Perspective - Summer 2004
Kingdom Business People
by Jim Murray - CMI Executive Director
In his book, “Movers of Men and
Mountains” famed industrialist R.G. LeTourneau
recalls a transforming moment in his life.
It was 1919. Following a series of
revival meetings led by his pastor, R.G. felt
convicted that he had been neglecting the Lord. On
the last night of the meetings, he waited until
everyone had left. He went forward. Knelt before the
Lord and prayed, “Lord, if you’ll forgive me and
help me, I’ll do anything you want me to do from
this day on.”
Immediately he sensed the Lord’s
presence. He arose and knew that he had met with Him
that night. Later he could not sleep. He had made
his promise to God, but he had no idea what God
would want him to do.
He certainly didn’t see himself as a
pastor. Should he become a missionary? He loved
machines. He loved his work in earth-moving. But
what use was that to the Lord.
Uncertain of what to do, he went to
visit his pastor. He shared with him the events of
the previous night. “How can I know what the Lord
wants me to do? I know a layman can’t serve him like
a preacher can, but tell me, does he want me to
serve as a missionary?”
The reverend offered no suggestions,
but simply said, “Let’s pray and find your answer
there.”
When they rose, the pastor turned to
him and said words that would change R.G.’s life.
“You know, Brother LeTourneau, God
needs businessmen as well as preachers and
missionaries.”
The thought was a revolution to R.G.
He had never considered that his gifts, talents and
abilities could be just as useful to God as a
preacher or missionary. He didn’t fully understand
it, but he decided then and there that if God needed
businessmen, then he would be God’s businessman.
The resulting story of R.G.’s life
and ministry is legendary. He went on to
revolutionize the earth moving industry, muscling it
from centuries old mules and plows into the 20th
Century of power driven machines. When he died he
held the second highest number of patents in the
U.S. patent office – second only to Thomas Edison.
But his business achievements were
the vehicle for much greater endeavors. He placed
90% of the ownership of his company in the hands of
his family’s charitable foundation for the purpose
of expanding the Kingdom of God. Through it he
established Christian colleges, launched tent maker
missionary efforts, and helped fund the early
ministry of a young evangelist named Billy Graham.
He was instrumental in founding the Christian
Business Men’s Committee and traveled throughout the
country sharing his testimony, proclaiming the
gospel, and telling others that God needed
businessmen too.
Church Ministries International and
the Encounter with God movement are continuing
legacies of his investment in God’s Kingdom.
Had he wanted to do so, R.G. could
have been one of the wealthiest men in America.
Instead, in giving generously he received a wealth
of riches far greater than mere money. He discovered
the joy not of making money, but of a life devoted
to the Lord.
This issue of Encounter highlights
examples of men and women who are using their gifts
and skills in professional careers to impact the
hearts and minds of nations.
They show that the career path is
not as significant as the direction of the heart. A
life devoted to God can take many forms. He needs
business people – and doctors, lawyers, educators,
politicians, policeman – as much as he needs pastors
and missionaries. By His grace He uses the gifts and
skills we offer in such ways to move both heaven and
earth for His glory.
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