Bannet shares that finance is not just about numbers, it’s about faithfully managing the resources God has entrusted to us.
When I think about the Africa Area Finance Forum I recently attended, one word keeps coming to mind: stewardship.
It’s a word we often use in finance. As we gathered as finance workers across Africa, we reminded each other that our work is not just about numbers, it’s about faithfully managing the resources God has entrusted to us. These resources are meant to serve communities, support ministry and bring hope where it’s needed most. Our role is to ensure the finances are used wisely, transparently and for the purpose they were given with the help of the efficient and effective use of the Cloud Based System (Xledger). Every report we prepare, every budget we review and every transaction we process all plays a part in helping people encounter Jesus.
At the forum I was impacted by an activity that encouraged financial innovation. In teams, we were challenged to think creatively about how we can use the new accounting software and the data provided by it, to better serve our leaders with simple and easy to understand reports. One group presented a simple but powerful tool: a live dashboard that pulls real-time data from the system and presents it in a clear, visual way. It was inspiring to see how they went beyond the basic functions of the software to create something that truly enhances decision-making.
From this experience, I took away the idea that innovation doesn’t always mean something big or complex. It’s about taking what we already have and using it in a smarter, more intentional way. It’s about asking our leaders or stakeholders: “How can we make this more meaningful yet simple to understand for you? How can we make it more accessible? More impactful?”
Seeing growth
This was my second time attending the forum since joining OM, and it was with great joy I noticed something that gave me great hope: growth. I saw team members who were once quiet attendees now stepping up to lead sessions, share testimonies and speak from their own experiences in their fields of operation. It was especially encouraging to see young women taking initiative, growing in confidence and embracing their roles in ministry through finance.
Something I’ve seen, not only at the forum, but throughout the year, is the sense of unity in prayer across the team. I believe nothing can stand against a team that prays together.
Another highlight was reflecting on how our work in finance fits into the bigger picture of OM’s mission. A long-serving team member shared passionately about how finance is not just a support function — it’s ministry. Her words reminded me that what we do behind the scenes is just as important as what happens on the frontlines. We are all part of the same movement, working together to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached.
If I could share one thing from the forum with someone considering supporting our work, it would be this: from sitting and listening to my fellow brothers and sisters share their journeys, I saw how God is using finance to build His Kingdom. One thing that stood out was the need to provide the right tools and infrastructure for our teams to thrive. Many of our colleagues face daily challenges which can be hard to share, and having the financial support and systems in place can make a real difference — not only in their work, but in their walk with God. Supporting them in this way is a blessing, and it helps sustain their calling to serve.
The Africa Area Finance Forum reminded me that our work in finance matters. It’s not about spreadsheets — it’s about stewardship, innovation and being part of something much bigger than us.
Bannet Sande was born in Zimbabwe and began his professional journey in the corporate world as an accountant. In 2019, he joined OM Zimbabwe part-time, responding to God’s call into missions. After two years of part-time service, he transitioned into full-time ministry in 2023. Bannet holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and currently serves as the Finance Officer for OM Zimbabwe.