Soundbites
Rubbing shoulders for God Business brings us into contact with countless people who will never likely darken the door of a church.... Every time we have contact with a customer, employee, competitor or supplier who make up the daily relational interaction of business, we have the opportunity to give them an impression about God. This happens as a result of how we interact with them in the various roles that we play with one another as we “do business.” We have the same opportunity as we relate to them as neighbors, relatives, friends or others we rub shoulders with simply by living in the world. — Buck Jacobs, Owner/CEO of Fruit, Much Fruit
Buy low, sell high? Usually God favors the people who try to do good. So, when you find the crowd is desperately trying to sell, help them
beings and indeed, in a sense, become more human. — Pope John Paul II
and buy. When you find that the crowd is desperately trying to buy, help them and sell. It usually works well. — Investment guru and legendary philanthropist Sir John Templeton, explaining how he made billions in the stock market
Idol check-up The difference between doing God’s will in the workplace and turning work into an idol is so small that you have to check yourself almost every day. We need to be in the Scriptures regularly and to have people to whom we are accountable. We need to be
Why we work Through work people not only transform nature, adapting it to their needs, but also achieve fulfillment as human
part of a church fellowship that calls us back to a focus on Jesus Christ. — Dennis Bakke, quoted in Why Work? Careers and Employment in Biblical Perspective
Price of principle More and more I have come to the conclusion that a principle isn’t a principle until it costs you money. — Advertising executive Bill Bernbach
“Classic” issue
Letters The cover of the latest Marketplace is a classic. I can not remember a picture which better shows the phenomenal juxtaposition of the traditional bucolic African rural life (although romanticized by me, I am sure) with the latest “cool” high tech cyber world.
Speaking of Ray Dirks, the photographer, much the same can be said for the rest of his photography and artwork in the magazine. But I hasten to also compliment you for the very pertinent and informative articles on a range of different topics. Ron Enns’s review of how food is a “football” between various global factors is brief, informative and ominous. Spencer Cowles’ presentation on micro‑enterprise is also very informative, though he does not say much about the role MEDA has played in its development. Art DeFehr, when he decides to retire, should turn to writing thrillers. More observations could be made, but probably the most unforgettable are the anecdotes on company communication in Roadside Stand. I especially like “Teamwork is a lot of people doing what I say.” I am inclined to say this is the best Marketplace yet, but my wife Freda insists that “they are all the best.” — Cal Redekop, Harrisonburg, Virginia
The Marketplace July August 2008
20
