Issue 30
Kingdom Stewardship

Financial management torrent relies on the Lord to win the championship

[Investment and Financial Management and Confidence] 10

Translated by Qiu Lihua

The 2012 London Olympics came to a successful conclusion, and the glorious deeds of so many athletes were truly inspiring. It was amazing to see the world's top young athletes so actively gathered in one place! The economic powers of the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Germany are proudly at the forefront of the gold medal list. These countries (especially the United States and China) will continue to lead the world in solving many problems in the current global economic structure. Currently, many countries are increasing asset values and reducing unemployment by increasing government spending and government capital injections. Hopefully these global economic leaders will eventually win medals for their efforts!


Inspired by the Olympic spirit, I selected an Olympic training base—the U.S. National River Tracing Center—to hold a guest event. Our staff at Vision Capital & Management, along with some of our clients and allies, spent an exciting and unforgettable day in the rapids.


If you have the opportunity to go to North Carolina, this 400-acre forest sports base nestled on the Catawba River is definitely worth a stop. The levels of river tracing range from level one to level three, which are suitable for fun and adventure, to level four and five, which are quite thrilling. The feeling of facing the impact of level 4 or 5 rapids on a raft is particularly scary, but it is still endless fun.

▲Level 4 and 5 river tracing is exciting and thrilling, but also endless fun. In investment, financial management and daily life, no matter how powerful the torrent is, we must learn to rely on the Lord to win steadily!

Life turbulence affecting investment and financial management


Apparently, the financial world is like this rapids. We live in a time where life's rapids are changing, and new strategies and skills are often needed to ensure that you can continue to live happily amidst these changes.

▲Inspired by the Olympic spirit, Eric Fu (far right) spent an unforgettable day at the National River Tracing Center with several employees, clients and allies of Vision Capital & Management.


Financial markets have had a great year for many investors, but some have experienced very painful personal life turmoil. As a financial advisor, I am honored to be able to provide services to people who are in such difficulties with the ambition to follow Jesus and the professionalism of investment and financial management. This mindset is important in your financial advisor community. I think what people are currently experiencing are some challenges to traditional life and cultural changes. For example:

1. Changes in market conditions

from traditional
1st to 3rd level river tracing
Volatility in common financial markets and changes in tax structures
to the latest
Level 4 to 5 river tracing
Crises caused by "mass-destructive" financial derivatives, high-frequency computer trading, and unprecedented government debt

How do you fight through these rapids and rely on the Lord to win gold?

1. Don’t be tempted to get involved in investment solutions that exceed your risk tolerance.

2. Develop clear discipline to buy, sell or hold.

3. Trust God more than your own wealth. 「If you are unfaithful with unjust money, who will entrust you with real money? ” (Luke 16:11)

2. Personal accidental loss

from traditional
1st to 3rd level river tracing
Lost wallet, home or car stolen
to the latest
Level 4 to 5 river tracing
Identity theft: Such as losing computers, mobile phones, and financial information, leading to electronic impersonation of identities in attempts to steal assets, damaging reputations and damaging plans.

When dealing with such setbacks and troubles, how do you continue to love life and have the courage to love those who may hurt you?

1. Develop an appropriate technical protection system.
2. Prepare a few backup plans.
3. Build a team of trusted advisors who can support you in times of crisis. 「No matter how much you conspire, it will be nothing; no matter how much you declare, it will not be true; for God is with us. ” (Isaiah 8:10)

3. Sudden changes in life relationships

from traditional
1st to 3rd level river tracing
Death, divorce, disability, job change
to the latest
Level 4 to 5 river tracing
Fraud is rampant due to increased use of technological communications, ease of transportation, and an overall diminished sense of responsibility; this seems to be the same as divorce or other life-changing events, or illegal activities that impact the world, such as identity theft and child trafficking. related

How do you love both yourself and those who may be hurting you when faced with rejection or injustice?

1. Work with the advisory team to develop effective and comprehensive plans for various events that may occur in life.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you things in your heart that are related to life changes or injustices. Ask God how you can fight or fight back. There may be a place or organization that needs charitable donations to effectively fight this war.
3. Pray every day and ask God to give you complete armor, and believe that God is in control of everything. 「Even though he conceals his resentment with deceit, his wickedness will be revealed in the assembly. ” (Proverbs 26:26)

4. Global economic situation

from traditional
1st to 3rd level river tracing
Regionally controlled macroeconomics brings global economic changes
to the latest
Level 4 to 5 river tracing
The global economy has formed a "house of cards" structure that is obvious to all. Certain bank and government debt levels are difficult to repay without global coordination, making the market more in need of worldwide interconnection and becoming unstable. There are widespread concerns about continued government interference in the global system

How can we love God in any situation and strive to win in the Lord?

1. Do your best to control your financial assets, but also understand that there are many things that are beyond your control. But there's one important thing you need to control: your emotions about your financial assets. For example, in the bleak days of March 2009, it was difficult to increase the value of stocks (or other venture capital investments). If you can effectively control your emotions, it will be easier to be successful in investing.
2. Know that no consultant can predict the future. Even those in government who influence today's financial markets have no idea what the outcome will be and cannot anticipate all the unintended consequences.
3. Walk with the Lord wholeheartedly. Jesus is real! He is God! 「I tell you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. ” (John 16:33)

If you are a Christian, please take hold of this assurance: No matter which rapids you struggle on, I believe that God deeply wants your life to be filled with peace, love, and abundance!

Also: If you are going through a financial turmoil in your life and want to discuss solutions with a Christian financial advisor, please let me know. Maybe I can introduce you to a professional near you. My email is: eric@visioncapitalmgt.com.


Author profile:

Eric Vogen, founder and CEO of Vision Capital & Management, holds a master's degree in business and holds a financial planner (CFP) certificate. He has more than 20 years of practical experience in securities investment.


Translator profile
Qiu Lihua, from mainland China, once taught in the foreign language department of the university. Now living in Southern California, USA, he has served at Clear Spring Valley Christian Church for many years and likes all good things.