Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
— Lamentations 3:22-23

Former Asian Access chairman Ron McMahon shared the classic hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness with the Asian Access board last week during our recent board meetings.

2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. COVID-19, the global economy, and polarizing politics have left their marks. The 2020 Olympics were delayed and countless people have suffered and hundreds of thousands have died from the pandemic. It all certainly made for a tough year for you and me.

Amid the Dark Clouds though, I was able to report several Silver Linings during our recent Asian Access board meeting. For these, I praise God and am reminded of the importance of giving thanks, even for the challenges we have faced.

An Asian Access Devotional

God often leads us by a route we do not expect. When reflecting on the course of my life and ministry over the last 50 years, I am reminded that every single major transition was a complete surprise—it was never part of my life plan. I planned to go to medical school and to stay east of the Mississippi, but God took me to seminary in California I never thought I would go anywhere during seminary as a summer missionary, much less to Japan, with LIFE Ministries (Asian Access). I never thought I would be invited onto Mariners...

I trust and pray that you are well. For most of us, things haven't really settled into a new normal yet. We have recently begun a season of self-isolation here in Japan while others have been doing this for weeks now. But wherever we are, I think everyone has had a little time to try gaining perspective. I've been getting messages from our volunteers across Asia trying to find perspective. I hope to share some because it's important for you to know and to pray. Here is an insightful one from a national director that I wanted to share with you...

So we can trust him now.

As I was preparing for our upcoming Board meeting (now via teleconference), I received a letter from Doug Birdsall, my predecessor and current board member. Doug gave me permission to share his letter with you. Our hope is to encourage you. Perhaps you are discouraged, facing difficult circumstances because of coronavirus or other challenges in your life. This is a testament to God’s faithfulness to deliver.

Dear Joe: You and the needs of the mission have been on my mind in light of the uncertainty brought about by the virus and the turbulence of the markets. I have been thinking about 5 significant disruptions that have profoundly impacted the life of our mission over the years...

Learning to work together for Kingdom advance

We invited Asian Access board member and visionSynergy CEO, Kärin Primuth to attend our A2 national directors' gathering to share devotions for the week on unity in the Body of Christ. Afterward, we sat down with Kärin to get some impressions of her time with leaders from 16 A2 countries. Here is another impression that Kärin shared. In every corner of the world, God's people,... {addthis off}

Body of Christ designed to collaborate for Kingdom advance

We invited Asian Access board member and visionSynergy CEO, Kärin Primuth to attend our A2 national directors' gathering to share devotions for the week on unity in the Body of Christ. Afterward, we sat down with Kärin to get some impressions of her time with leaders from 16 A2 countries. Here is another impression that Kärin shared... {addthis off}

A2 emphasizes cultivating a love relationship with Christ

We invited Asian Access board member Kärin Primuth to attend our A2 national directors' gathering to share devotions for the week. Afterward, we sat down with Kärin to get some impressions of her time with leaders from 16 A2 countries. Here is another impression that Kärin shared...

A2 Board Member Kärin Primuth observes a key value lived out

We invited Asian Access board member Kärin Primuth to attend our A2 national directors' gathering to share devotions for the week. Afterward, we sat down with Kärin to get some impressions of her time with leaders from 16 A2 countries. This is one impression that she shared with us. Kärin observed Asian Access' value of authentic community lived out among the national directors' gathering. Despite the diversity in experience and theology, there was a sense of community, respect and shared learning...

It is a great privilege to join the Asian Access Board to participate in the good work of a vibrant and fruitful mission team who has already labored in Asia for half a century. I aspire to serve alongside some very dedicated and experienced leaders who have the land and the people of Asia in their hearts. After many decades of effective...

Asian Access was so impressed, I asked her to join our board!

A year ago, my friend and colleague Adrian De Visser suggested I get to know Janice Munemitsu. What a powerhouse! Upon Adrian’s recommendation, I quickly invited her to teach with Asian Access and boy was I impressed. She co-taught with me in Cambodia which she references below and as I got to know her that week, I thought, Janice would make a great board member. That led us on a several month journey of discernment… More on that later. But first, check out Janice’s sharing about her time in Cambodia...

As Reverend Toshio Maehara retired from our board a few weeks ago, the one word that kept coming up in reflecting about his life and service was "Dignity". There were several other words expressed: focus, determined, passionate, and prayerful... perhaps a few I've missed. But, over and over again, the word "Dignity" arose. Toshio and Mutsuko, his wife, have led a life full of dignity. It's with honor that he is not only retiring from full time service to our board of directors, but also accepting a new position as Senior Advisor to Asian Access board chairman and president, specifically in regard to our 2020 Vision for Japan. Pastor Maehara's resolve for us to..

Asian Access is thrilled to welcome Michael C. Eicher to its Board of Directors. In its official February meeting, Eicher was unanimously elected to the board effective immediately. As Senior Vice President for Advancementat The Ohio State University (OSU) since 2012, Eicher will bring vast experience to the A2 board and serve on the development committee...

Women in Leadership, Interview 1:

Kӓrin Primuth, Asian Access board member and Wendy Wilson with Missio Nexus discuss the pros and cons surrounding the topic of women in leadership with Mission Network News’ Katey Hearth.

Listen to the interview...

"I heartily endorse Asian Access as you are filling a vital need in the church in Asia. The emerging urban church leadership is dynamic yet fragile. They have no older generation of pastors to look up to. Asian Access' proven mentoring approach builds communities of leaders, providing needed accountability and encouragement while developing personal character and ministry skills."

Dr. Brent Fulton

Founder & Catalyst, ChinaSource (former President); Former Editor of the ChinaSource Quarterly

"It is a blessing and honor to accept and join the Board of Directors of Asian Access ("A2").  A2 is a recognized mission serving with distinction in Asia for indigenous church leadership development and church planting. I am excited to participate in vision casting with A2 for new ministry initiatives and countries to serve in fulfilling the Great Commission."

Mr. David D. Kim
Servant, Mobilizer, Founder: Telos Ventures
Former Member of Asian Access Board of Directors (2013 – 2021)

"There is something really special about the Asian Access board and senior staff that I have never experienced before. They have such unity and community."

Mr. Stephen Woodworth
President, Masterworks

More Information...

With excitement I am pleased to announce that we recently welcomed two new members to our Asian Access Board of Directors.

Introducing...

Stephen Woodworth

I’m encouraged to add Steve Woodworth to the Asian Access' board. His wide range of experience spanning from World Vision and the Lausanne Movement as well as his expertise in marketing and communication is a welcome addition to our team. Steve has worked with us before to help in our development efforts and has been a long term fan of the ministry...

What a joy it is for me to welcome William F. Duncan to join the board of Asian Access! In many ways, Bill's addition to our team compliments the fruitful season Asian Access is having in ministry.

As you may have already heard, this has been a game changing year for the ministry in Japan and a year which has positioned us for great growth across the continent of Asia.

Here are a few news reports to track our growth...

New member joins A2 board

I am very encouraged by the appointment of Mr. Kazuaki "Kaz" Uemura to our Asian Access Board of Directors. Mr. Uemura is one of a few Japanese speaking estate planning attorneys in the South Bay area of Southern California. His firm, Law Offices of Kazuaki Uemura, also specializes in business law, civil litigation and real estate law.

Kaz serves as chairman of his church missions committee at Palos Verdes Baptist Church, a church very interested and committed to Japan. He has led several mission trips to Japan and is connected to a few Asian Access staff already. His passion for Japan is obvious...