Harmen van der Laan: Building Bridges through Social Entrepreneurship

In this episode we talk with social entrepreneur Harmen van der Laan, who is very engaged in his neighborhood – a multicultural area in Delft, The Netherlands. His engagement led him to start a printing business. It is Harmen’s experience that a business can be a great way to build meaningful relationships. He has chosen to be transparent about the daily challenges he encounters as the owner, stating: “My vulnerability gives them permission to also share about their own struggles.” Harmen adds, “The result is an open, family-like culture.” For those with a similar desire, Harmen encourages them not to hesitate and to step out of their comfort zones: “There is no guarantee of success, but if you have a longing, start! What is there to lose? It will build character, your relationship with God and you will have lots of stories!” In such a culture, sharing about faith comes naturally. They experience Harmen’s relationship with God, for example when a machine breaks down at an inconvenient time, that he prays to ask the Lord for help. One team member, who began following Jesus, confided in Harmen about experiencing more of God at work than on Sundays at church. Harmen reflects, "It moved me to tears. I'm not against meetings, but this was the whole purpose of starting this business: that people would experience God in the business, at work.”Check out the course 'Kingdom Mindsets for Business, Life & Work' developed by Gea and Bill. You will gain insights to thrive with joy and fruitfulness in your work, both spiritually and professionally. Free chapter 'Abiding' is available here >>