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Bangladesh (MNN) — ISIS last week claimed responsibility for the murder of a pastor in northern Bangladesh. Joe Handley with Asian Access confirmed reports that armed extremists killed 65-year-old Hossain Ali, who converted to Christianity from Islam in 1999. He was a member of Valacopa PBT Church (Paraclete Bangladesh Trust Church). Among the reasons he was targeted, “Pastor Ali came to Christ and was leading a small fellowship in his district. When he started connecting with Muslims and then they, in fact, converted and started attending church, then the pressure started coming down.”
Bangladesh (MNN) — Bangladesh is dealing with Islamic terrorists claiming the ISIS banner. Pastors and church leaders are seeing an upsurge in violence and threats. Noel Becchetti with Asian Access shared some of the ominous texts being reported: "'Make sure you eat your favorite foods over the next few days because we're going to kill you in...
Death threats issued to pastors in Bangladesh — The persecution of Christians, Hindus, and even random attacks on foreigners have all dramatically increased in Bangladesh this past year, instigated by Islamic extremists. One newspaper reported that over 20 pastors have recently received death threats via text messages and letters. Here is a sampling of SMS death threats from several different sources: a.) "Eat whatever you like the most. Only five days of your life are left. Not more than that." A follow up text sent the next day read, "One day has gone by. Let us know if we have to arrange your burial as well. Or...will your family take care of your body?" b.) "You, the Christian leaders, will have to bid goodbye to this world very soon." c.) "We are going to finish off all, one by one, who are spreading Christianity in Bangladesh." According to Barnabas Fund, these threats have been sent by...
There is an unprecedented movement of God happening right now in Asia. And if you are from Asia or currently living in Asia, you have a unique opportunity to support this movement. This summer I met “Nathan” (not his real name). Nathan serves a church in one of the world’s most populous nations. Nathan is part of a unique movement of God that is happening right before our eyes. Over many decades, Nathan’s country received...
Asia (MNN) -- Terrorists are striking fear around the world, but they're not stopping dedicated believers. By the year 2030, Christians in an Asian country hope to have sent out 20,000 indigenous missionaries. Joe Handley with Asian Access, a ministry dedicated to raising up Christian leaders, says: "There is a sense, at least for many parts of Asia that the Gospel has been brought to them, and they owe a debt to God for bringing this hope to...
At the latest leader development session in one of the restricted-access countries where A2 is at work, one thing is clear: Pastors here persevere in the ministry despite persistent persecution. Let two of our leaders share their testimonies with you in their own words: “In [location deleted], I was able to start three churches. Soldiers or local authorities would stop me from my rounds to these three churches, but we learned to post watchmen so that if police were on their way to our meeting locations I could temporarily slip away until the danger of in...
When you spend time with Byron MacDonald, you quickly sense the peace in his life, as well as his love for the Word of God. That's what participants of A2/Bangladesh class 2 (and I) recently enjoyed. Byron gave quality time to invest deeply in the lives of fourteen A2/Bangladesh leaders. He led the group in an in-depth study of 1 John, teaching principles of hermeneutics—equipping them to be "workers approved"—and how to deliver God's Word to His people. I enjoyed seeing the leaders wrestle with...
Pictured here with me are two Lamas who decided to follow Jesus! Their story was amazing! The older gentleman had been a Tibetan Buddhist Lama for nearly 30 years and spent most of his life preparing dead bodies for the next reincarnation. He frequently wondered whether or not this really helped and often thought of what the afterlife might have in store for him. His wife became ill and nothing he tried would heal her. He tried all the magic that a typical Buddhist priest would try to no avail. After many months of her illness, his daughter...
China (MNN) -- Authorities in China have removed and burned around 1200 crosses from Churches in the country. Why? Joe Handley of Asian Access says, "The government does not want to see a disharmonious society. When they see churches that are putting up these crosses, they feel like that's a bit of a flagrant kind of expression." Protestors are...
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