International (A3) — Asian Access, known widely as A2, is expanding its ministry into some of the most dangerous and volatile parts of the world.

For over half a century, Asian Access has catalyzed Christian movements in Asia. Now, leaders are calling for this important work in the Middle East and North Africa.

So, the organization is boldly stepping in with its proven process that has changed the fabric of the church and transformed communities throughout the Asian continent. The organization is committed to sharing the love of Jesus and the freedom of the Gospel by ensuring the support for healthy and sustained learning communities of Christian leaders.

“We know leaders of faith communities around the world struggle in deep ways – with spiritual growth resources as well as capacity, stress, even hostility,” says Dr. Joe Handley, President of Asian Access. “Our ministry focuses on these key leaders because they’re the ones who serve so many.”

Cohorts are already launched in new regions around the world including Europe, Central America, and the Middle East.

“These leaders are often first-generation Jesus-followers, and they need mentorship, education and community,” says Handley. “We are responding to the places where we’re able to have the most impact based on our specific work to nurture intentional learning communities that are ultimately self-sustaining.”

Jeff Johnston, VP for Advancement and Communications explains:

“The moniker of A2 must now evolve to reflect the broadening impact of our learning communities. Asian Access is now A3, a global network of leaders serving their local communities.”

When Asian Access was originally established in 1967, it was focused as a ministry in Japan, serving church leaders and teaching English language to the community. As the ministry grew, so did the need for greater support for the leaders of these local communities.

In 1979 the organization began a simple but radical approach to developing and supporting church leaders by following Jesus’ model as He trained the first 12 disciples: small, well-equipped groups of 12-18 people, highly trained and building deep community among their cohort to provide a valuable bond to support and sustain.

Throughout the years, Asian Access has built these micro-networks across Japan and all of Asia as the missional support organization keenly focused on creating leadership groups with a distinctly transformational process. Each group studies a tailored program for their region, built around 14 strategic areas of leadership.

Through the strength of these local leaders, the organization has planted over 1,000 church congregations in Japan. In fact, the A3 process can be connected to significant growth in the Christian church in Japan, as well as collaborative influence between governments and the overall societal health of their communities.

A3 operates with instructors from within each nation’s context as well as expert teachers from around the globe to provide a holistic and dynamic learning environment.

Thilini K. was an early participant in the A2 process and now helps lead the Young Professionals for A3. “The leadership support from Asian Access became a catalyst to expand what God was doing inside me, so that I can more effectively fulfill His Commission in my community,” says Thilini. “Now this foundational network is helping to grow the ministry across the globe, for the church, for business, and other spheres of society.”

Handley says, “The peer community is the secret sauce to creating a sustainable momentum for the local church. Our process has always been centered around the belief that a Spirit-filled leader can change a nation. We work to equip and unify leaders so they can continue their calling fueled in local community, with the strength of a global organization.”

Learn more about the ministry here.

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 1:29)

Direct Link: https://a3-media.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Feb03-2023.mp3

More Information

• This story by Lyndsey Koh was originally published on 03-Feb-2023 by Mission Network News:
  https://www.mnnonline.org/news/asian-access-takes-new-name-as-ministry-expands-to-the-middle-east-and-beyond/
• Download the audio file: https://a3-media.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Feb03-2023.mp3
• Header photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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