A2 Community

Garrett Inouye, missionary candidate, shares his call to Japan

A2 missionary candidate Garrett Inouye shares about deeper issues in Japan. This is a compelling visual you've got to watch, and you can also read his thoughts below...

From Garrett Inouye:

My heart broke for Japan on a train in Tokyo. I was on an missions trip the summer of 2005, and as I was looking around at the other passengers, I felt God open my heart. He revealed that beyond the technology, fancy clothing, and apparent wealth, Japan was a land that was longing for the Gospel. And that most likely my team and me were the only Christians on the train.

However, my initial reaction wasn't to embrace this feeling, rather it started an internal struggle between God and me. To be honest, at the time I really didn't like Japan. I thought it was hot, humid, smelly, small, and there wasn't enough food. I missed southern California with our sunny skies, perfect temperature, and free refills at McDonalds. It also didn't help that every missionary I was talking to mentioned that ministry in Japan required long-term commitment. But God's call is a gift and His way is grace.

One night while I was internally wrestling with God, our team went to a prayer chapel. I figured that since this was a house of God, I would tell him to give me clear direction or I would choose to reject a calling to Japan. So I said, "God, if you want me here long term, speak to my emotions!" Then I sat and waited for God to make something happen in my heart… After 30 minutes nothing happened, so I said, "God, if you want me her long term, speak to my mind! Give me a vision or something like that!" I sat and waited for another 30 minutes and nothing came to my mind. Frustrated, but also maybe a little relieved that God hadn't said "Go", I said, "God! If you want me here long term, speak to me in an audible voice!" And as I waited I listened as hard as I could! Slowly a whisper began to emerge from the silence, and it got louder and louder. My heart began to beat really fast because I was hearing "God's voice", but then I realized it was just the man seated behind me whispering his prayers. At that point I just gave up and told God, if he wanted me to minister in Japan long term then that he had to confirm it before the end of the night.

Well later that night I had dinner with a group of friends. One of them told me that a missionary we both knew felt like God was calling me to missions in Japan for longer than 1 year. It was at that moment that God answered my prayer and confirmed my calling to Japan. I no longer had any reason to doubt, and I accepted the call to Japan.

More Info:

Garrett Inouye is a SIM Appointee for service with Asian Access in Japan under the new A2/SIM strategic partnership.
Garrett's website: http://www.garrettinouye.com
Garrett on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/garrettjinouye

Eric Takamoto shares his heart for Ishinomaki

Ishinomaki is one of the hardest hit areas in Japan's disaster zone. Within days of the tsunami, A2 missionary Eric Takamoto began making regular relief trips up from Osaka. Listen to him share about his first few trips there and why he and wife Sue have just decided to move their family up to Ishinomaki.

Pastor Akira Mori prays: "Give us these hills!" in Usuiso

Pastor Akira Mori of Global Mission Chapel asks God for the hills near Usuiso Beach, devastated by the March 11, 2011 tsunami. Hear his heart, his vision and his prayers for this area.

Reflections from Japan's Disaster

On the First Anniversary

We’ve compiled a series of reflections on Japan's triple disaster on March 11, 2011--the Earthquake, the Tsunami and the Nuclear Crisis in the Tohoku region--on the occasion of its one year anniversary.

Interactive Reflections: http://www.asianaccess.org/reflections

This monumental disaster has deeply impacted the nation and it will never be the same. Though it was horrific, there are now signs of hope emerging in Japan. And we are encouraged that the Japanese Church is one of the leading bearers of hope for the nation--because it is bringing the whole gospel to the people, and most of all, Jesus the Hope of the Nations.

Please take some time to walk through the reflections here, written by our own folks in the A2 Community over the course of the last year and designed by Joshua Clayton, a gifted A2 creative team member.

http://www.asianaccess.org/reflections

Above all, keep praying for the people of Japan and the Japanese local churches committed to serving them so faithfully.

"The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom" [Trailer]

As we remember this tragedy in Japan this weekend, this short but poignant trailer from Lucy Walker's documentary is worth watching...

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Survivors in the areas hardest hit by Japan's recent tsunami find the courage to revive and rebuild as cherry blossom season begins.

A stunning visual poem about the ephemeral nature of life and the healing power of Japan's most beloved flower.

Directed by Academy Award Nominated filmmaker
Lucy Walker (Waste Land), featuring photography
by Aaron Phillips and
music by Moby.

Watch the trailer here...

The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom [Trailer]

ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINATED - Documentary Short Subject

A Progress Update on Japan Disaster Relief

What’s been happening 9 months after March 11

By Takeshi Takazawa

Evacuation Sites Closed

For better or for worse, government-registered evacuation sites have now all been closed in northeast Japan. Out of the 330,00 former residents, over 75% moved to temporary housing; the rest had to move in with friends or relatives or completely outside of the area. Temporary housing is a pre-fab apartment, equipped for basic living. However, these units are small—one bedroom for a family of four and share a wall with another unit. Also, residents need to do everything on their own (e.g., feed themselves, do laundry and cleaning, shopping, etc.), in many cases, without transportation. Nearly everyone lost their cars in the disaster, and the location of the temporary housing units are not convenient for shopping.

In order to maintain equality, residents are assigned to certain units by drawing. As a result, many people separated from their families and communities, are isolated and feel lonely. Furthermore it costs money to live in these small units, but these folks do not have jobs or income. Winter has begun to set in and it’s becoming very cold. Currently, warm blankets, space heaters and jackets are being distributed by several relief organizations that have purchased these goods locally to help the economy.

Entering the Rebuilding Phase

Meanwhile, the majority of debris has been removed from most of the cities. Personal homes have been cleaned and refurbished by organizations and volunteers such as Samaritans Purse, Food for the Hungry and CRASH/Japan, and others.

We are now moving out of rescue and transitioning into the rebuilding stage. In order to rebuild, they need to replace walls and floors. Many of the first floors need to be completely redone because of the mud and salt water. This task requires many volunteer workers since people do not have money to rebuild. When the cleaning out and rebuilding is complete on a house, Christian volunteers pray for blessing for the family and the house. People are often moved to tears when this happens.

Faith & Fatigue

Churches have been very active in this rebuilding stage, just as they have in the previous relief stages. They visit door-to-door both the temporary housing units, as well as disaster victims staying in damaged houses. As soon as they learn of what is needed, they provide for those specific needs. They see the openness toward the gospel in people to whom they minister. Those who have developed genuine relationships begin to see people come to faith. At the same time, most church leaders have been involved non-stop in this work for the past 9 months, and some of them are experiencing fatigue.

A Story of Collaboration & Partnership

One of the Conservative Baptist house churches had been damaged by the tsunami, but with the help of insurance and aid, this family was able to move to a near-by community and re-start their house church. Through God's orchestration, they loaned their damaged house to a church planter who was seeking to start a church in the afflicted area. This church planter cleaned and restored the destroyed first floor and they just had their grand opening with volunteers and the new believers in their neighborhood. They will celebrate this Christmas with a Baptism Service for those who accepted Christ after the disaster. Out of this disaster, there are now two churches where there was only one before. Not only that, but this Mennonite Brethren Church was started in partnership with the Conservative Baptist Church. This is just another example of the denominational wall being knocked down by this disaster. It is not an exaggeration to say that all churches are coming together to lift up our Lord’s name in the disaster-affected areas.

Missionaries & Funds Needed!

As for Asian Access, we hope to continue to deploy missionaries in this region to serve in partnership with the national churches, where the needs are great. Working alongside Japanese believers, missionaries could make a lasting impact. There is plenty of room for many to come and serve. And with our strategic partnership with SIM USA, we also have increased capacity to mobilize more missionaries.

GO: If you or anyone you know is interested in serving in Japan, please go to: http://www.go2japan.org

GIVE: For those of you who wish to give to the Japan Tsunami Relief Fund, you can still do so at: http://www.asianaccess.org/A2-Japan-Tsunami-Relief-Fund.html

Thank you very much for your interest in the people of Japan and for your ongoing partnership in His kingdom. Please continue pray for Japan in this critical time. May God’s grace and peace be yours.

About the Photo: Standing with Pastor Koji Kumada, the Mennonite Brethren pastor of the church, originally planted by the Conservative Baptists.

Japan Relief featured on the Frank Pastore Show

Pastors to share about Japan and Asian Access

On Wednesday, December 14, two pastors in Southern California will be interviewed on The Frank Pastore radio show in Los Angeles in order to highlight ongoing relief efforts in Japan. The Frank Pastore Show is aired live from 4:00-7:00 PM (PST) on KKLA 99.5FM, as well as live on the internet.

Pastor Cliff Asai
Westlight Church

Pastor Danny Furukawa
Shepherd of the Hills / Westside Church

These pastors are familiar with Asian Access and have indicated they will encourage listeners to give toward Asian Access' tsunami relief fund. Furthermore, they are requesting our readers to listen and to call in during the broadcast with questions or comments. The more interest there is in this particular topic, the more likely they may schedule follow-up interviews about Japan and the relief work there. Perhaps even Asian Access would be invited to share in future episodes.

So please call in!

This is a tremendous opportunity to share about the awesome work God is doing in Japan and build further prayer and financial support in reaching the country for Christ. May the Lord be glorified and Japan be blessed through this broadcast.

KKLA FM Radio - The Frank Pastore Show

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 from 4:00-7:00PM PST

Radio: 99.5FM (in Los Angeles)

Listen live on internet: http://den-a.plr.liquidcompass.net/player/flash/audio_player.php?id=KKLAFM&uid=103
Interact on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/frankpastoreshow

Telephone line: 1-888-995-KKLA (5552)

Japan Tsunami Relief Fund:
http://www.asianaccess.org/A2-Japan-Tsunami-Relief-Fund.html

A2's Advent Devotional available for free download

Advent has come once again

Following a tremendous time of thanksgiving for God's blessings, the advent season is upon us once again. This year, Advent is officially Sunday, November 27 through December 24, 2011.

As we contemplate the amazing coming of the Savior to live among us and show us the Father, Asian Access wants to remind you that we offer a series of reflections by our own missionary staff entitled, "O Come Let Us Adore Him."

Last year, President Joe Handley had asked folks in the Asian Access community to submit some Christmas reflections, and we compiled them into an Advent devotional. Though the dates match up with 2010, you can easily just read one a day and finish by Christmas Eve. The reflections of this watershed moment in history are timeless because of the power of the story.

We have uploaded the full devotional online. We hope you will enjoy these readings from all of us at Asian Access. And we trust that our reflections will help enrich this advent season for you.

It's not too late. Get started right now by downloading the PDF . . .

Warmly in Christ,
Jeff Johnston

Downloads:

This devotional includes meditations on the Advent Season by many members of the Asian Access community. The screen version is best for viewing on your computer.

A2 Advent Devotional (screen layout)

A2 Advent Devotional (printing layout)

Strategic partnership just part of larger, collaborative vision

Asian Access and SIM USA partner to send more church-planting missionaries to Japan

Strategic partnership just part of larger, collaborative vision

GLENDORA, CALIF. (A2) — A strategic partnership uniting Asian Access and SIM USA is aimed at sending more church-planting missionaries to Japan. By leveraging the strengths of the two mission-sending agencies, they hope to maximize effectiveness toward the goal of planting 1,000 church congregations in Japan by 2020.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Asian Access is a 44-year-old mission organization that pioneered short-term English-teaching missions to Japan. The organization now develops leaders across Asia to multiply churches. Founded in 1893, SIM works on six continents with more than 2,100 missionaries from 65 countries—one-third from the United States alone. The U.S. headquarters is in Charlotte, N.C.

Following a three-year process of examining their organizations’ respective DNA, vision, mission and core values, the leadership teams determined to seize the opportunity to collaborate in forming a new model of mission work, one that will allow each entity to better utilize kingdom resources.

"SIM brings the stability of operational support that we needed and the mobilization horsepower to help us fulfill our vision and mission for Japan," said Joe Handley, president of Asian Access. "This strategic partnership is not a merger or simply a sharing of back office functions; it is truly a new way of doing mission together, each bringing their strengths and committing to a common Kingdom vision."

Asian Access retains responsibility for championing the overall vision in Japan, managing the strategy of missionary deployment through its vast network of Japanese churches, and caring for Japan-based missionary personnel.

Asian Access and SIM will remain independent, each maintaining its distinct and separate ministry and board of directors.

"This alliance immediately opens up a whole new country to send SIM missionaries, rather than having to set up a beachhead with a few pioneer missionaries," said Bruce Johnson, president of SIM USA. "On top of that, to partner with an organization like Asian Access, which already has history, success and reputation in Japan is a privilege and honor."

Johnson, a former vice president at Asian Access, said SIM’s global focus and Asian Access’ 2020 vision for Japan are a seamless fit.

"Within SIM, we are helping to create multicultural mission movements that respond to needs, proclaim the gospel, and equip the church," Johnson said. "And Asian Access' 2020 vision of helping Japanese pastors plant reproducible churches, as well as seeing a mission heart infused in those churches resonates with SIM."

Japan has long been considered a resistant mission field, one in which only 0.5% is Christian, and the overwhelming effects of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster of earlier this year have knocked Japan to its knees. These events may ultimately serve to transform the church and bring many to Christ.

Consequently, Handley said he believes the timing is right for this new partnership and for Japan.

"This bolstering is all the more important given the triple-disaster that hit Japan," he said. "This is a ‘kairos’ or God-moment for Japan that requires our best efforts to influence the country for the beauty of Christ and His Kingdom. We are thrilled to be working with such a strong mission like SIM and are eager to see the Lord work through our strategic partnership to fulfill his mandate for the people of Japan."

More information on this partnership and each organization can be found at online at www.asianaccess.org and www.simusa.org. Asian Access and SIM USA are utilizing the website, www.go2japan.org to engage people interested in serving in Japan.

FAQs - frequently asked questions about this strategic partnership

Press Release - Asian Access' public statement

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Press contact:

Jeff Johnston, VP for Communications
Asian Access, PO Box 200, San Dimas, CA 91773 USA
info@asianaccess.org (626) 914-8990

Asian Access and SIM USA partner to send more church-planting missionaries to Japan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 11.11.11

Asian Access and SIM USA partner to send more church-planting missionaries to Japan

According to the agreement, SIM USA will partner with Asian Access to recruit and send missionaries to Japan to plant churches. SIM assumes responsibility for recruiting missionaries, as well as the financial accounting and related human resources functions of missionary training and U.S.-based care. Asian Access retains responsibility for championing the overall vision in Japan, managing the strategy of missionary deployment through its vast network of Japanese churches, and caring for Japan-based missionary personnel.

Asian Access and SIM will remain independent, each maintaining its distinct and separate ministry and board of directors.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Asian Access is a 44-year-old mission organization that pioneered short-term English-teaching missions to Japan. The organization now develops leaders across Asia to multiply churches. Founded in 1893, SIM works on six continents with 2,100 missionaries—one-third from the United States alone. SIM USA is based in Charlotte, N.C.

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Press contact:
Jeff Johnston, VP for Communications
Asian Access, PO Box 200, San Dimas, CA 91773 USA
info@asianaccess.org (626) 914-8990

Related links:

Asian Access: www.asianaccess.org

SIM USA: www.simusa.org

Joint website for to people interested in serving in Japan: www.go2japan.org