Economy

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought, and never fails to bear fruit”—Jer. 17:7-8

Prayer Campaign for the ECONOMY of Belize

Purpose of Economy: To glorify God by being good and faithful stewards of the relationships, resources and strategies He provides, to create and multiply wealth that sustains nationwide transformation according to Kingdom principles.

Current Conditions: Belize depends far too much on the world economy, which is collapsing with the financial meltdowns of the US, Europe & Japan. Belize has a debt of more than $1 billion, represented by the Superbond. Unable to make the huge monthly payments, Belize struck a deal with its creditors–a long prayed-for breakthrough–for which it won the 2013 Sovereign Restructuring Deal of the Year. Still, our low credit rating causes investors fo hesitate. Corruption is rampant. Despite much business in ecotourism, and marine and agricultural products, poverty is rising. 43% of Belizeans are now classified as poor, and 14.4% are unemployed. More and more are lured into the drug trade for big profits without taxes, but with higher risks of violence, especially with Mexican cartels spreading into Central America. Is that where we want to see Belize go?

There is no human solution. But God has “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11). The next verses show the crucial conditions that we must meet: “‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord.” Prayer makes all things possible: discovery of more oil and other natural resources, development of national industries, increasing rewards for good and faithful servants, and emergence of a new breed of business-people who practice successful Kingdom economics —who like Moses call forth financial miracles, who like Joseph follow God’s directions for the nation’s future. The more we pray, the greater the future God will give us.

AGREE IN PRAYER WITH US FOR

STEWARDSHIP IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

A grace period to get our financial houses in order and establish righteous living
Conviction about illegal activities among Christians
Release from bondage to a covetous survival mentality into the Spirit of overcoming
This time of scarcity to cleanse us from ungodly habits so we can be purer vessels of His blessing
Understanding tithing, cheerful giving, and no more stealing from God
Breaking the curse of poverty over believers
Filling financial lack in ministries
Rewards for those who lead by faith, not fear
Rewards for those who like Solomon, value wisdom above wealth
Changing from a materialistic mindset to the mind of Christ
New creative ideas and business opportunities to create true wealth
Trust in God and not in riches—use riches for Him
Growing dependence on His kingdom economy, and less dependence on the world economy
Practical steps toward habits of stewardship, giving, and finding local answers to local problems
Wisdom for believers to manage finances that God blesses them with
Fair and appropriate division of labor and distribution of wages and profits
Multiplication of wisdom and wealth to those who give wisely and generously
Overflow of wealth to the poor and to the next generation
Ministries helping the poor with discipleship, employment, accountability and stewardship
Solid commitments of tried & tested believers to live as one big family, sharing what we have so that there is “not a needy person among them” (Acts 4:34), no matter what tribulation we face

GUIDANCE FOR LEADERS IN ALL SECTORS

Guidance and favor for Belize’s Superbond debt restructuring committee
Help in overcoming the current economic crisis and developing a stronger national economy
Commonwealth resistance to UK financial pressures to adopt gay agenda & other lucrative vices
Increasing financial independence from the world economic system
Revelation and wisdom for God’s way toward individual and national recovery and prosperity
Clarity of God’s calling on every jobless person
Offers of paying work to each of the 14.4% unemployed Belizeans and show them how to be good and faithful servants and gain more
Training in how to work as though working for and with the Lord, making yokes easy and burdens light
In-depth, relevant education about economics in the home, workplace, government and world
Preparation and guidance for starting and growing honest small businesses
Wise investment in microeconomics with increasing profits
God to distribute means of production to more & more people as they show faithfulness & responsibility
Collaboration on plans for sustainable national development of infrastructure & transportation for new products, agricultural expansion, industries, investments and markets
Wisdom and integrity in handling government finances
Yearly audits to keep the government accountable and stable
Development of clear and simple audit trails and internal controls to prevent corruption
Help in reducing government deficits and debts that are draining our economy
Clarity for voters on economic consequences of proposed policies
Guidance in investing in profitable enterprises that benefit the nation
Exposure and rejection of gambling establishments as places of vanity and exploitation
Direction, protection & stewardship for our oil, gold, silver & mineral resources, esp. in Chiquibul
Fair distribution of income from these resources to developers, workers, residents & government
Drug cartel & gang members to experience conviction and to find Christ & His way out of ungodly ties and into honest work opportunities
Legal and permanent establishment of our borders and right relationships with our neighbors
Secure borders and safe streets for freedom of legitimate commercial activity
Conviction on leaders and businessmen concerning corruption and illegal activity
Higher standards of integrity in business
Prosperity for businesses that deal honestly & pay taxes
The wealth of the wicked would be laid up for the righteous
Help in being wise, good & faithful stewards, so He can entrust us with more wealth & authority
Disaster recovery plans & resources for businesses to function effectively & help others overcome
Wisdom and ideas on creating wealth in hard times so we can not only survive but thrive
Fair and free competition where virtue is rewarded and more people can gain employment
Clear, consistent and necessary regulations to keep the economy on track
Sustained free market growth with opportunities for good & faithful stewards to keep advancing

KINGDOM ECONOMY TO COME TO WORLD ECONOMY

Exposure and consequences for those manipulating the economy for selfish or political purposes
Accountability for financial conglomerates so they won’t get so big they’ll force a bailout if they fail
Simple and clear regulations to limit the impact of irresponsible speculators on world markets
Guidance for OWS & protesters to reject riots & anarchy and promote justice in world financial dealings
Frustration of radical Islam’s use of oil money to attack and impose Shariah law on vulnerable nations
Deficit and debt reduction for the US and EU to stabilize world economy
Exposure and restraints on the developing antichrist world economy
Growth of a kingdom-based economy that survives and thrives in any tribulation

GOD HAS SHOWN US

When Christians persist in disobeying Him in finances, they open the door to more crime in Belize
As we keep praying, those engaging in financial corruption will either repent or be exposed
We are not to seek the best political deal on our Superbond debt but His righteous way to pay it
God will pour out His Spirit and free many who are in slavery to fear of drug lords
Many Belizeans are driven by a survival mentality that has its roots in slavery
He is greater than the US economy or any drug lord or economic power
He will shake what can be shaken, so that what cannot be shaken will remain
In times of scarcity God is testing us, as He did Israel in the desert, to see if we will turn to Him or turn to materialistic Egypt for help
We must learn that man does not live by bread alone but by the Word of God
If we live according to His word, we will prosper and succeed (Josh. 1:6-9)
As we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, all these things will be given to us (Mt. 6:33)
If we thank Him for the little bread we have, as Jesus thanked Him for five loaves and two fishes, and we start giving it away, He will multiply it many times over
He will pour out blessings on those who tithe (Mal. 3:10-11)
He wants to lift up faithful Josephs and prepare storehouses for widows and the needy
He gave Bezalel wisdom, skill & creativity with gold, silver & precious stones, to glorify His house