Serving behind the scenes

Laxmi joined OM in South Asia as a newly qualified graduate and a new believer in Christ. She talks about her role in the finance office and how she has grown from that starting point to leading the finance team and taking on greater responsibilities with God’s help.

In 2009, OM International team members were looking after our team finances, but then OM in my country was registered with the government. Once they registered, they needed an accountant. In January 2010, I was 22 years old. I just finished my bachelor's degree and I was looking for work to do. In a magazine, I found an advertisement that said OM was looking for an accountant and bookkeeper, so I applied for that role. 

When I joined at that time, I was just managing a few rupees only. I was a new believer as well. Once I joined OM, I had the opportunity to grow in my finance role and spiritually as well.  

There was a lot to learn. When I joined, I was not aware of how finances worked within OM. The system here is different to outside of OM. So I got to know all that knowledge. Then, as I was growing in my role, there was a time when those who were leading me had to leave the country, so I had to take over. 

Now I'm not just doing the finances, but also discipling other team members. I'm leading other finance people in the team; teaching them, delegating to them and discipling them in different areas.  

As part of the team, I feel the difference I make is mostly behind the scenes, but still deeply meaningful. By taking care of the finances, I help create a strong foundation so that others can focus fully on their ministry work. When the financial systems run smoothly, the teams in the field can serve without distraction — and knowing that brings me joy. 

For me, serving God as a finance officer is both a responsibility and a privilege. Even though my work is mainly with numbers, reports and compliance, I see it as part of God’s ministry. The money I handle isn’t just 'finances' — it’s a resource God is using to help people bring hope, serve communities and share His love. 

It also grows me spiritually. There are moments of challenge, pressure and even discouragement, especially when support for finance roles is limited or when regulations and processes feel heavy. But in those moments, I’ve learnt to depend on God more deeply — trusting His guidance, His wisdom and His purpose behind the work He has placed in my hands. 

Working in finance is quite a big responsibility, because you are not just taking care of the money, but you are taking care of God's money — it's God’s work; it’s not ‘just’ admin. If you do not have someone to manage the finances, the people working in the field, working directly with other people, aren’t able to do that much. 

Being a finance officer has taught me that ministry isn’t only what happens in front of people. Sometimes ministry is quiet, detailed, unseen — but just as valuable to God. And knowing that He is using my skills behind the scenes to build His Kingdom gives me joy and strength to continue. 

Through my role, I’ve learnt many things about who God is and how He walks with me in my daily responsibilities. One of the biggest lessons has been about trust. There are seasons when the workload feels heavy, when resources feel limited, or when the expectations are high. In those moments, I’ve experienced how God strengthens me, calms my heart and provides the wisdom I need — even in the smallest decisions. 

There are some difficulties. It is hard to get financial support for people working in finance. Many people think that it's not a ministry, it's just admin work. So, quite a few times I was really struggling with this. If you ask for donations for certain ministries, like for spreading the gospel or printing literature, then people are really okay to give donations for those ministries. But you also need people to make that happen. 

Over the years in this finance role, I feel like God has been gently shaping me — not just in my skills, but in my heart. I’ve had many moments when I’ve felt unsure, overwhelmed or even discouraged, especially when the responsibilities grew or when I felt unseen in the background. But those moments have taught me something very personal about God: He never leaves me to handle things alone. 

Please pray for the OM team in Laxmi's country to be able to work within the government’s rules regarding evangelical work. 

Pray for Laxmi as she leads the finance personnel and plays a role in the team leadership. Pray for wisdom as she ensures the OM team complies with all rules and policies to operate as a registered entity. 

Please also pray for strength and encouragement. "Sometimes the work can feel heavy or unnoticed, and I need God’s help to stay motivated and joyful, knowing that He sees every part of it."

"I would also appreciate prayers for our finance team that I can lead them well, support them and help them grow both in their skills and in their walk with God."