#FaithGratitudeLegacy

We face an uncertain future as the Russian-Ukraine war continues. a new Covid-19 strain is spreading, and a global economic recession is expected. So how do we face this New Year with all its challenges and difficulties?

by H.A. Moldez, National Director of A2/Philippines 

“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruined and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairers of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets and Dwellings.”
— Isaiah 58:12

My ministry activities have been undermining my intimacy with God.

Philippines (MNN) — Super Typhoon Rai, known locally as Odette, claimed over 375 lives in the Philippines this weekend, and the death toll keeps rising. More details emerge as parts of the archipelago restore communication.

Asia (MNN) — An “explosion” of COVID-19 cases is pushing hospitals across Asia to the edge of collapse, the International Federation of the Red Cross warns. Asian nations reported over 5.9 million new infections in the past two weeks – more than the combined totals of all other regions.

Philippines (MNN) — In the aftermath of Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses), the Philippines province of Cagayan has seen its worst flooding in four decades. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the main island, Luzon, under a state of calamity. So far, flooding and mudslides have killed over 70 and displaced some 280,000 people. Eniong Hilario with Asian Access in the Philippines says, “Typhoon Ulysses came on the heels of one of the strongest typhoons, Typhoon Rolly.  The government prepared for...

Support Filipino leaders responding to multiple disasters.

Philippines (MNN) — Typhoon Vamco is the 21st named storm to hit the Philippines this year. The archipelago typically sees 20 tropical storms and typhoons each season, the Associated Press reports. Vamco dumped record-breaking rainfall on Manila before heading to Vietnam. Filipino believers respond to disasters quickly, offering physical help and the hope of Christ, but they’re running out of options. “The evangelical body, headed by [the] Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, have been responding but if...

Philippines (MNN) — Super Typhoon Goni is on its way to Vietnam today after leaving the Philippines in pieces. Forecasters expect Goni to make landfall tomorrow in central Vietnam. Herman Moldez of Asian Access says the Lord intervened. “In the forecast, metro Manila [was] part of the direct hit of the typhoon. But somehow it changed for us,” he describes...

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." — Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV

It has been six months since the lockdown began in Manila and to this day churches have not been allowed to operate fully. Restrictions on mass gatherings have severely crippled what we call “corporate churches” or churches that manages the ministry like a corporation, with paid pastors, board of elders, and facilities (rented or owned).  For months we cried out to God to intervene so that we can go back to the way we used to do worship, but what if God has a new agenda for his church?...

Philippines (MNN) — Twin terror attacks struck the southern Philippines this week, killing at least 15 and injuring more than 75. The attacks are believed to have been suicide bombings. Joe Handley of Asian Access explains the situation. “In the southern parts of the Philippines, there are these terrorist groups, influenced by what is now the Islamic State. [They] have been influencing that part of the country, really with a kind of Islamic front, attacking the southern islands.”

A more biblical understanding of discipleship is critical to disciple a nation. Planting a church as a signpost of the Kingdom of God to evangelize a community is a good start. However, in a success-driven ministry, many pastors and leaders are simply dreaming of making their churches grow big and bigger. When the world’s criteria for success drives the ministry, discipleship is hurried up without the spiritual depth necessary to impact society. The World Evangelical Alliance’s call to a "Decade of Discipleship" needs radical calibration to grow...

“I sense God is moving us toward home churches in the coming days.” (Adrian De Visser) Right before hearing these words from my colleague Adrian who leads a church movement in Sri Lanka, another colleague, Herman Moldez, shared a similar sentiment as he watched the church changing in the Philippines during COVID-19. While many have shared concerns about having to close their church doors for a while, these two leaders see a silver lining in the dark clouds. Like John Wesley led in England in the 1700s, church is being re-thought and re-considered at least in terms that we may know it as in the modern era. The church was always simply the body of Christ gathered—not a building on the corner where people gather. 

God's Work Cannot Be Quarantined

As ministry front-liners in the Philippines, we could literally see how the landscape of pastoral ministry is changing before our very eyes. This health pandemic is bringing to an end the era of the corporate church model, and it is fast being replaced by the house-church model. Allow us to share to you what has been happening in our part of the world: 1) 40,000 small church pastors have had no pay for the past two...

Each day is not as certain as we think of and to talk about. Nothing is certain in COVID-19 days! Changes happen quickly and swiftly. Plans are revised every now and then; we are left confused and groping in the dark. The experts’ projections of scenario after scenario, if not properly sieved, make top heavy our worsening anxieties and fear. Local execs, either in public or private sectors, doing that much to the best they can, are in a quandary, influenced by opinionated seemingly wise individuals and scoop-seeking media resulting to nerve-wracking confusions and expectations among the citizens. Crisscrossed opinions considerably take their heavy toll on the gullible, stubborn and equally opinionated populace. How do we cope?...

Philippines (MNN) — Tremblors continue to rock the Philippines today following Sunday’s volcanic eruption south of Manila. According to government officials, 423 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the Taal region as of 10 pm local time last night. See the latest updates here. Pastor Eniong Hilario with Asian Access says the Taal Volcano is within sight of a center they often use for training and retreats. “During the eruption, there was a lot of ashfall, and it reached our place where we live,” he says. “When we woke up it was very..." {addthis off}

Testimony from a Filipino Couple

I praise and thank the Lord for Asian Access. For the past two years, we're almost over, and it's just been so uplifting. Maybe one word to describe Asian Access is… it's recharging for us pastors. It's not mentally draining, but it's emotionally and spiritually engaging for us. And we also enjoy the sceneries and all the sessions that we have had it, especially the food also. So the speakers are great and the topics are really relevant in our lives. So I thank the Lord for Asian Access. How about you, Sweetheart? Well, I am so grateful also...{addthis off}

Hello, my name is Jason Richard Tan. I was introduced to Asian Access way back in January 2017. And at the time I was just recovering from the very discouraging and painful ordeal. I had lost my voice, my ministry, and even my integrity, and I left the pastoral ministry. I wasn't sure about my calling and my future in ministry. Asian Access came just at the right time. Through Asian Access, I learned two things: one is the value of...{addthis off}

Aj Moldez is a man of many talents, gifts, and callings. A landscape architect by trade, his Philippines-based firm is set up as a Business as Mission—designed to plant shalom and the presence of the gospel through landscape architecture and design. He also serves on the board of Peace Builders Community Inc., an NGO committed to working for peace with indigenous communities in conflict areas. And through PBC, he has helped to innovate Coffee for Peace, using coffee as a means to establish peace and shalom in conflict areas, tribes, and communities. What Aj is not is a pastor. So when his father, Rev. Herman Moldez, asked Aj to serve as a photographer for the “graduation ceremony for the Asian Access Philippines First Class”, Aj had no idea what he was getting into. It wasn’t until Aj arrived that he realized that his father was one of the graduates. {addthis off}

Philippines (MNN) – Three days separated a twin bomb blast at a Catholic church in Jolo and another bomb attack at a mosque in Zamboanga. ISIS claimed Sunday’s attack and government officials blame the terror group for the mosque attack. It’s unsettling, given the siege of Marawi that lasted from May to October 2017. The Philippines has struggled for decades to end a deadly Muslim separatist insurgency in its South. Asian Access’ Philippines director Herman Moldez explains, “The spread of the extremists in the Philippines really was a result of Al Qaeda. There were some people, Muslims, in the Philippines who... {addthis off}

“I thank God for this A2 family whom I can lean on. My learning experience made a difference in my life, family, and ministry now. Long live Asian Access! Indeed A2 is truly life transforming. I am expectant of God's favor for me, family and ministry. I am beginning to see fruits of my learning experience with A2/Philippines. Thank you for your undivided service to Jesus through Asian Access. Truly you help 'change the few for the many.' Your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Rest assured that...{addthis off}

As a leader called by God, what will be my greatest ambition? In what way will I truly please my Master? All leaders work to reach a place of success in their work for God. There is something hypnotising to be on top to receive recognition and reward. It makes one feel good to be on a place applauded by people in this side of history. In Exodus 33, Moses as a leader learned that what matters the most is to be in God’s presence...