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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The Wind of God is Blowing (in Japan)

For I will pour out water on the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants. – Isa 44:3

Vision Festa: an inspiring gathering of Japanese leaders

Ever since the Japan Evangelism Congress in 2017, Japanese Church leaders have been gathering together seeking to double the percentage of Christians in the country (Lord willing by 2023) and praying for a 10x10 blessing (by 2024) where Japan will receive 10 times the blessings. Vision Festa is where leaders come together to share inspiring reports of what God is doing in Japan and this year we were encouraged once again by countless stories of how God is moving in Japan. Between the sessions, I heard stories of many coming to faith and several baptisms; far more than I am accustomed to hearing living here. Every year I leave inspired with what God is doing but this year felt special. It feels like God is on the move and that we are on the cusp of a breakthrough...

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Hong Kong protests provide opportunity for peace, reconciliation

Hong Kong (MNN) — Protests continue in Hong Kong this week. Thousands of senior citizens joined in the latest demonstrations. Meanwhile, Hong Kong police called for protection after one activist allegedly bit off part of an officer’s finger. Those participating in Hong Kong protests want current government officials to step down out, and “an investigation into police tactics,” the Associated Press reports. Demonstrators also want assurance they won’t be punished like those who led the 2014 “Yellow Umbrella” protests. Last week, Hong Kong Executive Officer Carrie Lam said the controversial extradition law which began the current movement was “dead”, but she stopped short of taking the bill off the table. Referencing a recent blog...

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Discipleship ROI

There is no greater Return on Investment than discipleship and investing in other people.
– Mike Duke (former CEO of Walmart) 

A few weeks ago, Asian Access had a wonderful gathering in Tokyo with marketplace leaders. Edwin Keh, former Senior Vice President at Walmart and Professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania joined us utilizing a 4-hour video interview he conducted with Mike Duke, quoted above. They taught on discipleship as an opening topic for the orientation and launch of Asian Access/Business (known as A2.business) for Japan. As Mike’s quote suggests, far more than his investment in...

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