The Lord needs your boat (part 1)

By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR

Once when he was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, the crowd was pushing in on him to better hear the Word of God. He noticed two boats tied up. The fishermen had just left them and were out scrubbing their nets.

He climbed into the boat that was Simon’s and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Sitting there, using the boat for a pulpit, he taught the crowd. ~Luke 5: 1-3 MSG

The main hindrance to world evangelisation has not been the want of devoted missionaries, nor is it the lack of trained nationals, which was a serious problem for years. The hour has come when we have an eager army of gospel soldiers ready to launch out in faith to preach the apostolic gospel. And they are doing it! Nor is there a lack of people responding to the message. Any missionary will tell you that in almost every place an evangelistic effort is attempted, hundreds and in many cases, even thousands respond. Where then is the lack? It is the lack of necessary financial assistance that often is not available when the Spirit of God moves in a community. ~ Gordon Lindsay, Founder, Christ for All Nations

Sometimes, as believers, we are tempted to think that people are tired of hearing God’s word, but that is never the case. Isn’t it amazing that more people than ever need the word of God today? People need God’s word more than ever! It is important to note that the challenge has always been the lack of resources, not the lack of preachers. Therefore, those whom God has blessed with financial resources must rise and support those who are genuinely doing God’s work of saving lost souls and preparing them for eternity.

Jesus makes a request for a boat

One of the most important aspects of our discussion is Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of kings, needing to borrow a boat for His ministry. Some people get offended when preachers ask for support. However, no preacher has enough resources to fully fund their ministry alone. It’s important to note that Jesus saw two boats but chose one. Perhaps He tested the hearts of those who owned the boats. Jesus knew that Peter would willingly offer his boat for the ministry’s work. Believers whom God has blessed must do their best to support the ministry.

The master has need of it

In Luke 19:28-31, we see an account of Jesus needing a donkey to travel to Jerusalem: “After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.'”

Besides Peter giving out his boat, there are other cases in the scriptures of people who released their resources for kingdom purposes. From the afore-mentioned passage, we see the beginning of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event traditionally celebrated as Palm Sunday. This marks the start of the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry before His crucifixion. Jesus had been teaching and performing miracles throughout His ministry.

Now, He sets His face toward Jerusalem, knowing that His journey would culminate in His crucifixion. This journey symbolises Jesus’ obedience to His divine mission and His willingness to face suffering for the sake of humanity. But He needed a means of transportation. He sent two of His disciples to a specific location to ask for a colt that He could use. The statement “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it,'” emphasises Jesus’ authority.

Significantly, the use of “The Lord needs it” implies that Jesus is recognised as Lord, and His request should be honoured. This scripture also teaches us how to release our resources for God’s purpose. Though very little is told about the owner, we can see the swift obedience of the owner in giving back to the Lord of lords and King of kings. The owner of the colt proved to be a great supporter of the ministry of Jesus. Indeed, God expects us all to do so.

Why God wants you to be rich

In his book, The Midas Touch, Rev. Kenneth Erwin Hagin wrote: “One thing is obvious: poverty-stricken people are limited in their ability to fulfil the Great Commission. Without funds, they have difficulty going into all the world and neither can they help send someone else. So, if God requires every believer to help carry out His mission, then it must be His plan and will for His people to prosper.”

To make significant progress in the world for Christ, we must become wealthy. Small amounts of money can accomplish very little for God. We need substantial funds for kingdom advancement!

Profiles of wealthy people who funded the Gospel

In the Old Testament, we have figures like King David and King Solomon. In the New Testament, we see Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna. In the early church, we find Lydia, Priscilla and Aquila, Philemon, Dorcas and Gaius, to name a few.

St. Joseph of Arimathea

According to all four Gospels, Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple of Jesus who buried Jesus’ body in his own tomb. Mark 15:43 and Luke 23:50 suggest his membership in the Great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. Virtuous and wealthy, he held a high office and boldly gained permission from Pontius Pilate to take Jesus’ body. Mark 15:43 notes his motive as “waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God”. Joseph wanted to prevent Jesus’ body from hanging on the cross overnight and secured an honourable burial, complying with Jewish law. A 13th-century legend claims that Joseph went to Glastonbury (in Somerset, England) as head of 12 missionaries sent by St. Philip the Apostle.

“Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb and departed. And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.” — Matthew 28:57-61 (NKJV)

As seen, St. Joseph of Arimathea spent extensively to give Jesus a befitting burial. Today, we must be ready to spend to take the gospel across the world.

The little boy with two fish and five loaves of bread

The little boy who gave his two fish and five loaves of bread was a kingdom financier. He gave his best to support the work of the kingdom. He could have hidden what he had, but instead, he offered it willingly. Like the little boy, we must also be willing to give whatever resources we have for the furtherance of the gospel. Whatever we possess was given to us by God, and we should not hesitate to give it back when He asks for it.

“And Jesus, having heard it, went away thence by ship to a desert place apart. And the crowds, having heard [of it], followed him on foot from the cities. And going out, he saw a great crowd, and was moved with compassion about them, and healed their infirm. But when evening came, his disciples came to him, saying, ‘The place is desert, and much of the day has already gone by; dismiss the crowds, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘They have no need to go; give ye them to eat.’ But they said to him, ‘We have not here save five loaves and two fishes.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ And having commanded the crowds to recline upon the grass, having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed; and having broken the loaves, he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples to the crowds. And all ate and were filled, and they took up what was over and above of fragments, twelve hand-baskets full. And those that had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.” — Matthew 14:13-21 (Darbys)

David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby

David Green is a renowned billionaire and a committed Christian who serves as an exemplary figure for other Christians. He is the founder of Hobby Lobby, a chain of arts and crafts stores that has dominated the US market with over 520 outlets nationwide. Ranked among the 400 richest Americans, David often says: “If you have anything or if you see me with anything, it is because it is given to us by our Creator”.

Stanley Tam, founder of US Plastic Corp

Stanley Tam became a Christian with unwavering faith and never looked back. Initially a young man struggling to make ends meet, he held on tightly to his belief that God would elevate him, which indeed happened. He is the founder of US Plastic Corp. Stanley dedicated all his businesses to God, attributing his success to his faith and the dedication of his employees.

Most of the profits from his businesses have been used to fund gospel missions and other charitable activities. He came from a humble background, selling products door to door in 1933. His business, generating more than US$170million annually, is still run with strong family values and a solid Christian foundation. It has funded thousands of projects, missions, initiatives and ministries.

Samuel Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A

Samuel Truett Cathy was born on March 14, 1921 and passed away on September 8, 2014. He was an American author, investor, businessman and devout Christian. As the founder and visionary behind Chick-fil-A, he taught other Christians how to run their businesses on Christian principles. From a young age, Cathy was generous, offering many scholarships to help young people from humble backgrounds. He was one of the most influential Christian businesspeople globally, with a net worth of US$4.2billion as of 2012. Samuel also received the Lifetime President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2008.

James Cash Penney, founder of J. C. Penney Stores

James Cash Penney was an entrepreneur who, in 1902, became a partner in a store he later purchased and renamed the Golden Rule Store, reflecting his belief in treating others as he wanted to be treated. By 1914, the name had changed to J. C. Penney, and the business expanded into a nationwide department store chain with up to 2,000 locations. However, in May 2020, the company filed for bankruptcy, and its stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. Penney was born in Hamilton, Missouri, in 1875. His father, a Baptist minister, shaped his Christian journey.

Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza

Tom Monaghan, an American entrepreneur and author, founded Domino’s Pizza and also owned the Detroit Tigers from 1983 to 1992. Born in 1937, Tom diversified his investments across various businesses. A devout Roman Catholic, he served God and set a good example for his peers. After 38 years, he retired from Domino’s Pizza Inc., selling 93 percent of the company to Bain Capital Inc. Tom was a strong advocate for the pro-life movement and other Catholic teachings, investing millions to combat the moral crisis in society.

R.G. LeTourneau, inventor of the Earth-Moving Machine

R.G. LeTourneau, already successful in the earth-moving business, once considered becoming a pastor or missionary. His pastor’s advice, “God needs businessmen, too,” inspired him to use his innovation skills in the marketplace. LeTourneau patented 299 inventions, including bulldozers, portable cranes and mobile sea platforms for oil exploration. His company produced approximately 70 percent of the earth-moving equipment used by the Allies in World War II. LeTourneau hired full-time chaplains to care for his workers and teach the Bible. He generously gave away 90 percent of his income to advance the gospel.

Conrad Hilton, founder of Hilton Hotels

Conrad Hilton was a successful innkeeper and philanthropist, known for his dedication to both his business and his faith. His vision was to provide clean, comfortable places for travellers, reflecting his passion for treating people well. Hilton established a foundation that donated millions to those in need and supported world peace initiatives by the United Nations.

John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil

John D. Rockefeller, an American philanthropist, investor and industrialist, believed that the power to make money was a gift from God. At age 24, he founded his first oil refinery, leading to the creation of Standard Oil Company, which controlled 90 percent of U.S. refineries and pipelines at its peak. A devout Christian, Rockefeller followed John Wesley’s principle: “Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” By his death, he had donated over US$530million to philanthropic causes.

Sam Walton, founder of Walmart Stores

Sam Walton began his career as a clerk at a J. C. Penney store before opening the first Walmart in 1962. By 1967, his family owned 24 stores, generating US$12.7million in sales. Today, there are nearly 12,000 Walmart locations employing 2.2 million people across 27 countries. A Presbyterian and active philanthropist, Walton established the Walton Family Foundation, which issued over US$595million in grants in 2018. Businessweek named the Walton family among the top 50 American givers in 2008.

Henry Heinz, founder of H. J. Heinz Company

Born on October 11, 1844, Henry Heinz was a devoted Christian and a German-American entrepreneur until his death on May 14, 1919. He is remembered as the founder of the H. J. Heinz Company, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Heinz based his activities, businesses and finances on Christian principles, firmly believing that his success was a direct result of his faith in God. He served as a leader in the World Sunday School Movement and was committed to bringing out the best in people. His motivation for mass-producing ketchup was to make life easier for women in households, rather than solely for profit.

Strive Masiyiwa, founder of Econet Wireless Group

Strive Masiyiwa, Zimbabwe’s richest man and a prominent African entrepreneur, founded Econet Wireless, which provides telecommunication services to over 15 countries. Despite initial hostility from his government, which monopolised communication services, Masiyiwa persevered, and demand for his product exploded. He told Forbes that prayer and giving back are key elements of his entrepreneurial strategy. He co-runs a Christian charity that has sponsored education, food and healthcare for over 28,000 Zimbabwean orphans.

Asa Candler, founder of Coca-Cola

Asa Candler, the entrepreneur behind Coca-Cola, exemplified what a Christian can achieve by putting God first in business. Starting as a drugstore owner in Atlanta, he purchased the Coca-Cola formula in 1888 and grew it into a national brand through innovative marketing and distribution. Candler was a major philanthropist for the Methodist Church, contributing significantly to Emory University and Emory Hospital. He was elected mayor of Atlanta in 1916.

James L. Kraft, founder of Kraft Foods

James L. Kraft, raised in a family with strong faith in God, founded Kraft Foods – one of the world’s largest food companies. Known for saying that the best investment he ever made was in God, Kraft was the first to create processed cheese. His innovations changed how people prepared food, making it easier with many processed products.

Henry Parsons Crowell, founder of Quaker Oats

Born in 1855, Henry Parsons Crowell inherited a vast estate after his father’s death. Brought up with a firm Christian foundation, he founded Quaker Oats and was known for his philanthropy. Crowell continued his Christian practices until his death in 1943.

>>>Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor  is a respected author, publishing consultant and Christian business coach. He is passionate about financial evangelism and is also a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor and metaverse enthusiast.

Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA) is a highly accomplished Chartered Accountant with nearly two decades of experience in financial management consulting. She has worked extensively in both the non-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them at 233549762233 or [email protected]

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