Headlines from Asian Access

Asian Access overcomes pandemic restrictions, launches new programs

South Asia (MNN) — So far, 2020 has been a memorable year for all the wrong reasons. Global events like the COVID-19 pandemic create an unpredictable atmosphere for ministry. More coronavirus coverage here. But Joe Handley of Asian Access says there’s a bright spot amidst the chaos. Asian Access equips national church leaders to multiply churches and make disciples. “We had been planning for several years to do a digital media initiative to equip younger generations, as well as where the persecuted Church lies” in South Asia, Handley explains. “It just so happened that the pandemic opened that door for us to invest heavily in digital technology.” Through a new digital approach, Asian Access is opening work in two new countries this...

Listening to the Bible Together

The last few months I have been fairly regularly attending bible reading sessions hosted by the Grace and Mercy Foundation in New York City. They hold sessions three times a week and I can attend their Monday evening program since it aligns with my Tuesday morning. It’s been a rich experience, listening to God’s word together and seeing people from many parts of the world. I shared about their grand opening here in Tokyo a few months ago but now with the pandemic, these sessions have been growing. There are a few hundred people on my call alone every week. Reading scripture in community is a rewarding experience and I hope...

Using Digital Technology for the Future

How do you envision using digital technology into the future in ways that you did not do before COVID-19?

The new future is the present! The world has gone digital. Few were ahead of the curve; most are adapting quickly. What do people need? 1.) Need customized/customizable platforms and applications that are versatile; 2.) Need user-friendly tools. What do we need to do? ... 

Use of Digital Technology During & Post COVID Times

How has digital technology changed how you do life and ministry in this season of COVID-19?

When people ask me this question, I share my approach to the change. There are three big needs during and post-COVID times:

CONTENT: People have a lot of time during this COVID season and are hooked onto the internet most of the time. And so, I see that there is a need for relevant content to flood the net with.

ENCOURAGEMENT: People are living in fear and panic as they are engulfed and bombarded with news reports of this pandemic resulting in hopelessness. Therefore, they need encouragement and hope to pull themselves through this time... 

Coronavirus Reflections from Bangladesh

Every day, new COVID-19 patients are being added in Bangladesh, my home country. Family members and close friends are suffering from the illness. Many patients live next to my building. People diagnosed with coronavirus are facing social ostracism; many people are losing their jobs. People cannot earn enough money to meet their daily needs. We are learning that people in Bangladesh are dying not only from COVID-19, but from additional mental and physical issues. It makes me cry when I hear and see a mother cannot provide food and medical supplies for her child. I just cry out to the Lord, “Give me Your provision to stand beside them in a tangible way.” But I am not afraid. I fix my eyes to the Lord who is the author of our life.