NiMA, Harding University’s Center for Business as Mission, strives to encourage, empower and engage transformational marketplace development through a community of mission. Since the fall of 2011, Josiah Pleasant has worked to develop the Center forBusiness as Mission through both its academic and pragmatic programs, domestically and internationally. NiMA has partnered with Salvador Cariaga of Shepherd’s Hill International by selling their products, which include bracelets, necklaces and purses. All funds received go to Shepherd’s Hill International’s efforts in the Philippines.
Cariaga said he seeks to use this partnership as a medium of change in terms of disaster relief.
“I bring hand-made livelihood products to sell in the U.S. and promote trade, not just ask for aid,” Cariaga said. “Disaster aid is great, but not sustainable. Funding has started to dry up already. Aid is just a band-aid. Charity is not the long-term solution to poverty. We need to help the victims help themselves.”
Pleasant, who is a business instructor, has worked with NiMA for more than two years and said he has big aspirations for this partnership.
“We are prayerful that through this relationship, we might be able to assist Shepherd’s Hill International, Salvador Cariaga and the communities they serve through the equipping (of) men and women interested in using their talents through entrepreneurship,” Pleasant said.
NiMA is hosting an upcoming benefit concert to promote awareness among the student body about the work they are a part of. Pleasant said he hopes the student body will be proactive in learning how they can be a part of NiMA’s ministry and purpose.
“I believe that causes like this encourage all involved to actively use the gifts God has given them to bless others,” Pleasant said.
Ultimately, NiMA exists to demonstrate to students what sustainable international business looks like. NiMA does this in many ways with Pleasant’s guidance.
“We are excited for the future of our collaboration with Shepherd’s Hill and numerous other leading organizations creating sustainable growth across the globe,” Pleasant said. “Students engage these organizations through courses in economic development on-site at HU, through events in the Harding community including HUT, and globally through economic development internships in the summer. Several students have found employment through this network of Christians utilizing their talents, and it is our goal to further connect the body of Christ, specifically through missionalentrepreneurship.”
