Anil shares that being in a finance role is being part of something bigger. "Finance is not merely administration — it is a whole ministry."
“Finances are like the blood in a ministry — it is not visible from the outside, but without it, we cannot survive.” — Akmal, former field leader of OM in Pakistan
Reflecting on my recent experience at the WACSA Finance Forum, I see it as more than just a forum — it was a sacred space where finance professionals from across the region came together to learn, grow and be renewed both professionally and spiritually, truly reflecting the theme of ‘Building the Community.’
I was deeply encouraged and saw the forum as a blessing. Many participants shared that clear, practical teaching on technical sessions would be helpful in order to do the job more effectively. The sessions on topics such as risk management, internal controls, using AI and the transition to Xledger reflects one of OM’s guiding values: strategic innovation. In addition to all the fascinating topics at the forum, there was an emphasis on people care and mentoring that was not just helpful, but transformative. One participant expressed: “This forum helped me realise how financial integrity builds trust in ministry.”
Many appreciated the real-life examples that made the content applicable and relevant to their daily work.
One particularly inspiring session was an introduction to Xledger, our new cloud-based finance system. It became clear how this innovation is helping bridge gaps in remote or underserved areas — making transactions faster, more secure and more inclusive. It is not just a technical upgrade; it is a step toward greater transparency, dignity and shaping the future for those managing resources in challenging contexts.
Another powerful aspect of the forum was the fellowship. It was deeply meaningful to connect with fellow finance workers from other countries and contexts; many finally had the chance to meet the people behind the emails. These relationships became one of the greatest takeaways, reminding each of us that we are part of a global family, committed to the vision and called to build one another up.
The forum deepened my conviction that finance is not merely administration — it is a whole ministry. Our spreadsheets, reports and budgets are tools God uses to fuel church planting, education and transformation in some of the world’s most least-reached areas.
The heart of it
This is my 13th year serving in the finance office. I still remember my early years in this role. During one of our partners’ programmes, I was standing quietly at the back of the room, near the door, listening as different teams and ministries came forward to share their testimonies — how God had used them in the field to bring transformation and change.
As I stood there, listening to these powerful stories, my lips began to move in silent prayer:
“Lord, everyone here has a testimony to share, something they can offer to You and to the Church, a visible sign of how You have used them for Your glory. But I have nothing. I do not have a single story to tell of how I served You this year.”
And then, deep in my heart, I heard a gentle voice. It was filled with peace and assurance:
“No, My son. Your portion is reflected in every one of these stories. You are the one who provided the finances on time so that these teams could go and preach. You managed the funds with integrity, accuracy and transparency, ensuring nothing hold the flow of ministry. You are part of every testimony shared here today. You are part of the story, My dear.”
In that moment, my heart was filled with joy. I realised that serving behind the scenes in finance is no less a calling than being on the frontlines. Every number I check, every report I prepare, every budget I manage — it is all part of a bigger story. His story!
I could relate during the forum when one participant shared, “I used to feel isolated in my finance role but now I see how I am part of something much bigger.” That is the heart of it.
Anil started his journey in OM in 2009 in the Men’s Travelling Team where he realized the great need of Christ for his homeland of Pakistan.
Anil has a Bachelors in Science in Accounting and Finance, a Masters in Management Sciences and recently completed his Masters in Organisational Leadership. His mission is to provide financial management with integrity, accuracy, transparency, and reverence to God, to facilitate his field's vision to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached in Pakistan.