A2 Community

A2 Community http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?blogId=1 NEWS AND STORIES FROM AROUND THE ASIAN ACCESS COMMUNITY! blogadmin 2010-09-08T11:49:18Z Too Many to Care For? http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=254&blogId=1 By Barbara Bauman "She must be very frustrated with her children," I thought. I had noticed a young non-Christian mother near the door at a parenting seminar I was leading at a local preschool. Her distressed face said more than a thousand words, so I was disappointed when she got up to leave before the end of the seminar. She would not hear the points I was going to share later about disciplining children in love and communicating positively with them. By the time I had finished my presentation and answered the final questions of the day, I was exhausted and ready to go home. The muggy August heat of this western Tokyo suburb had drained all my energy. Then Junko*, the event organizer, came up to me and said, “You know that mother who left early? Her name is Sayuri. On the way out the door she told me she just learned she’s pregnant with twins. The idea of caring for two more children in addition to the two preschool-aged daughters she already has is too overwhelming. She and her husband are close to deciding to have an abortion. Will you pray with me that God will change her mind?” As we prayed, I was reminded of the key point I had shared before Sayuri left—Every child is a unique, special creation of God. Had she really listened? Did she even understand the truth of what I had said? What were the chances I would ever see her again? One Sunday a couple of months later, Junko greeted me before our church worship service. “Remember Sayuri, that mother who was planning to have an abortion? She’s coming today!” When I saw Sayuri, I recognized her immediately—and she was visibly pregnant! God had answered our prayers, and Sayuri and her husband had chosen life for their twins. As I drew near, I placed my hand on her growing tummy and said, “We prayed for these babies.” With tears in her eyes, she said, “Thank you. Thank you so much! <a id="res_262" href="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/Sayuri.png"><img src="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/previews-med/Sayuri.png" border="0" alt="twinsmother" hspace="5" vspace="5" align="left" /></a> From then on, Sayuri began attending our church regularly. She joined a Sunday School class that was going through the book The Power of a Praying Mother. The following January, twin girls, Kyoko and Miyoko, were born. Before long, Sayuri announced, “I want to be baptized! I want to follow Jesus, and bring up my children to follow Him.” Today, when Sayuri is at a church meeting, it’s not unusual to see her without her twins—or even her two older daughters—because there are so many other mothers taking turns caring for them! Praise God that not only has he allowed me to see mothers and fathers come to Christ as they have been introduced to God’s Word through biblical parenting principles—but unborn children are even being given life as a result of these materials! <div align="right"> *All names have been changed. </div>   <a href="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/DJOP-trans.png" target="_blank" title="Discovering the Joy of Parenting"><img src="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/DJOP-trans.png" border="0" alt="Discovering the Joy of Parenting" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="150" height="210" align="left" /></a><a href="http://asianaccess.org/people/staff/bauman.html" target="_blank" title="Barbara Bauman's staff profile">Barbara Bauman</a> developed the text Discovering the Joy of Parenting over a period of seven years while ministering to Japanese mothers and learning their key parenting needs. It is now being used throughout Japan, and is in the process of being translated and adapted for use in other Asian cultures. Life in Japan 2010-09-07T22:11:11Z gary The God of Our City, Sanda http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=250&blogId=1 - by Sue Takamoto - Our family is preparing to come back to Sanda, Japan in a few days with many mixed emotions—how can it be otherwise? Tonight our oldest son Owen was listing all the places we could go upon our return; the friends we will be able to meet again; the Japanese food we can once again enjoy. But there are always tears, as it means once again parting from loved ones. Those who know me or have read my blog (<a href="http://takameter.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" title="The Takameter">The Takameter</a>) consistently know that this is the most difficult challenge for me in being a missionary… We have truly loved the care, hospitality, and encouragement that we have received through our visits with friends and family. And the interest in our ministry in Japan! Now that we have had a chance to show our 2010 Takamoto DVD to various churches and friends this summer, we wanted to make it available for any of you who would like to watch it. It is just under five minutes, and shares some of the things we are excited about even in returning to Sanda (our city) in a few days. Please pray as we prepare to return—for all six of us as we adjust back and help the older three children, especially, prepare again for Japanese school which will begin shortly.  Thanks. For sure, for sure, we are confident that the God of Sanda is waiting to continue His wonderful work there. And we are so thankful that he is willing to use us to help accomplish that. <iframe class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="325" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TD0pLj1cQVQ" width="400">&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;</iframe> If you cannot see a video player, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD0pLj1cQVQ" target="_blank" title="Watch on YouTube...">click here...</a> A2 News Life in Japan Reflections 2010-08-27T05:40:39Z sue Land of the Rising Yen http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=248&blogId=1  Japan's Yen rate continues to climb, pressure missionaries <a href="http://johnstonjournal.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=13339&g2_serialNumber=2" target="_blank" title="strong Yen, weak Dollar"><img src="http://johnstonjournal.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=13336&g2_serialNumber=2" border="0" alt="strong Yen, weak Dollar" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="320" height="153" /></a> - by Jeff Johnston - The Japanese Yen (¥) rate is approaching the strongest level in 15 years recently — hitting ¥85.33 to US$1 earlier this month. According to <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-04/yen-intervention-faces-g-20-opposition-dollar-weakness-citigroup-says.html" target="_blank" title="Yen Intervention Faces G-20 Opposition, Dollar Weakness, Citigroup Says">Bloomberg's Alex Kowalski</a>, the Yen rate has climbed 3% against all 16 major currencies this year. He writes: <blockquote> "The yen typically strengthens in times of financial turmoil as Japan's trade surplus makes the currency attractive as it means the nation does not have to rely on overseas lenders." </blockquote> Though many experts view the 85-Yen mark as the time for the government to take steps to weaken the currency, Kowalski says it's doubtful that it will do so. <table align="right" border="2" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="width: 225px"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid #c3c3c3; background-color: #dddddd; width: 33%"> Personally, we've seen a 25% reduction since our family arrived in Tokyo three years ago today. That means for every dollar received in 2007 (¥115), we're receiving 75¢ (¥85) now.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Meanwhile, missionaries struggle to keep support levels up against the stronger Yen. Donations given in US$ or other currencies simply don't go as far as they once did. Personally, we've seen a 25% reduction since our family arrived in Tokyo three years ago today. That means for every dollar received in 2007 (¥115), we're receiving 75¢ (¥85) now. Combined with a bad economy and soaring health care costs, it's a tough recipe to swallow. It's a struggle for missionaries to stay on the field. You cut where you can and then pray you can survive the onslaught. We're not alone, as missionaries are feeling the pinch in many places, not just Japan. Churches in North America have had to cut back their support to missionaries due to a difficult economy. We know of a dozen or so families across the globe have reluctantly had to leave the field because they can no longer sustain the level of support needed. What can we do? Do we just fold up our tent and call it a day? Actually, I think there are several things we should be doing to address some of these core challenges. Here are a few: 1) Pray for God to send laborers and to provide the funds for the laborers He has sent. <blockquote> Matthew 9:37-38 "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.' " </blockquote> Pray also that the U.S. Dollar would strenghten against the Japanese Yen. <blockquote> </blockquote> 2) Give to missions where God burdens you. Praise God for many who are giving sacrificially to advance His work in the world. 3) Stewardship - Mission organizations need to continue to look for creative ways to achieve a greater degree of stewardship. J. Hudson Taylor said: "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supplies." If He's not providing, then maybe we need to look hard at what we're doing and make some changes. 4) Partnership in the Base Camp - That said, I think there are good missions doing good things, but they just don't have a good economy of scale. Organizations will need to consider whether they can achieve more together than separately. Leveraging resources and administrative support is one way to achieve a better economy of scale. These difficult economic times could be God's way of bringing together more partnerships in the base camp. This is what Asian Access is now seeking to do. (See "<a href="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=246&blogId=6" target="_blank" title="Asian Access seeks sizable ministry expansion">Asian Access seeks sizable ministry expansion</a>".) We have a great mandate in Japan, but think it's time to join together with others to accomplish something bigger for God than we could do separately. The risk for losing some control is there, but the potential upside to foster a movement could be huge! 5) Partnerships on the Front Lines - Missions is undergoing some real changes. A documentary I helped to produce, <a href="http://asianaccess.org/video/index-missions-redefined.html" target="_blank" title="Missions: Redefined documentary">Missions: Redefined</a> raised some of these issues. It was an eye-opener to see how Western missions have been perceived.  As the landscape changes, our partnerships with national-led movements might be a key to achieving something greater together. Sharing our kingdom resources for the greater good seems like a God-thing. I certainly don't have all the answers. There's much more that we can do to address the current economic challenges. What do you think?  Please give me your ¥2 . . . because it's now worth more than 2¢! A2 News Life in Japan Reflections 2010-08-21T07:08:08Z jj Welcome to Tokyo http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=245&blogId=1 Tokyo makes anime-style guide to boost tourismBy: Jeff Johnston (sources: AP & Kyodo)Tokyo's metropolitan government has produced an anime short to highlight sightseeing spots around the city. The aim is to lure more tourists to the capital city of Japan.The short entitled "Welcome to Tokyo" runs about 11 minutes and cost the city about ¥49 million (about US$ 575,000) to create. To make it more accessible to foreign tourists, they offer subtitled versions in English and six other languages. It has been posted Tokyo's English website (under the Tourism, Culture and Sports):<a href="http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/welcome/index.html">http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/welcome/index.html</a>Here is the brief trailer (0:17) with English subtitles: <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="311" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/cFtfUP9We70" id="ltVideoYouTube"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cFtfUP9We70" /> <param name="wmode" value="transparent" /> <param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /> <param name="quality" value="best" /> <param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /> <param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /></object>Here's the direct link to the full English flash movie is here:<a href="http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/welcome/swf_hq/honey_en_hq.swf" target="_blank" title="Tokyo tourism's anime trailer">http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/welcome/swf_hq/honey_en_hq.swf</a>  Life in Japan 2010-08-10T20:56:56Z jj Time on Japan: "A Clouded Outlook" http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=240&blogId=1 <img src="http://asianaccess.org/images/asia/jpn026.jpg" border="0" alt="Depressed man buries his head" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="195" height="130" align="right" />In his upcoming Time article entitled "<a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2005689-1,00.html" target="_blank" title=""A Clouded Outlook" by Michael Schuman">A Clouded Outlook</a>," (August 2, 2010) Michael Schuman writes a sobering view of Japan's malaise and dismal economic outlook for the future. The 4-page article helps to see the big picture of the economic reality, which has been stagnant since the bubble burst in the early 1990s. If you want a better understanding of Japan and the dynamics of turning this big ship around, read Shuman's article. Here are a few excerpts to give you a sense of the problem: <ul> <li>"Today, Japan is an island of inertia in an Asia in constant flux. Japan's political leadership is paralyzed, its corporate elite befuddled, its people agonized about the future. While Asia lurches forward, Japan inches backward. And yet no one in Japan is doing very much about it."</li> <li><img src="http://asianaccess.org/images/asia/jpn011.jpg" border="0" alt="Busy people crossing the street" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="195" height="130" align="right" />"Growth has been practically nonexistent, the welfare of the Japanese people has suffered and the old industrial titans of Japan Inc. are retreating on the world stage. Japan will likely lose its cherished status as the world's No.2 economy this year, to a more energetic China. Though that was inevitable, the fact that China is so quickly closing the gap in economic power doesn't bode well for Japan's standing in the world."</li> <li>"Every few months, Tokyo's political revolving door spits out a new Prime Minister (Japan's had six PMs in the past four years) who inevitably vows that the time has come, finally, truly, to reform. But the proposals announced with expectant fanfare usually get swallowed up in Japan's dysfunctional political system."</li> <li><img src="http://asianaccess.org/images/asia/jpn005.jpg" border="0" alt="Japan's cell phones are the most advanced in the world" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="195" height="130" align="right" />" 'There is an awareness that things can't stay the same,' says Jeffrey Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University's Japan campus. 'The problem is, people really don't know what is next. Japan's huge problems are just festering and Japan remains rudderless.' "</li> <li>What makes Japan's story so much more frustrating is that not so long ago, the nation was at the forefront of change. Long before Apple's iPad, it was Japan's Sony that invented the must-have gadgets that changed global lifestyles (remember the Walkman?). Japan didn't need answers; Japan was the answer. Yet those same policies and practices that sparked Japan's miracle have come to strangle it.</li> </ul> <img src="http://asianaccess.org/images/asia/jpn010.jpg" border="0" alt="High school students in Tokyo" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="195" height="130" align="right" />There is much more detail in the article, including what current PM Naoto Kan is trying to do, the downside of consensus-based decision-making, the economic effect on the younger people, potential implications on taxes and immigration policy, and much more. What needs to be done to change this dilemma? Schuman with the help of fellow reporter Terrence Terashima offer recommendations. I'll let you read them, if you're interested, but Schuman closes with this pessimistic summation: <ul> <li>"Such a sweeping vision for the nation's future and its role in the world is regrettably absent. Katsuji Konno, president of Igeta Tea Manufacturing, a Sendai-based chain of specialty tea shops, complains that the country's leaders are too focused on short-term fixes rather than long-term solutions. 'You have to think of more drastic measures,' he says. 'You need to think 10, 30, 40 years ahead.' Until Japan stops living in the past, it may not have a future."</li> </ul> Allow me to make a personal comment here after tracking the news and talking with my Japanese friends. . . <img src="http://asianaccess.org/images/asia/jpn009.jpg" border="0" alt="Japan's businesses are struggling" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="195" height="130" align="right" />What is painfully obvious in Japan is that things are going to get worse—not better—at least for the foreseeable future. Japanese will need to adjust their lifestyle accordingly. No more can the people of Japan put their faith in their government to do what is best in their long-term future. <img src="http://asianaccess.org/images/asia/jpn015.jpg" border="0" alt="Young Tokyo woman sits and reflects" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="195" height="130" align="right" />As a missionary here, who has seen countless Japanese shy away from following Christ, I can only hope—and pray—that this growing economic challenge swings wide open the door in people's lives for the Gospel. Up until now, they've simply been too comfortable. While I'd like to see Japan flourish, its own affluence has become a huge stumbling block for the Gospel. And God loves the Japanese too much. I trust He will use this difficulty to compel many to follow Him. <img src="http://asianaccess.org/images/asia/jpn006.jpg" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="5" width="195" height="130" /> They say that every cloud has a silver lining. Maybe the spiritual outlook is not so clouded after all. <img src="http://asianaccess.org/images/asia/jpn033.jpg" border="0" alt="Church with a blue sky and only a few clouds" hspace="0" vspace="5" width="195" height="130" /> What do you think?   Life in Japan Reflections 2010-07-28T19:14:29Z jj JCGI Network "Coach Leader Summit" http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=239&blogId=1 Working in concert for greater fruitfulness in Japan <a id="res_245" href="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/JCGI-Coach-Leader-Summit-2010%20-%202.jpg"><img src="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/previews/JCGI-Coach-Leader-Summit-2010%20-%202.jpg" border="0" alt="Coach Leader Summit 2010 - working group" hspace="5" vspace="5" align="right" /></a>Asian Access' tagline is "Developing Leaders. Multiplying Churches." At our core, that's what we're about. Each statement represents a key objective in our ministry across Asia. Both are centrally important to what we're trying to achieve toward extending the kingdom of God. Today and tomorrow in Tokyo, Asian Access' "JCGI Network" in Japan is holding its first ever "Coach Leader Summit" to try to do both of these fundamental tasks hand-in-hand and thus better. For many years, JCGI has been effectively running two types of regional networks in Japan: 1) Leadership Development Networks and 2) Church Planting Networks. These two ongoing networks have specialized, focusing intently on their own objective—either of training pastors or of fostering church multiplication. The leaders of these networks serve as coaches and facilitators. Coaches in each type of network have gathered independently to pray for God's blessing, report on progress, and plan for future networks. <a id="res_246" href="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/JCGI-Coach-Leader-Summit-2010%20-%204.jpg"><img src="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/previews-med/JCGI-Coach-Leader-Summit-2010%20-%204.jpg" border="0" alt="Rev. Jiro Chida shares about updates in the networks he is coaching." /></a> What's different now? <img src="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/kawasaki-195.jpg" alt="Rev. Hiroshi Kawasaki, Director of JCGI Network" hspace="5" vspace="5" align="right" />Under the direction of Rev. Hiroshi Kawasaki, JCGI Network decided to strategically realign its efforts to work more synergistically. For the first time, 21 pastoral leaders and 3 missionaries in both types of networks are meeting for a combined two-day "Coach Leader Summit," asking some key questions: <ol> <li>What is needed to make our leadership development networks and our church planting networks more effective?</li> <li>How can these two types of networks cooperate and collaborate together for even greater fruitfulness?</li> <li>How can we get more Japanese churches involved in our networks?</li> <li>What changes do we need to implement to ensure these above objectives happen?</li> </ol> This summit is currently underway (July 26-27, 2010). Will you join us in prayer that God inspires this group of leaders to join efforts and work in better concert with one another? Pray that God will use these networks to develop even more leaders and foster a church multiplication movement in Japan. <a id="res_247" href="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/JCGI-Coach-Leader-Summit-2010%20-%206.jpg"><img src="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/previews-med/JCGI-Coach-Leader-Summit-2010%20-%206.jpg" border="0" alt="Coach Leader Summit 2010 - group photo" /></a> A2 News 2010-07-26T08:47:48Z jj Message about Gary Parrett from Adrian De Visser http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=237&blogId=1 Here is a brief video message from Adrian De Visser, National Director of A2/Sri Lanka about our dear friend, Dr. Gary Parrett...    <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="311" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/eQPkH-5qUCM" id="ltVideoYouTube"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eQPkH-5qUCM" /> <param name="wmode" value="transparent" /> <param name="allowScriptAcess" value="sameDomain" /> <param name="quality" value="best" /> <param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /> <param name="FlashVars" value="playerMode=embedded" /> </object> Here is the link to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQPkH-5qUCM" target="_blank" title="Adrian's message about Gary Parrett">this clip on the A2 Channel on YouTube.com</a>. A2 News Reflections 2010-07-11T08:43:23Z jhandley BAM! Business as Mission http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=227&blogId=1 [Podcast] Utilizing for-profit companies based on Biblical principles to do community development and seek transformation of lives and societies. A sense of mission can come in all shapes and sizes. <object data="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/flash/mp3player/mp3player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="300" height="20" class="ltPlayer"> <param name="quality" value="best" /> <param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/flash/mp3player/mp3player.swf" /> <param name="FlashVars" value="&file=http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/business-as-mission.mp3&height=20&width=300" /> </object> <a id="res_226" href="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/business-as-mission.mp3" title="Utilizing for-profit companies based on Biblical principles to do community development and seek transformation of lives and societies."></a> <ul> </ul> <img src="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/more-info-blog.gif" alt="More information..." /> <ul> <li>If player doesn't appear, click <a href="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=227&blogId=1" target="_blank" title="BAM! Business As Mission">here</a> or you can even download the audio file: <a id="res_226" href="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/business-as-mission.mp3" title="Utilizing for-profit companies based on Biblical principles to do community development and seek transformation of lives and societies.">business-as-mission.mp3</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.lifedesignnetwork.org" target="_blank" title="Life Design Network">Life Design Network</a> - find out more about this network<a href="http://www.lifedesignnetwork.org" target="_blank" title="Life Design Network"> </a></li> </ul> Podcast 2010-02-28T18:55:47Z peter Aperture coming to Japan in March! http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=224&blogId=1 Indiana band Aperture set to lead worship for A2 The Christian band Aperture from Huntington University (Huntington, Indiana) will serve as worship leaders at the annual Asian Access/Japan retreat in the beautiful, snowy mountains of Nagano, March 11-15. The purpose of this retreat is to equip and refresh missionaries who serve alongside Japanese congregations. The worship band is connected to Asian Access through member Jessica Bauman, an A2 MK.  Since her parents, <a href="http://asianaccess.org/people/staff/bauman.html" target="_blank" title="Gary & Barbara Bauman">Gary & Barbara</a>, moved to Tokyo in 1988, Jessica spent most of her life in Japan. She is now excited to return with a talented group of her friends called Aperture:  Josh Dirnberger, Justin Siemens, Tyler Skinner, Zech Reuter, Laura Stuckey and Kris Burgess. <a href="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/ApertureA2Poster.jpg" target="_blank" title="see full size"><img src="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/ApertureA2Poster.jpg" border="0" alt="Aperture from Huntington University" hspace="0" vspace="5" width="400" /></a> Every year, Asian Access needs a team of 4-6 people who share a passion to invest in the children in the mission so that they can shine Christ in this dark country.  Typically, children’s ministry teams have run a program much like a Vacation Bible School ministry.  However, a team did not emerge this year.  So Aperture will help to assist in some of these children's ministry activities.  Aperture even has a couple of friends who may come just to help out with our MKs! We so appreciate Aperture coming to serve Asian Access by leading us into worship and caring for our children.  The entire A2/Japan family looks forward to a great retreat in March. <img src="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/more-info-blog.gif" alt="More information..." /> <ul> <li><a href="http://aperturepraise.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" title="Aperture website">Aperture website</a> - contains their blog and bios of each band member</li> <li><a href="http://www.huntington.edu/" target="_blank" title="Huntington University">Huntington University</a> - the school where Aperture is based </li> </ul>   A2 News 2010-02-01T17:21:01Z jj AsianAccess.org wins fourth consecutive award http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=222&blogId=1 Non-profit mission website recognized again for "standard of excellence" <img src="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/webaward09.png" border="0" alt="Standard of Excellence WebAward 2009" hspace="5" vspace="5" align="left" />Asian Access is pleased to announce that its website has won a fourth consecutive WebAward for 2009. <a href="http://www.asianaccess.org//">AsianAccess.org</a> has been judged by the Web Marketing Association to be a winner of a non-profit standard of excellence in web site development. Asian Access provides leadership development and support to emerging pastors who multiply churches across Asia. During the thirteenth annual WebAward competition, more than 2,000 sites from 47 countries were adjudicated in 96 industry categories. Entries were judged on design, copy writing, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology. <img src="http://www.asianaccess.org/a2blog/gallery/1/A2-frontpage-2009-web.jpg" border="0" alt="AsianAccess.org frontpage 2009" hspace="5" vspace="5" align="right" />"AsianAccess.org engages North American Christians in partnering with the church in Asia to extend God's kingdom," says Jeff Johnston, vice president for communications at Asian Access, who is responsible for the website. "This standard of excellence award validates our communications efforts these past few years. As a non-profit mission agency, we have limited resources for website development. Yet we have an important story to tell, and our website is a key delivery system for us to engage more people in this exciting work." "Ultimately, I trust this independent recognition will further highlight our excellence in leadership development across Asia. That's what Asian Access is really all about." Even so, the communications leader is not content to just maintain. "We definitely need to look ahead and focus on improvement," Johnston continued. "We've simply outgrown our current design. Web technology has changed dramatically in the last five years, and we have plans to redesign the site to enhance the user experience and deliver the desired information to them sooner. This site was designed well before the social media craze hit. Now we leverage sites like <a href="http://asianaccess.org/facebook.html">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/AsianAccess">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://asianaccess.org/youtube.html">YouTube</a> to help get our message out. We need to refresh our site to incorporate this social media and to make navigation easier." "Recognizing the best website in each industry is an important way to establish the ever changing standard of excellence in website development," said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. "Each year the WebAwards receives amazing entries from around the world that show impressive creativity and functionality. As the Internet evolves, so does the state of website development and winning a WebAward is a great way to demonstrate the effectiveness of your web development efforts." The competition was judged by a team of independent internet professionals representing a variety of relevant disciplines of web site development. Judges included members of the media, advertising executives, site designers, creative directors, corporate marketing executives, content providers and webmasters. About Web Marketing Association According to its own web site, the Web Marketing Association aims to help set a high standard for internet marketing and development of the best websites on the World Wide Web. WMA partners with Website Magazine, PRWeb and sixteen other leading organizations to sponsor the WebAwards. A complete list of the winning sites can be found at the WebAward web site at <a href="http://www.webaward.org/">www.webaward.org</a>. # # # Press Contact: Jeff Johnston Company Name: Asian Access Email: info@asianaccess.org Phone: 800-543-3678 Website: <a href="http://www.asianaccess.org//">www.AsianAccess.org</a> <hr width="25%" size="1" noshade="noshade" /> <div align="left"> </div> Special Recognition <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr align="left" class="body" valign="top"> <td width="5%"> </td> <td width="25%"> Jeff Johnston <a href="http://www.asianaccess.org//">Asian Access</a> VP for Communications </td> <td width="70%"> Contributions: site architecture, design, writing, content & photos, blogs & PHP applications </td> </tr> <tr class="body"> <td align="left" width="5%"> </td> <td align="left" width="20%"> </td> <td width="75%"> </td> </tr> <tr align="left" class="body" valign="top"> <td width="5%"> </td> <td width="20%"> Loren Roberts <a href="http://www.hearkencreative.com/" target="_blank">Hearken Creative</a> Graphic Designer </td> <td width="75%"> Contributions: site design, templates, video, flash & graphics </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> A2 News 2010-01-22T05:30:18Z blogadmin