell the woman what business to choose. Instead, the coordinator asked, “Even though it may be very small, what has God given you all here?” The woman thought for a time and replied, “I do see the river nearby. I guess some of the old men here who need work could carve out a dugout canoe for me, and I could pay them to provide safe passage across the river.” “Excellent, said the coordinator. Is there anything else?” “Yes, said the woman. I see young people everywhere here with no school and nothing to do. I could pay them to fish in the river for me, and then I could sell the fish.” “Congratulations,” said the coordinator. “You have already found yourself two good business opportunities.”

The situation is similar for us. Just as Jesus asked the disciples to use their skills, just as our coordinators encourage our program participants to use their skills, we all can use the skills we have to do great things. Please think about what you can do with your skills. Please help us grow Five Talents to be the great movement worldwide that it needs to be to serve people in extreme poverty everywhere.

Until next Monday morning,

Dale Stanton-Hoyle,
Executive Director