Indonesia (MNN) — The desperate search for survivors continues in West Java, Indonesia.

China (MNN) —  Persecution in China filled the headlines in recent weeks. Authorities raided several house churches and arrested leaders within China and harassed Chinese believers seeking shelter in Thailand.

Asia (MNN) — Asian Access holds its annual Global Summit at a secured location in Asia this week. We’re not revealing the event’s location because Gospel workers attend from dozens of Asian countries, some of which are hostile to Christianity.

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me.”
— Isaiah 50:15

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.

How one Japanese congregation responded to the COVID-19 pandemic 

WHEN I TALKED TO PASTOR YOSHIYA (JOSHUA) HARI, THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR FOR ASIAN ACCESS JAPAN, his church had already been dealing with its own crisis before the coronavirus came. After over 20 years in the same location, in 2019 the congregation of Saikyo Hope Chapel was told they had to vacate the building they were leasing because it would be demolished. Finding a similar facility for the same price proved to be extremely difficult, so from February 2, 2020, they found themselves alternately renting one of two local community centers for services each Sunday.

Japan (MNN) — In January 2020, a group of believers in Japan lost their church building. Little did they know, God would use their “temporary solution” as a growth point when the pandemic turned the world upside-down.

Asia (MNN) — The first COVID-19 case surfaced in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Several variants and a pandemic classification later, the battle seems never-ending.

International (MNN) — The Omicron surge stops international travel in its tracks. More about that here. Currently traveling in Europe, Joe Handley of Asian Access constantly checks for updates and new requirements.

Today is #GivingTuesday...

We have weeks for getting deals and for shopping during this Christmas season. But on #GivingTuesday, we have a day set aside for giving back. Together, people are creating a new ritual for our annual calendar. #GivingTuesday is the opening day of the giving season, and every act of generosity counts.

Asian Access is participating in #GivingTuesday to make a difference in our world.

What's Missing?

"Joe, we have tons of leadership training in this region but what is missing is relationship. There are wonderful groups serving our region offering all sorts of material, ideas, tips and techniques. Many of those are good but what is lacking is a deep commitment to journey together. If Asian Access can walk with us, together hand-in-hand, it would be a tremendous encouragement."

Happy Thanksgiving!

As Thanksgiving draws near, I’m reminded of the bountiful harvest that comes with the season. A few hours away from my home, my family would often visit the apple orchards this time of year and taste the most delicious of crisp, fresh apples. I love the green ones because of their tart flavor. I’m also reflecting on those seasons where I visited family in Oklahoma seeing all sorts of grains spanning for miles on end.

Real life examples

As I was watching the Olympics that happened in Tokyo where I live and minister, I was struck by each and almost every athlete who performs at these Olympic games—different team sports or individual sports or new and old or many different things. But as you know, the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics were supposed to happen last year in 2020. and then people discussed their opinions about a possible postponement.

Takeshi Takazawa, VP for Innovative Initiatives for Asian Access, thanks our prayer and financial support team for coming alongside us in prayer to impact the people of Japan and the athletes during the Olympics...

Myanmar (MNN) — The United Nations will decide this week which government gets to represent Myanmar at the General Assembly. The military seized power from Myanmar’s elected officials in a February coup. But several of those officials have formed a shadow government, known as the National Unity Government.

As bad as the COVID pandemic was in India which I wrote about just a few months ago, it is now more than twice that bad in another Asian country based on the number of deaths per capita. And COVID deaths are thought to be drastically undercounted, so the situation is actually much worse.

What is causing the surge there? And what does this have to do with Asian Access?

Myanmar (MNN) — On Sunday, fresh protests broke out against Myanmar’s military rule. They coincided with the anniversary of 1988 pro-democracy protests. Read more here.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has appointed a special envoy to Myanmar to deal with the post-coup violence wracking the country.

Japan (MNN) — The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are officially underway following today’s Opening Ceremony. Delayed by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the Games will run through August 8th. See a full schedule here. The Tokyo Paralympics begin August 24th.

Indonesia (MNN) — Indonesia has surpassed Brazil and India as the country with most new COVID-19 cases per day. Indonesia reported over 56,000 new cases on Thursday. However, a lack of adequate testing means the true numbers may be much higher.

Malaysia (MNN) — White flags are going up all across Malaysia as COVID-19 cases rise. They signal despair at a lockdown that began on June 1.

Since July 1st, people can’t leave their houses except to get basic supplies, and a curfew starts at 8 pm. Most businesses have to close, meaning no income for many people.