Links

The following are web-based resources recommended for anyone wishing more information on Economic Development Ministry.  There are a tremendous number of relief and development organizations throughout the world, and this list will expand as we become aware of organizations for which development efforts are a major aspect of their mission and efforts.

The Chalmers Center for Economic Development is based at Covenant College, a Presbyterian College near Chattanooga, Tennessee.  The Chalmers Center offers on-site and online courses in economic development ministry, as well as university-credit courses and degrees in community development.  The website describes the Chalmers Center’s mission, ministries and offerings, although it does not provide tutorials or extensive information on development ministry.  Materials and course offered are of high quality, scripturally based and reasonably priced.

World Vision International is a Christian relief and development organization that has been in operation since 1950.  WVI, in their words, “(works) for the well being of all people, especially children. Through emergency relief, education, health care, economic development and promotion of justice, World Vision helps communities help themselves.”

Heifer International is a relief and development organization that, since the 1940s, has promoted environmentally conscious initiatives to combat hunger, primarily through agricultural and animal management programs.  HI also conducts   micro-lending programs that are primarily directed at increasing agricultural production.

Integra  is a Christian organization existing to “alleviate poverty, reduce unemployment, and transform communities in the depressed and developing areas of Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia.”  Along with programs to help initiate micro-enterprises and to provide training and support for small- and medium-size businesses, Integra conducts programs aimed at combating corruption in its areas of activity.

Healing Hands International has organized and promoted global economic and medical relief projects since 1991. Although it is almost exclusively a relief organization, it has begun in recent years to sponsor some agricultural development projects.  It is affiliated with the Churches of Christ.