From the President

A recent Wall Street Journal article noted the great need for leaders in the church of Asia today. This prompted the team at Nations Be Glad, an affiliate of Dr. John Piper to tweet the following:

Wall Street Journal: The spread of Christianity across China has left churches with a shortage of trained leaders. http://ow.ly/9ckrf

More than 15 years ago, this huge need prompted Asian Access to invest in key leading pastors across the continent of Asia. At that time, estimates were that 150 million Asians would come to Christ over the next 20 years. Asia is home to nearly 65% of the world's population, 85% of those who have yet to follow Christ, and home to all of the world's major religions.

This is an unparalleled challenge as there is a crisis in leadership worldwide. Every sector of society needs capable leaders and the Church is not exempt from this challenge. The global Church must have godly, capable leaders and the task is unprecedented for the Church of Asia in particular.

To learn more about the great needs in China, see the Wall Street Journal article ("Leading China's Christian Awakening" by Jillian Kay Melchior). To learn about Asian Access unique model in response, see the overview video here.

Asian Access provides a strategic vision to develop transforming leaders all across Asia who will be used of God to multiply leaders and congregations. Here are just a few of the key leaders we are privileged to work alongside . . .

Rob Martin, former Executive Director of First Fruit Foundation has said:

"If you want to change a country through strengthening the church, look at Asian Access.
They do it right!"

We are humbled to be a small part of what God is doing in Asia. And we welcome you to join us in this key investment in the work of Christ's transforming presence!

Joe Handley, President

In a recent post, Preaching Today highlighted the work of Asian Access in a South Asian country. Having just been with our country directors in March, their lives are still under threat and pressure (we have been asked not to publish their names or country). The seven questions local church leaders ask new believers cause us to pause and remember them in our prayers. They have counted the cost and measured their lives as they stand boldly for Christ in their nation.

Here is what Marshall Shelley, Editor in Chief of  Leadership Journal, had to say in a recent newsletter, and a link to the illustration:

"Asian Access (or A2), a Christian missions agency in South Asia, lists the questions that church planters must ask new believers who are considering baptism. The country is predominantly Hindu, but Christianity is growing. Here are questions to determine a new convert's readiness to follow Christ. It's a great illustration of the cost of discipleship."

 I would love to hear your comments on this post.  Please contact me at: jhandley@asianaccess.org

Ron McMahon, Chair of the Asian Access Board of Directors, recently visited one of the Asian Access countries, spending time with 14 alumni of the ministry.  Here is his report with specific requests for you to join us in prayer for this strategic, yet closed, country:

In a meeting with 14 pastors (alumni of Asian Access), I asked how our board could be praying for them.  Each one around the room shared their prayer requests for their church, country and families.  I had initially spoken to them and expressed our appreciation for their partnership.  In addition, I wanted them to be assured of their part in a growing community of Asian pastors that shared their passion for impacting their countries with the gospel and were with them in spirit and support.  Their requests reflected their hearts in a special way as they asked for prayer in these areas:

Prayer Requests

• For the raising up and training of younger generation leaders. I want to grow deeper in my walk with Christ.
• For the unification of the churches. We need an administrative system to help unite us.
• For the return of Asian Access to our country. My vision is for an In Country A2 Congress and then an All-Asia A2 Congress someday.
• For greater influence of the Christian church on society here.
• That God would help me fulfill my vision to reach different types of people in society with the gospel.
• For many new church plants, additional missionaries and the financial needs of many pastors.
• That the church can reach out to families. Over 50% of our marriages end in divorce.
  
• I am of the 80's generation. Pray that my church will be instrumental in reaching the 90's generation and that I will be empowered to serve well. Please also pray for our wives and families.
• For younger leader training.
• We have a call to send missionaries to Muslim countries. Pray for God's direction.
• For our church's ministry to the migrant communities. Also for the spreading of the gospel in country communities which are often forgotten and do not receive the efforts of Christian outreach.
• For unification of the overall church in-country including the coming together of the various church movements.

Ron McMahon, Chair
A2 Board of Directors  

As president, I am grateful for a Board of Directors that is so intricately involved in the ministry of Asian Access. Please join us in praying for the Church of Asia, that we might see "a vibrant community of servant leaders leading the Church of Asia… who will unite the Church, multiply leaders and congregations, and extend the transforming power of the Gospel."

For His Kingdom,

Joseph W. Handley, Jr., President
Asian Access

I have written two articles for Generous Mind (www.generousmind.com), an organization committed to helping leaders and organizations release their ideas into the world.

Here are my two blog posts published in the last few days:

1.) Generosity breeds generosity (posted March 8, 2012)

2.) Collaboration: Generosity in Action! (posted March 12, 2012)

I appreciate Generous Mind's Jon and Mindy Hirst, who have a passion to help others be generous with their ideas. Thanks for sharing mine with your readers. We need more people and organizations like you folks!

Warmly in Christ,

Joe Handley, President
Asian Access

Generous Mind's Mission
Generous Mind partners with thought leaders and organizations to develop and release their ideas to the world.

I want to deeply thank everyone who has donated to Asian Access' disaster relief efforts in Japan. Please take a minute to watch my brief video thank-you.

http://youtu.be/wQLHc6REo6I

Great News!

As we approach the first anniversary of the Japan disaster, I have great news! Asian Access has just received another $1 million matching gift opportunity for Japan!

Please join with us in bringing hope and help to churches in Japan, rocked by the March 11, 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. The needs are great, but a tremendous opportunity is before us.

These new funds allow A2 to continue to come alongside Japanese pastors and churches to serve them. They have far-reaching vision for what God is calling them to do in response to this ongoing situation, but could definitely use additional resources to help them in their efforts. We hope to continue to provide funds and also missionaries to support them in this work.

You can give now and every dollar will be matched!

If interested in...

• giving toward Japan: http://www.asianaccess.org/A2-Japan-Matching-Gift.html
  
• going to Japan, please visit http://www.go2japan.org/a2 

Thank you for your ongoing prayers for Japan during this critical hour of need!

Yours in Christ,

Joe Handley, President
Asian Access

Help us match $1,000,000 to bring hope to Japan, as they rebuild . . .

As we near the first anniversary of Japan's March 11 Triple Disaster, Asian Access has just received a $US 1,000,000 matching opportunity to bring hope and healing to the country.

While we were devastated by the horrific disaster that hit the country nearly a year ago and have grieved with our friends and the country, we are also encouraged by the hope that has birthed out of the ashes of destruction. The Lord has turned a tsunami of destruction into a tsunami of love, and Japanese leaders have reflected on the similarities between this situation and the reality of the pain in the cross of Christ and the corresponding hope that came three days later through the resurrection.

The spiritual healing that is occurring across the affected regions is profound as believers have served as the hands and feet of Jesus bringing hope and healing to the country. This is indeed a "kairos" or God-moment for the Church in Japan; what many have called "Japan's Hour for the Hope of Christ"!

With this, Asian Access launched a strategic sending partnership with SIM USA to help meet the needs. For the first time in my 30 year cross-cultural ministry career, I've heard local pastors asking me to send hundreds of missionaries to help them in Japan and this partnership will help us meet the need.

With this matching gift, you can help us meet the need to bring hope and healing to the country. Please join us by prayerfully considering a gift to help meet the match; consider whether God might be calling you to Go to Japan; and to pray for the people of Japan following the triple disaster that so deeply affected them last year.

To give toward the match, either send a check to Asian Access marked: "$1M Matching Gift" or give online here. If you indicate "$1M Matching Gift" on your check, your gift will be doubled!

Please join us in praying and in giving to help the people of Japan in the midst of this enormous challenge and opportunity!

Joe Handley, President
Asian Access

P.S. - to find out more, go to our web page for this matching gift:
http://www.asianaccess.org/A2-Japan-Matching-Gift.html

200 Years of North American Missions

Today marks the bicentennial of missions from North America. On February 6, 1812, the first ordained North American missionaries were commissioned from the Tabernacle Church in Salem, Massachusetts. We have been celebrating this historic milestone at events held in Boston. It's an honor for me to be here for this look back.

And while we gratefully remember those who have gone before us in kingdom work, we also admire those who are bravely blazing trails into the future. . .

A New Day in South Asia

Take, for example, Asian Access country leaders from South Asia with whom I met recently. They have been in the news a fair amount lately due to the re-drafting of the constitution for their country and some important burial rights issues they have been facing for Christians.

They are actively invested in trying to place biblical values in the new constitution as their Hindu country has been persecuting believers for many years. Pray for them as this has tremendous potential to change the spiritual landscape of the country.

Seven Questions of Commitment

Persecution has been so intense over the years, they need to ask new believers upfront if they can make seven commitments before following Christ and being baptized:

1. Are you willing to leave home and lose the blessing of your father?
2. Are you willing to lose your job?
3. Are you willing to go to the village and those who persecute you, forgive them and share the love of Christ with them?
4. Are you willing to give an offering to the Lord?
5. Are you willing to be beaten rather than deny your faith?
6. Are you willing to go to prison?
7. Are you willing to die for Jesus?

These challenging questions reminded me of the questions Adoniram Judson, one of America's first missionaries, asked his father-in-law to be for marrying his daughter:

I have now to ask whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world. Whether you can consent to see her departure to a heathen land, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life? Whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death? Can you consent to all this, for the sake of perishing immortal souls; for the sake of Zion and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with a crown of righteousness brightened by the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Savior from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?

This quote on the bicentennial of missions from North America expressed the seriousness of the world we live in and the importance of praying for situations like this one.

Please join us in praying for the people of South Asia and for the persecuted peoples of the world.

A2/Cambodia just graduated Class 4 and the stories of life change from the pastors were powerful. Many of them personally asked me to thank you for investing in them. As they shared the stories of transformation, it reminded me of Asian Access return on investment. We hope to see pastors for a lifetime who live out the Essence of Asian Access.

 

Here are a few markers of their life change when I asked them, "How has Asian Access helped you?":

"Asian Access helped me develop skills for this phase of ministry."

"Asian Access trains in community thus we grew together and now focus on the big picture rather than just our own churches."

"Asian Access fosters good relationships across denominational lines."

"Through Asian Access, our family grew closer and our lives are more integrated."

"We grew in character because of Asian Access."

"We are now training our denominations and church planters with the same model of transformation."

"There is now no more competition between churches… We promote each other and keep God first."

"Asian Access is very different from any other training program… It brings us together."

Thank you for investing in these pastors and helping to "unite the church, multiply leaders and congregations, and extend the transforming power of the Gospel."

For His Kingdom,

For comments or questions, write me at: jhandley@asianaccess.org

Dr. Peter Chao, president of Eagles Communications and Asian Access Council of Reference member, spoke at the National Pastors' Conference in Japan in late November 2011. He shared some wonderful lessons on leadership renewal using the metaphor of an estuary.

While you can review online his full presentation and his personal report as well, a few points struck me that reinforce our vision "to see a vibrant community of servant leaders… leading the church across Asia":

• The best leadership principles are biblical values
• Leaders must always be thinking for the future
• The emerging generation that is successful respects the current generation
• The current generation seeks every way possible to empower the next generation
• Everyone is important: whether a current or an emerging generation
• A failure in leadership renewal is a failure to take the Gospel to the next generation

At Asian Access, we have found that two things are powerful forces in leading the church with vision, character and competence:

1. Living in a Love Relationship with God
2. Living and Learning in a Vibrant Community of Servant Leaders

Both these aspects were highlighted by Dr. Chao in this powerful presentation of how to sustain ministry and leadership for the long haul. Many thanks to Peter for sharing these insights for pastors across Japan!

For His Kingdom,

A few weeks ago, as I was calling several churches who gave to Japan's special tsunami relief efforts, one church shared a powerful story. This church's attendance averages around 125 people, yet they ended up being one of the top ten giving churches in America helping us match the $1,000,000 challenge to bring both spiritual and physical hope to Japan.

The pastor of this church shared that this entire movement of giving was led by a young girl who was inspired by the cause. She rallied the church, organized several fund raisers, and inspired the congregation because of her heart for Japan following the March 11th triple disaster.

The work of this young girl inspired me and reminded me of the words of the prophet Isaiah this Christmas: "… And a little child shall lead them", from Isaiah 11:1-10. May we all follow this girl's example, flowing straight from the heart of Jesus himself, to bring hope and healing to the world!

For His Kingdom,

* If you have comments of questions, please contact me at jhandley@asianaccess.org
 

The latest about the ongoing relief efforts in Japan

I just returned from Japan, where Asian Access collaborated with Churches Helping Churches to put on another pastor's retreat in the disaster zone in northeast Japan. While there, I was interviewed by Mission Network News (12.05.11) about the ongoing relief efforts—how they're impacting the community, as well as the pastors who lead this work. You can read the MNN article here...

I am posting my full interview here so that you can be more informed as you pray. Here are a few of the things you'll hear:

• Why are pastors crying? And what are they crying for?
  
• Why did we invite a pastor from Sri Lanka to share with Japanese pastors?
  
• Why are pastors key leaders in the relief work? And why do they feel guilty?
  
• What do Japanese government leaders really think about local churches and pastors?
• What are Japanese people desperate for?
• Why did a woman give up her wedding ring?
  
• Why are some 'roadblocks to faith' being removed? Why are their hearts open like never before?
• How did a church in hard-hit Ishinomaki experience tremendous growth?
• Why hundreds of new missionaries are needed and what will they do?
• How can we be praying for Japanese pastors and people? 

Joe Handley, President
Asian Access

p.s. - If you don't see an audio player, click here...

Phil Hodges serves as faculty in A2/India

Recently one of our reference council members and my good friend, Phil Hodges, co-founder of "Lead Like Jesus," led an alumni gathering for Asian Access/India. The pastors found the material to be particularly relevant to their situation and a great help as we seek to "develop as Christ-like leaders." Here is a brief note from Phil about his time with our team in India.

As you seek to Lead Like Jesus, I encourage you to connect with their team. They are an incredible group offering a tremendous resource in living your life well.

Dear Joe,

Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to share the Lead Like Jesus message at the Asian Access Pastor's Conference in Goa. It was a time of rich Christian fellowship and encouragement for all. We came away blessed by our time together and convinced that the message of God's unconditional love for them needs to be poured into the hearts of all who shepherd others in His name.  I conducted an informal survey among the attending pastors regarding what impact Asian Access has had on their lives and ministries. You will be gratified that their response was that the impact has been profound and personal, especially in the reordering of their personal priorities regarding ministry and family.

The most enduring part of our memories beside the very impressive traffic in Goa was the people we met and the stories of faith we heard.  I hope we have to opportunity to return again. Thank you again for providing us the opportunity to be a part of the Asian Access story.

Blessings
Phil Hodges

During this Christmas season, please remember to pray that the overwhelming love of Christ would envelop these Church shepherds, impacting them and their ministry across Asia.

Joseph W. Handley, Jr.
President, Asian Access

And the walls came a tumblin' down!

The last few months I've been listening carefully to pastors from Japan share their reflections post 3/11/11. Their learning is profound because their reflections are deep.

As you know, Japan was hit by a triple disaster on March 11, 2011 with three distinct waves:

1. The 9.0 earthquake which did relatively little damage given the size and scope of the quake and following aftershocks.
2. The tsunami which brought the most devastation, wiping out over 86 entire communities and destroying homes, businesses, churches and families.
3. And finally, the meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear facility.

1. The separation between church and community: Churches across Northeastern Japan have been the center of providing shelter, relief, and supplies. Most notable are the voices of children heard in various regions saying: "Grandma, Jesus is coming… Mr. Christ is holding a BBQ… Jesus brought us food… Jesus brought us clothing!" Prior to this disaster the church was a fairly mysterious entity in the region but now it is known as the place where help is coming from.
2. The walls between churches: Now denominations have banded together to work for the common good of the people and to share the hope that lies within. One church whose attendance has sky-rocketed and seen 10 new baptized believers has people attending who are so touched, that they have pledged to invite 2-3 people each for Christmas celebration. This includes mostly people who have yet to put their full trust in Christ. This same church cannot afford to purchase the land they lease so three different denominations have banded together to raise the funds and purchase the property. Praise God for this Brethren Church and the Evangelical Free and Presbyterian Church of Japan for rallying together to help one another. The common pledge across the denominational spectrum is 'we commit to work together and not build walls between us'.
3. The wall between Japan and the world: The global church has rallied to Japan's side following this horrific disaster and the community and bonds that have been established will continue for many years. Of particular note was the work of the Haitian Church. In the midst of their own pain and loss, they raised about $3,000 to help the people of Japan – one lady even went so far to sell her wedding ring to stand by her sisters and brothers in Japan. What a powerful story of the community of Christ rallying behind one another… Rich and Poor alike, saying we are committed to helping one another through crises.

Finally, the point of greatest reflection: the cross of Christ.

As one looks at the pain Jesus bore on Calvary, in human terms one cannot imagine something good resulting. Everything we know of the cross is bad: pain, torture, agony and ultimately death. The same can be said of the tragedy that hit Japan.

However, there is an unseen story behind both the cross and the triple disaster in Japan. Hope rises from the ashes as Jesus brought life from his death on the cross. Today millions of people have been helped and influenced by the model of Jesus and countless souls will live for eternity because of His great love for us. So too, Japan's triple disaster is now showing signs of hope and life following the horrible affects of the devastation. As seen in the stories above, churches across Japan and across the world have rallied to be the church and bring new life from mounds of destruction.

Thank you this Thanksgiving season for rallying behind Japan during their hour of greatest need! Please continue to pray!

Joseph W. Handley, Jr.
President, Asian Access

p.s. - The first photo was taken in Miyagi about 2 weeks after the tsunami hit. The second photo is of Pastor Minegishi and his wife, who left their church in Kesennuma for higher ground just 18 minutes before the wave destroyed their church and home. But the wave didn't destroy the church's cross or their hope.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of serving with China Challenge 2011. As you probably know China is at the center of global activity these days and the country faces a number of changes in the coming year: one of which is a significant change in their overall country leadership. These changes and activities have thrust them into the center of much thought and discussion including the 2012 U.S. political presidential campaigns.

As I sat through various presentations by some of the leading China watchers and professionals, I was reminded of the key role China will face in the future of the world. It reinforced my conviction that investing in key Chinese leaders is paramount for this era of Christian faith and practice.

I worked with a team to both facilitate the event and lead a special track on Leader Development and the learning was significant. Together, the implications for ministry and the development of leaders are profound.  Of particular interest to me were several challenges for the next 30 years presented by an Asian Access/China alumnus. He mentioned the following and then personally encouraged the American Church to partner with them in engaging these most pressing issues:

1. China has the greatest potential both for and of World Mission: With many unreached people groups remaining in country as well as one of the fastest growing church movements worldwide, China is both a sending and receiving nation when it comes to global mission.
2. There will be a breakthrough in Church/State relations which will facilitate a new wave of revival and growth.
3. As society changes, the role of believers will be significant as Christians engage the most pressing social issues the country faces.
4. Pastoral ministry is facing a particularly unique challenge with the fast paced changes affecting the country. Investing in them is paramount for the future of the Church.
5. The development of leaders is of paramount importance.

These challenges highlight the work done over the course of the 3 days, especially in the area of leader development. Brent Fulton's comprehensive study on this topic in 2006 proved a terrific catalyst in this regard in addition to a few additional insights during our time together. Dr. Fulton's excellent study is available from ChinaSource for $90.00 and is well worth the price for those interested in learning more and engaging the major issues.

Where do we go from here?:

Throughout the event, the need for leader development was presented as critical in all sectors of Christian faith, church and society. Whether it be the emerging needs of younger generations, the development of Godly business leaders, or leaders within the society or church at large; all were of paramount importance as noted in one of the top six challenges above.

Core to the future are the following key issues:

1. Mentoring – Life on life relationship investment to help people grow in their roles as believers and engagers of society is of crucial importance. Training that does not include this type of investment is missing the primary need.
2. Women in Leadership and Ministry – There is a significant need to invest in women as they carry a significant mantle of leadership within society, church, and business.
3. The challenge to provide quality training (that takes time) and the fast paced growth of churches and leaders. 
4. Learning in Groups – Chinese society and broader Asian culture often grows more through a group dynamic than an individual dynamic. Thus, the importance of cohort models of learning will be core to the future growth of leaders.
5. The need for servant leaders within a society that values hierarchical models of leadership.
6. Character and values are critical to the development of leaders. Too often, leadership training has focused on skills and abilities and not on the most pressing issues Christian leaders face today, as noted in the recent Lausanne Study: How to build a new generation of Christ-like leaders.
7. Leadership selection was seen time and time again as foundational to the development of capable leaders.
8. The process of leadership development needs more hands on training rather than just lecturing. Models that include the processes of situational leadership as leaders grow and develop will prove most helpful.
   

Two suggestions coming from our time together include the following:

1. An update to the 2006 study would be of great help in given the dynamic changes facing society.
2. An example of leadership selection process would be very beneficial to ministries as well.
   

If you'd like to learn more, join ChinaSource for their upcoming webinar: Building Godly Leaders in China: Looking at the Dynamics that Effect Mentoring Relationships, on November 30th/December 1st.

Thanks to Dr. Brent Fulton and the entire ChinaSource team for their leadership in helping those of us serving in China.

For His Kingdom,

Joseph Handley
President, Asian Access