Common Learning: A2 Bangladesh Graduating Cohort #4

Testimony after testimony from the 4th graduating cohort in Bangladesh revealed several common themes. It was encouraging hearing their reports as several were chosen to share what God had done in their lives over the last two years. Common themes included how much they had learned about their identity in Christ. Many had gone through seasons of pain, difficulty, and challenge but each of them could see how God shaped them during the course of their lives, even through the difficult seasons...

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The Future is as Bright as the Promises of God

A few weeks ago, Silk and I had the privilege of traveling around Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) with a group of leaders from 5 countries there to learn about ministry and what God has done through the years. One of the most inspiring parts of our trip was visiting the sites (pictured here) where Adoniram Judson, America’s first anglo missionary and first to leave the western hemisphere, was in prison. Adoniram’s entire life work in mission went down in flames and he was tortured for his faith. His family bore an incredible burden as well but they all left a powerful legacy that we saw in the lives of Burmese Pastors across the country. One pastor, in particular, was...

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An Olympic-Sized Opportunity

Next year an immense opportunity is knocking at our doors and you can play a part in it! Tokyo is hosting the 2020 Olympics and Asian Access in partnership with SIM is mobilizing teams to participate through partnering with local churches in reaching out. I hope you’ll join us! We’re praying for a breakthrough and believing that God has a plan to see the Christian population double by 2023 and the Olympic year presents a unique springboard for this to happen. In a few weeks, Japan is hosting the Rugby World Cup which starts the wheels rolling. Then, next summer you can take part through teams coming to serve before the games as Tokyo hosts both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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China counting its Christians, ministries adapt

China (MNN) – Rumors that China’s Central Government ordered its towns to monitor and count Christians appear to be true. More specifically, Asian Access’ Joe Handley says, “What we’re hearing is they’re following up and wanting to get actual names of those who believe in God. It’s not just Christianity; it includes Buddhism, Taoism. It’s spanning the scope of everything, including Catholics, Protestants, and probably intense focus on underground church leaders.” He added that a primary motivator for the crackdown...

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Violence escalates as Hong Kong protests enter week 10

Hong Kong (MNN) — As protests in Hong Kong hit the 10-week mark, some demonstrations have turned violent. Protests at the airport caused the city to ground all flights yesterday. What started as a cry of concern for extradition legislation has turned into a demonstration built upon years of frustrations.  Francis Tsui, a board member of Asian Access, says the protests have thrown Hong Kong into the most serious crisis it has experienced in decades. The demonstrations, which are the largest and longest the city has seen in some time, have significantly disrupted daily life. And it is dividing the local Church, too. “Initially, when the focus of the protest [was] quite clear on trying to fight against the...

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Bended Knees -- Being here was a breakthrough for me!

“Being in Myanmar was a breakthrough for me.” – Pastor Hikari Suzuki

A few weeks ago, Silk and I had an exhausting and inspiring in Myanmar with the pioneering leaders of our Pan Asia Leader Development (PALD) group. This is our first cohort of specially-chosen A2 alumni—two leaders each from five of our Asian Access countries. Our five days together included many long bus rides as we visited areas in Myanmar pertinent to the country’s history, especially as it relates to the growth of God’s kingdom. We were sleep deprived but exhilarated...

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