Living Boldly In Faith & Business
Faith
Navigating through life can be difficult. You would often hear a young adult say “I don’t feel like adulting today” or sometimes ask if there’s a road map for life. Doubt, fear and uncertainty are common emotions when facing a situation but for the millennial that gripping fear can be magnified when trying to be bold in our faith, business and life decisions.
Malcolm Foulkes a young entrepreneur and business coach is no stranger to those feelings. In our candid conversation Malcolm told us of a time when he to be bold in his faith.
While pursuing his degree from the University of the Bahamas, he started a campus ministry that met twice a week. The ministry began by evangelizing to students around the campus through small events.
Malcolm recalled the terror he felt before the club’s first event. He was utterly horrified to openly share his faith with fellow students. Many of us when we become saved go through the same fear.
We know that our peers know the past us but the present us is compelled to share the light and live out our purpose in Christ. The conflict is rarely easy to navigate but Malcolm said through God's grace, he was able to minister to the students and the event ended up being a great success. All because he leaned on God and put his trust in God over the fear of people.
“Faith is simply believing in what God said. We must be willing to be bold for Christ even when our flesh tells us that it makes no sense. I believe that our lives should be a walk of faith, and each day we must seek God's plan and will.”, He said.
Malcolm added that the key to being bold in your faith is cultivating the right thoughts. He suggests that if you have a Godly mindset that is based on the word of God, you will be able to be strong in your faith and gave Romans 8:28 as a reference "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
He adds, “Every believer will face resistance for walking in faith from someone at some time. The key is to always love and never use Christ for an excuse to hate. Yes, your environment may be toxic, and you may feel alone. But, you must always be like a thermostat and never as a thermometer.”
It’s inevitable that in this life we will always encounter people, situations and environments that are toxic but it is our responsibility to, “Be the change in toxic environments and always show the nature of Christ. Jesus wants to be glorified in every setting. He will provide the protection to get his job done.” Malcolm added.
“We know that no matter what happens in the life of a believer, God will use it for a higher purpose. Never fear a man when you are walking with God. Men can only kill the body, but God can kill both body and soul (Matthew 10:28)!”, He said.
Business
Malcolm’s passion for the Lord merged with ministry and sparked the Business Marketing Community Institute (BMCI). Business and economics was always a passion for him growing up. As his mind was always reeling with excitement about the process of starting a business.
“Before the Business Marketing Community Institute (BMCI), I would assist friends and family with business plans for free. My vision was always to be a successful entrepreneur and assist others on the same journey to do the same. One day at church, the vision came to me for the Business Success Summit.,” He said
The plan was to bring top business leaders in the country together and facilitate seminars that would benefit entrepreneurs. “We later added our signature "pitch day", where entrepreneurs would be able to pitch their business ideas to investors.” He added.
Through this initiative, Malcolm and his team were able to assist 300 entrepreneurs with either business training or financing. The institute has featured speakers like Elaine Pinder, Sir. Franklyn Wilson, Nathaniel Beneby, Raymond Winder, Gowon Bowe, Lincoln Deal, and Gil Cassar.
Now when it comes to networking Malcolm differs from the belief that ‘that your network is your net worth’.
“I believe that your worth comes from God and he has the power to do whatever he wants in your life at any time. Don't get me wrong, relationships are very important in life. However, the focus should always be to glorify God and bring more persons into his Kingdom.”, He said.
Now he maintains that there inherently is nothing wrong with networking as he believes it is a great way to advance your business, ministry or career.
He says that networking should be focused on making great connections and being a person of value to others.
Adding, “You connect with others through relating, being genuine and being authentic. You become a person of value by having the capacity to offer a benefit to others that sets you apart.”
Whether navigating networking or trying to figure out how to be bold in your faith lean on God, He’ll direct your every move.