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Christian Business Directory expanding to include Branson area By CINDY THOMAS, Staff Writer Christian Business Network, an Arkansas-based online and print directory of Christian-owned businesses, nonprofits, and partnering churches, has announced it is expanding its Springfield-area directory to include the Branson area. Owner Brian Martin said the Christian Business Network and its publication, the Christian Referral Guide, were inspired by a newscast following the 9/11 terrorist incidents in 2001. A Dallas-area reporter interviewed a woman who was in tears because a business she regularly used for computer service was being investigated by the FBI for money-laundering schemes profiting Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. The woman was horrified that her innocently-spent money might have contributed to the deaths and destruction on September 11. Martin decided to put his years of experience in corporate marketing and the Yellow Page industry to work helping people feel more confident about what their dollars spent at local businesses might be supporting, and the Christian Business Network was born. The company now has representatives in Arkansas, Texas, central Oklahoma, Kansas and southwest Missouri, with
an online presence nationwide. The Springfield publication has been available for the past couple of years, and Southwest Missouri Regional Manager Jean Mathews looks forward to incorporating Branson-area businesses and Christian ministries into the next print directory, coming in fall 2022. Martin said a key Scripture informing the company’s approach is Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Many Christians prefer to support businesses that share their values, thereby helping Christian business owners
provide for their families and contribute to sharing the gospel. Even many people who are not professing Christians realize Christians are trustworthy and treat their customers with kindness. Every advertising partner signs a proclamation of faith, not specific to any one denominational viewpoint but affirming faith in Jesus Christ. Realizing some households do not regularly read the Bible, that proclamation, along with Scripture verses and a guide to accepting Christ as Savior, are included in the directory. “God is blessing our partners and advertisers as they help place Scripture into households.” Martin said. “They see
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this as a ministry.” The referral guide includes both a print version and an online platform. Although the online version has been very popular, the company recognizes that some people wishing to support Christian businesses may be elderly or just less familiar with computers. Martin said there is also value in the conscious decision to pick up the directory, leading people to actually read SEE DIRECTORY, PAGE 22
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