Christian Persecution in Asia

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Written by Joe Handley

Category: From the President

Hi Friends! I want to thank you for your support this year. We really appreciate you. You may remember that this past year one of our leaders came up to me and asked for help. You may know that 10 of the 16 countries in which Asian Access works is facing persecution and pressure, and they've come to me and said: “Joe, the groups that are helping us, we love them. But we think the equipping of leaders could be better for those of us who are facing persecution. Would you go and see if we can strengthen this part of the church across Asia.” Well, I went and met with all the different groups that help with persecution today, and they're willing to partner with us. In fact, next March, they've invited me to join them for a big gathering where we're going to talk about how we can collaborate and strengthen one another and work together to empower the persecuted Church. And it just so happens that we have a matching grant that goes towards that project. As we come to the end of 2019, we have a $167,000 matching challenge. We need to raise that amount by December 31st. Every dollar raised between now and then will be doubled...

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Written by Joe Handley

Category: From the President

"I especially want to thank Asian Access for standing with me at this hard time. My Asian Access friends helped me greatly during this trial. We each experience this opposition, and so we are there for each other."

A Letter from My Friend, an A2 Alumnus

Just before Thanksgiving, I received his letter from a graduate of Asian Access. He writes: "Dear President Joe, Greetings in the Name of Christ. As you know, we continue to face many hardships...

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Written by Joe Handley

Category: From the President

Today is #GivingTuesday...

We have weeks for getting deals and for shopping during this Christmas season. But on #GivingTuesday, we have a day set aside for giving back. Together, people are creating a new ritual for our annual calendar. #GivingTuesday is the opening day of the giving season, and every act of generosity counts. Asian Access is participating in #GivingTuesday to make a difference in Asia. There are several opportunities if you want to invest in our little part of God's Kingdom work in Asia. Projects include...

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Written by Joe Handley

Category: From the President

COLOMBO (A2)  It was sobering to drive beside and walk through St. Anthony’s Church in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Hearing the story of our driver who overcame fear to drive to church that fateful Sunday when several churches were bombed as well as a few hotels and seeing the pictures of the aftermath at St. Anthony’s was overwhelming. We walked through the barricades that now protect the church and saw the area where so many lives were lost as well as the memorial they set up to remember what had happened that day...

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Category: Mission Network News

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...

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Written by Joe Handley

Category: From the President

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – 1 Thess. 5:16-18  “Even if they jail us, we will preach… Even though it’s illegal, who can stop the mouth of Christ.” These were the words out of our National Director's mouth while visiting Japan leading a seminar in Kumamoto. She and her husband shared that week powerfully about church multiplication and prayer and her teaching about prayer was convicting. About the husband and wife team, one Japanese pastor said, “He’s passion and she’s authority.” Such is the power of this couple...

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Written by Joe Handley

Category: From the President

One of the highlights of our recent Global Leaders’ Summit as meeting our latest coordinators for Asian Access in new countries. In this case, the pastor pictured here we’ll call Pastor S to protect his identity as he serves in a country that needs to remain unidentified for security reasons. Pastor S faces ongoing pressures and real-life threats. In fact, recently he was asked, “Why would you even consider doing Asian Access in your country if you know your life is in danger?” – He said, “It’s too important that we equip our leaders to not face this kind of threats. We must proceed and if I die, I die.”...

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Category: Mission Network News

Sri Lanka recovery from terrorism brings with it hope and prayer

Sri Lanka (MNN) — On May 19, Sri Lanka marked the 10th anniversary of the end of the war with the Tamil rebels. Even amidst celebration, the specter of a new terror threat prompted the president, Maithripala Sirisena, to remind people that defeating the separatist guerrillas a decade ago meant Sri Lanka would meet the challenge from extremists now. He also vowed to crush the militants responsible for the Easter bombings that claimed 258 lives...

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