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...
As I've been in South Asia the last three weeks, I've heard story after story of powerful life change! Several pastors shared about the persecution they face: some have been chased, beaten, and their churches have been burned. Country after country contained numerous stories toward this end. Sadly, several of the countries are even facing greater degrees of religious intolerance from their governments. Pastor G, pictured here with me, shared about the difficulties he faces in his country and how grateful he was for Asian Access. He shared that the deeper fellowship among the A2 pastors gives him...
Last week, Asian Access hosted our latest session in Sri Lanka. Our focus was on disciple-making and while there was a great deal of conversation and learning together about discipleship, one of the core distinctions of this week was the importance of making disciples within community. Pastor Garrick Hanger from Rolling Hills Covenant Church highlighted this as...
Most of you know that many of the countries Asian Access works in the leaders face trials, tribulations and persecution. My colleague Jim, who serves in partnership with us through Sunrise International Ministries, shared this powerful story from one of our alumns. Sometimes the stories of others give us perspective on our own situation. I will also share the testimony of our good friend R. Recently R. shared his story with us and we were very touched...
India (MNN) -- India's version of ISIS is advancing its agenda. The leaders of the world's largest democracy are openly pushing for a Hindu-only India. Noel Becchetti of Asian Access says their India director views it as a two-edged sword. "He's very alarmed, on the one hand, but he sees a great opportunity on the other. His alarm is: the...
Noel Becchetti of Asian Access and MNN’s Katey Hearth discuss the BJP’s rise to power in India and the trouble upcoming elections hold for Christians...
Dear Friends, thank you for your partnership in coming alongside leaders in Asia. I am grateful for you and wanted you to see this brief video of thanksgiving. Pastors and leaders across Asia have asked me to thank everyone who prays for them, supports them, and partners with them. Persecuted pastors are especially thankful for your prayers. You are much appreciated...
Watch Joe Handley share Asian Access' new plans to:
1) Launch leader development in a new country this year;
2) Begin exploring a second new country soon after;
3) Launch a new marketplace ministry, in which Asian Access takes lessons learned in 35+ years of pastoral training and apply it in developing business leaders.
Joe also reports a significant milestone that...