THE launch of the Jamaican arm of an international Christian business network has been described as a “watershed moment” in the island’s economic history.

According to Michael Freckleton, businessman and president of Kingdom Initiatives (KI) Jamaica, the tenets and objectives of the group are geared towards securing prosperity for all Jamaicans.

Paraphrasing Deuteronomy 8:18 at Tuesday’s launch at Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, Freckleton stated that the Judeo-Christian God, as set out in the scriptures, “from the very beginning has purposed a way for His people to prosper”. To this end, he said, implementing and applying the principles of KI in everyday business practices should redound to Jamaica’s benefits and its citizens prospering.

“The fact is that right around the world, countries have struggled with approaches and economic policies that have failed,” he said.

Pointing out that corruption has been a primary reason for the fall of governments and the economic decline of countries in the Caribbean, Freckleton said, “The solution is doing business God’s way. It’s a guaranteed prescription for prosperity for every single person who is part of the economic fabric and social fabric of this country to enjoy a different level of relationship between themselves, with the State, and with God.”

Founded by Australian businessman Dave Hodgson in 2007, Kingdom Initiatives — formerly known as Kingdom Investors — is an international ministry that teaches Christian men and women how to multiply their businesses using Bible-based principles. The organisation operates under the motto “That all may prosper” and advocates that wealth is one of the tools that helps the Church to advance the kingdom of God in the secular world that is corrupt and profit-driven.

According to Freckleton, while the value proposition of the organisation may seem lofty but can only deliver a little, KI has proven itself as an alternate way of doing business.

“It has been proven in countless countries, cities, and businesses, and what we’re trying to do is incorporate Kingdom Initiatives into the plan for moving this country from where it is to the next level. But the only way it can happen is doing it God’s way,” he said.

While noting that business is a divine tool to create wealth, Freckleton said the aim of running a business is “to work benefiting all, rather than the self-seeking way the world has taught and practised where you get all you can, can all you get, and then sit on the can”.

The launch of KI Jamaica was endorsed by MSME Alliance President Donovan Wignal and president of the Independent Churches of Jamaica Bishop Neville Owens.

Wignal said that when businesses operate by biblical principles it ensures integrity. Moreover, he said that while focus and discipline are among the main pillars that support businesses, the most important pillar is integrity.

“Businesses applying these principles will see sustained success,” he stated.

Bishop Owens called on every church in Jamaica to support the Kingdom Initiatives movement which, he said, promotes a lasting growth strategy that serves to have a positive impact on all Jamaicans.

For the remainder of the calendar year KI Jamaica will be focusing on training businesses in growing their influence and affluence in the marketplace by applying biblical principles. This will be facilitated through partnerships with various churches, including the Merrick “Al” Miller-led Fellowship Tabernacle which was integral in the introduction of the organisation to Jamaica.

KI Jamaica will also be sharing Bible plans illustrating biblical economics for start-ups to multinational enterprises.

Freckleton also shared that the Christian business grouping, as it seeks to “consciously, deliberately make positive impact”, will be tackling the issues of underemployment and unemployment.

He said that as the organisation builds out in Jamaica the strategy is to focus on the country’s main economic centres such as Montego Bay, May Pen, Mandeville in order to create critical mass.

He also said that once KI’s target of reaching 10 per cent of MSMEs is met, the organisation can influence change and transform how business is done.