A3stories

Donor System Changes... and about our New Name

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0200

I want to share some important updates about our name and upcoming changes for donors...

WE ARE A3!

A few weeks ago we announced our officially registered new name, A3…

There are many new ministry ventures, so I want to give just a few reasons why we made the change from Asian Access to A3:

We are now serving outside of Asia…
We have expanded our services to leaders in other spheres of influence beyond church and business…
Even in our first country, Japan, we are in a brand new era: beyond the 2020 Vision…
Our refreshed vision is to accelerate Christ-centered movements…
Through equipping and unifying visionary Christ-like leaders…

Thus, Asian Access (A2) is now A3.

A3 is Answering God's 3rd Call...

We are now entering the third era of our organization:

Call 1: LIFE Ministries > Call to Japan
Call 2: Asian Access > Call to Asia
Call 3: A3 > Call to Be Global

An Added Layer of Security

One additional consideration is that the name "A3" doesn't provide too much information. Many of the countries in which we operate experience Christian persecution. We are not trying to be too stealthy with our new name, but we also are not trying to be too explicit and connect the dots for those who mean harm to the Gospel. "A3" fits the bill for us in many ways.

As key members of our A3 Community, we hope that our new name grows on you. We want to thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. Your faithful gifts and prayers keep fueling this mission.

Watch my announcement video here!

View on Vimeo • View on YouTube

IMPORTANT INFO FOR DONORS

We will be changing online donor systems this week! A3 is moving to a new donor platform called Virtuous! Our existing donor platform is being shut down for a few days to prepare for the new platform launching on Monday, March 27, 2023. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Our current servicer is raising prices considerably, so we are switching. The good news is that we should have better features for less cost to A3. And a great new feature for our donors will be the ability to view/manage your giving through an online account with A3.

Existing donor information will be transferred, however; for security reasons, banking (direct debit) and credit card data will not be brought over. Therefore, if you have a recurring donation to A3 (via direct debit or credit card), you will need to re-establish your recurring donation on the Virtuous platform starting in April 2023.

FOR ONLINE DONATIONS:

Online donations through March 20, 2023 will be processed through our existing donation platform.
Our online giving portal will be taken down on March 21, 2023, and restored on March 27, 2023 with new capabilities, including an optional account to view/manage gifts online.

FOR RECURRING DONORS:

Certain donors will be impacted immediately. If you are in the impacted group that is migrating in April, you should receive an email on March 21, 2023 and a hard copy letter a few days later with additional action steps. If you did get this communication, . . .

Your March gift will be processed under our old system.
On our website, the old donor platform has now been disabled, and we are upgrading to the new system which will be launched on Monday, March 27, 2023.
However, starting in April, we will need our recurring givers to log into our new system to set up your regular giving again. This is true for donors giving via credit card or direct debit. Look for the additional information that we are providing about what you will need to do. We are thankful for your cooperation in this matter in order to keep your recurring gifts active.

If you have questions, please email us at donorinfo@a3.email.

Thank you for your partnership. We value you immensely. And we are confident that the new online donation platform will provide a better donor/partner experience compared to our old online platform. In addition, we will save quite a bit by making this switch. Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your partnership!

More Details...

We’re excited to share some news! A3 has been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator, and earned a Four-Star Rating! This is the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator.

Charity Navigator’s third-party accreditation validates our organization’s operational excellence.

This milestone achievement for A3 couldn’t have happened without you and your support. Thank you for being part of our family as contributors, funders, and volunteers. Your trust and support helps us make a difference for the leader networks we serve. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission! Visit our profile...

Russia’s war hinders Gospel work in Central Asia

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:30:00 +0200

Central Asia (MNN) — Believers in the five countries known collectively as “Central Asia” find themselves in a difficult position.

First, “these (Central Asian) countries hate this war,” Noel Becchetti with A3, formerly known as Asian Access, says.

“They’re all taking in thousands of Russian men who have fled the country to avoid the Russian draft as refugees.”

At the same time, few in Central Asia can afford to take sides. “They’re all very poor. Migrant laborers go to Russia and Ukraine because those are the two richest countries in the region, and that’s where the labor is,” Becchetti says.

No matter how they feel about the war, most people in the region – including believers – cannot escape the effects.

“When sanctions are put upon those countries, or the war devastates cities in Ukraine, their relatives [lose] their jobs. And now there’s not much money coming home to feed their families,” Becchetti says.

The war is also hindering Gospel work. A3 plans to start new projects in four Central Asian nations this year, but “I was in a key meeting of leaders last year, and they said, ‘We cannot have any conversations about the current situation,’” Becchetti says.

“‘With the war, it’s just so complicated. We’re not going to get anywhere.’”

Pray for an immediate end to the war. Pray A3 can begin work in Central Asia. “People there feel like they’re forgotten in the world,” Becchetti says.

“We hear about Russia and Ukraine, which we should, [but] you don’t hear about the impact on all these other countries. Pray that God would help these people know that people like us are praying for him and we care about them.”

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 1:38)

Direct Link: https://a3-media.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Mar20-2023.mp3

More Information

This story by Katey Hearth was originally published on 20-Mar-2023 by Mission Network News:
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/russias-war-hinders-gospel-work-in-central-asia/
Download the audio file: https://a3-media.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Mar20-2023.mp3
Header image is a representative image of Central Asia. (Wikimedia Commons)

Mission Network News exists to inform multitudes about stories that matter and empowers them to take action that changes lives. Join over 1 million radio and internet users each day. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world – and how you can be involved. Each MNN broadcast includes pray, give, or go opportunities that help you find your place in the story. Sign up at mnnonline.org to receive daily news in your inbox. Or check out MNN on social media and share them with others. MNN is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.

A3 Earns a Four-Star Rating From Charity Navigator

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:30:00 +0200

(A3) - Artesia, California, 03.17.2023 - A3 (formerly Asian Access) is proud to announce that its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator. This rating designates A3 as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that our organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria. Charity Navigator is America’s largest and most-utilized independent charity evaluator. Since 2001, the organization has been an unbiased and trusted source of information for more than 11 million donors annually.

Charity Navigator analyzes nonprofit performance based on four key indicators, referred to as beacons. Currently, nonprofits can earn scores for the Impact & Results, Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, and Leadership & Adaptability beacons.

“We are delighted to provide A3 with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “The Four-Star Rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. We are eager to see the good work that A3 is able to accomplish in the years ahead.”

“Our Four-Star Charity Navigator is further validation that our supporters can trust our commitment to good governance and financial health,” said Joe Handley, President. “We hope that it will introduce our work to new supporters who help us to equip and unify visionary Christ-centered leaders to influence Spirit-led change and be a vibrant community accelerating Christ-centered movements around the world."

A3 is a growing global network of leaders. On February 3, 2023, A3 changed its name from "Asian Access" because it has expanded beyond Asia. There are new cohorts being launched in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and the Americas. More information can be found on its website: A3Leaders.org.

A3’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on charitynavigator.org.

Jeff Johnston serves as A3's Vice President for Advancement & Communications. Starting in 1987 as a short-term missionary in Japan, Jeff has worked in a variety of roles with A3 for 36 years under three organizational names: LIFE Ministries, Asian Access, and now A3. He has contributed to developing leaders in Japan, North India, and Bangladesh. Jeff lives near Los Angeles with his wife, Nozomi where their two kids are launching out on their own.

More Information

Find A3 on Charity Navigator
If you have questions or comments about this post, feel free to contact Jeff Johnston

The Most Beautiful Baton Passes One Could Ever Hope For

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 20:00:00 +0200

How the collaboration and friendships amongst the CEOs of A3 have turned succession-planning theory on its head

FEATURE ARTICLE BY NOEL BECCHETTI

“I’m amazed at the relationships you have with your predecessors, Joe.”

Joe Handley is President of A3 (until recently known as Asian Access). He was at a global missions conference when he heard these words from a fellow CEO.

Joe’s friend continued: “Succession planning is one of the hardest things for any organization to do. And it usually requires outgoing CEOs to distance themselves from their successors if the transition is to succeed. How have you been able to swim so successfully against the tide?”

But it was her final remark that got Joe thinking: “Joe, you ought to capture how A3 has managed to not only survive the overlap of relationships amongst you and your fellow CEOs but how these relationships have helped you to flourish. This could be a great case study that would inspire boards and CEOs to re-think models and theories of succession planning.”

Joe decided to take his friend up on her suggestion. I was given the opportunity to sit down with the people involved in A3’s senior leadership since its inception in 1967 and get their perspectives on the unique relationships shared by the former and current CEOs. Allow me to introduce you to these leaders:

KEN WENDLING:

Founder of L.I.F.E. (Language Institute For Evangelism) / LIFE Ministries, now known as A3. Served as President and CEO from 1967 – 1986.

STEVE HOKE:

Succeeded Ken as President and CEO of LIFE Ministries in 1987. Served as President and CEO from 1987 – 1990.

DOUG BIRDSALL:

Came to Japan in 1980 with his wife Jeannie to serve as missionaries. Served as President and CEO of LIFE Ministries from 1991 – 2007, guiding it to become a multi-national organization, Asian Access.

JOE HANDLEY:

Has served as President and CEO of A3 from 2008 to the present, expanding it into a global leader network.

At one point in my conversation with Ken Wendling, he said, “One of the keys to the success of the CEO relationships has been the amazing maturity and stability amongst our two Senior Vice Presidents and the Chairs of the Board of Directors. You should talk to them as well.” So, I did. They are:

JERRY HARDY:

Served as Executive Vice President of LIFE Ministries from 1973 – 1990.

ELLIOTT SNUGGS:

Came to Japan as a participant in the "Directions" short-term mission program then run by LIFE Ministries. Has served with A3 ever since, assuming the role of Senior Vice President in 1991, where he serves to the present.

RON McMAHON:

Succeeded the late Carlton Booth as Chair of the Board of Directors in 1992, serving as Chair through 2012, when he was debilitated by a major stroke. Continued to serve as an Emeritus Board member up until his passing in May 2022.

PHIL FOXWELL:

Born and raised in Japan in a missionary family, Phil first met Ken Wendling when Phil was ten years old. Phil joined the A3 Board in 1994 and succeeded Ron McMahon as Board Chair in 2012, where he serves to the present.

With that, let’s see what these leaders have to say.

The foundational question is, how did you all do it? How have you developed and maintained these relationships with one another in an environment where these kinds of relationships can be problematic at best, and toxic at worst?

Wendling: At the root, I believe a big factor is that God blessed our organization with families of peace. We have been blessed with marriages and families that have stayed together, loved one another, and often ministered together. It’s given us a foundation that I know has helped me in how I approach the other important relationships in my life.

McMahon: CEOs usually have strong egos that these CEOs exercise with vigor, often to the detriment of the organization. While Ken, Steve, Doug, and Joe all have strong personalities, they have all had the remarkable ability to leave ego out of the equation. There is a level of shared humility amongst these men that I rarely see in senior leaders.

Foxwell: There is a commitment to Jesus that is at the core of these men. This core commitment has generated a genuine love for one another that has superseded the competitions and tensions that are inevitable in senior-leadership successions.

Each of these leaders has lived a life that has displayed an integrity of witness—humility, a vision of servant leadership, and consistency of character—Christlike leadership, in my opinion.

Birdsall: Ken is a very secure man who doesn’t need his ego massaged. His goal is to gain eternal credit, not earthly credit. Ken set the tone that enabled the rest of us to lay down our competitive instincts and put our energies into how we could try to be the best for one another.

Hardy: Ken created an environment where others could create their own visions and plans, and that was OK. He was not threatened by others’ strengths. That environment was sustained and enhanced by his successors. These are men who are remarkably unthreatened by the strengths of others. Don’t presume that CEOs cannot be threatened by the strengths of others—many are.

Hoke: Ken had an apostolic passion that was both infectious and contagious—people wanted to join in with whatever Ken was doing. As a visionary who established a long-term and captivating vision for the organization, Ken drew eager, innovative, and infectious people.

Handley: One of the key features of this story is the friendships we have with one another. All of us are Jesus centered and that centering flows out in our love for one another. Each of my predecessors in their own unique way serves as a mentor to me.

Ken inspires me with his creativity and drive and sharing of people and resources like few others I’ve met. Doug is the consummate encourager, always making me feel like a million bucks, and platforming me wherever I go. He also asks insightful questions at key moments to help keep focus. And Steve is the kind of guy who you can spend hours with, who’ll dig deep into your life and point you to ideas and resources you hadn’t thought of before.

Each of them, in their own special way, is a mentor and friend. They have the mission and me in their best interests and the Lord’s favor has been on each of us over the years. It truly is a special story.

Snuggs: Three things stand out to me:

First, a lack of ego combined with an abundance of vision. Ken could walk away from his former role as CEO and allow Doug room to breathe and grow. At the same time, Doug highly respects Ken and honors him as Founder. And Joe wasn’t, and isn’t, threatened by Doug.
Second, mutual support and mutual lack of a sense of threat. These leaders support one another’s ministry and leadership—especially in public.
Third, A3 has been blessed with a great Board of Directors. It is easy for a Board to veer out of its lane and try to micromanage an organization. Our Board has focused on the “whats” and given staff room to develop the “hows”. And each successive CEO has made the Board their own.

Wendling: We have also been graced with a lack of scandals. We are of course a group of human beings, struggling with sin, weakness, and failings. But thanks to God, for more than 55 years, we have not ever suffered a major scandal. What a gift.

Snuggs: We have enjoyed remarkable organizational stability. Over more than 55 years, we have had just four CEOs, two Executive Vice Presidents, and three Chairpersons of the Board. That is an amazing amount of stability in the turbulent organizational world in which we live and operate.

So how have you seen the values and principles you describe play out in practical terms? How did it apply in the life and work of the organization?

Hardy: Ken held things loosely. He was not a micromanager. As the CEO leadership transitioned, he was the first to sing the praises of his successors.

That said, Ken developed and changed as a person over the years. In his earlier days, he was a force.

Hoke: Shared leadership has always been a strong principle. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until it was too late that I genuinely learned it’s value working with Ken, Jerry, and Doug. I wish I had more fully embraced the power and joy of sharing leadership, rather than trying to do more than I was gifted to do.

Ken was a visionary that established a long-term and captivating vision for the org. Jerry was the glue that held the staff stateside in close linkage with the missionary staff in Japan. And Doug followed in that mold of drawing people to join the team with a vision for Japan--and beyond.

Birdsall: As a young first-term missionary, I found it exhilarating to work for Ken. He had vision and boundless energy like no one I had ever known. He had Kingdom ambitions, expansive vision, and he went after them at full speed. As a relatively inexperienced missionary, I must say that at times I also found it exasperating to work for Ken. He pushed people hard; he expected a lot.

However, the longer I worked with him, I began to realize that in setting high expectations, Ken was pushing me into a higher level of thinking, dreaming, and believing. His ambition was ambition for God. Ken has a zest for life and work, combined with a genuine humility amid all of that drive, that brings out the best in people. Ken modeled a way of life and service that inspired me and won my trust. He honored that trust through his faithfulness as a boss, mentor, and unwavering friend.

Handley: I didn’t meet Ken until 2008, when I was being interviewed for the CEO position. A lunch meeting was set up with Jerry and Elliott where I would meet Ken. My presumption was that dress for the lunch would be business casual—coat and slacks.

The three of us were seated at the restaurant, waiting, when in comes Ken—wearing shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. A different kind of founder!

Wendling: In my early years, I was aggressive, selfish, with unbridled ambition. A major force for change in my life was our family. All of our children are adopted. Adoptive parents all know that with the blessings of their adopted children can come major challenges. Those challenges broke me.

God used that breaking process to establish His authority over me and Jan, rather than me trying to be my own authority. He then helped me to transfer the lessons learned to my ministry. I was able to gradually let go of my tight grip on the reins of what I thought was “my” ministry and become a total non-owner. I didn’t, and don’t, own anything—it is all God’s.

Foxwell: There is a remarkable combination of complementary skills that each of these leaders brings to the table.

Ken is a seer, a dreamer, full of new ideas. He focuses on the task at hand, then it’s “What’s Next?” His work, especially in closed countries, has been groundbreaking for the missionary world.

Doug crystallized a certain kind of vision, a primary example being the 2020 vision for God’s movement in Japan. He is always looking for the next thing, and is an amazing relationship-builder.

Joe epitomizes the effectiveness of “management by walking around”—or perhaps better said, “management by flying around”! He has an ability to be with people that disarms the anxiety that a subordinate can experience when engaging with the CEO.

Snuggs: While Steve Hoke’s tenure as CEO was brief, he had a significant role in helping Asian Access transition from the first generation “founder's” culture, which was very entrepreneurial, to a new phase of codifying process and developing organizational systems that positioned the mission for further growth.

Handley: Steve is a great trainer, teacher, and writer. He brought senior leadership and management experience in from his service at both Seattle Pacific University and World Vision and my understanding is that he applied that expertise well.

Birdsall: Succeeding a Founder CEO is a high-risk proposition. It is nearly impossible not to become the “sacrificial lamb”. I think Steve unfortunately experienced some of the ambiguity whereby a board and an organization moves from being launched by visionary moves to being guided by a clearly articulated vision.

Hardy: Another significant way that the values and principles shared by all of our CEOs has played out in practical terms has been the ability of A3 to adapt as the world changed.

Some organizations struggle to adapt their emphases as culture and opportunities change. Our summer Scrum Dendo was a powerful and hugely popular ministry in its day, but probably wouldn’t work today in a world where short-term mission programs are implemented in two weeks rather than a whole summer. A3 has adapted to changing times and opportunities--and each of our CEOs has been appropriately gifted for the next chapter of the ministry.

Handley: During my tenure with A3, each of these men have been there during the ups and the downs. They have encouraged, assisted, partnered and connected me with the right elements at the right times.

When I’ve faced the low moments, Doug has always been there with both an encouraging word and a story from his own journey that met me where I most needed it. Ken is the consummate dreamer and connector. When he hears of an opportunity, he’ll call or text me saying “Joe, have you met so and so? Let me connect you or find a way to get you with them.” He also calls me regularly asking for help. Imagine that--the founder asking for help of someone three decades his junior! Steve fosters my creative thinking, challenging me to make our ideas known to the world as well as suggesting books and articles to read to keep me on the cutting edge.

Ron and Phil have kept the ship steady, providing wise counsel at the right time and stepping in when most needed. Both of them have had my back. They also clearly are praying for the mission and for me and my family. That’s huge. The mission doesn’t fall off their radar between board meetings.

Jerry is a big encourager, and Elliott has been my confidant, partner and course corrector. He’s so insightful that I pass nearly all ideas by him and if he has reservations, I know I’d better listen.

Every organization faces challenges—challenges like conflict, disagreement on vision and mission, funding shortfalls, and more. How have the relationships amongst your CEOs helped you to weather the challenges God has placed in your path over the years?

Birdsall: My experience of becoming the new leader of the mission was accompanied by a major challenge to my appointment that escalated into a crisis. A gifted missionary peer in our organization found it difficult to acknowledge the legitimacy of my appointment. Over the years, this led to increasing conflict and tension.

A lot of blood, sweat, tears, and prayers were involved in the attempt to resolve this issue. But in the midst of the turmoil, Ken’s support for me and for the Board’s decision was unequivocal. He didn’t excuse me from needing to do everything I could on my part to resolve the conflict, but he made it clear that I had his support. That was huge.

Wendling: To be honest, our CEO selection process in the past has been marked with errors. Most recently, we were on the verge of calling a fine individual who would have turned out to be the wrong choice for CEO when Joe’s name was brought to our attention—after the search process had been concluded.

We had to be willing to bend our protocol and, more than that, admit that our process had been faulty. The lack of egos and the high level of trust amongst our senior leadership and our Board enabled us to eat some humble pie, pivot, and make what turned out be a fantastic choice in calling Joe to become CEO in 2008.

Hoke: I have learned by long and sometimes painful experience that ministry relationships forged in the crucible of crosscultural ministry often endure the long haul over the topography of life’s journey. Life in the crucible seems to strip away the sun-tan lotion of appearance and performance and expose us to one another in unprotected vulnerability. We form “bands of battlers”! Growing deeper in dependence on the Lord alongside fellow brothers and sisters has forged the strongest and longest-lasting relational bonds I now cherish.

Ken, Jerry, Doug, Joe, and I are bonded because of our shared passion for task and our shared experience in serving in Asia. It wasn’t always easy, but in the heat and stretch of the crucible, the lasting linkages are easily the most rewarding and fulfilling in my life.

Joe's Installation (2008): Ken, Ron, and Doug were there to support the new president

Handley: The relationship I have with Doug is particularly interesting. Many leaders would advise that a former CEO not sit on the board for the new leader. When I came on, however, Ron McMahon asked me if it would be OK to keep Doug on the board. Ron assured me that if I was not comfortable with that, he would ask Doug to step off. Ron then said, “Joe, if there ever becomes a problem between you and Doug, you need to know, we stand with you.” When Phil became chair, he repeated the same assurance several times over the years.

All that said, Doug has always been my greatest cheerleader. Even when I’ve chosen paths that he said he wouldn’t have, he has affirmed and supported the directions I felt the Lord leading us. Doug has demonstrated remarkable discretion and humility in his service as a board member.

This type of support is rare. In fact, I’ve never heard of it before.

So how do these relationships work at present? What are they like? And how do they impact A3?

Handley: First and foremost, we all get along. I just like all of these guys. My relationship with each one is a little different, but I enjoy them all.

It’s like when Ken walked into that first meeting in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. After I got over my shock, my first thought was, “This guy is normal!” We’re normal guys whom God happened to call to serve in the same ministry. And God has given us the great gift of being able to continue our friendships, even as our respective roles change and our respective paths evolve.

Birdsall: The relationships have developed and grown stronger over the years. Ken has become a valuable mentor who has influenced my life more than anyone else, with the exception of my parents and my wife. He is my most valued advisor and trusted friend.

Ken’s spirit of mission has permeated A3. It impacts what we have done and how we have done it through the relationships God has nurtured, from the beginning right now to the present day.

Today, under Joe’s leadership, I have the privilege of serving as a non-voting member of the Board, so I am able to participate in and enjoy being a part of what God continues to do through the mission of A3.

I admire Joe’s bold vision, his joy, and his leadership skills. He has abilities and gifts that I do not have. He is able to take the mission further and higher – which is exactly what any leader should want their successor to do. At the same time, he is gracious and appreciative of the contributions of the three of us who have served before him. There is an awareness of God’s providence over the mission and its leaders.

Foxwell: A key way that leaders cling to power is through the withholding of information. In contrast, these men have been, and are, remarkably open in sharing what they have with one another—information, donors, ideas, you name it. There is an openness and spirit of sharing among them that is rare among successive CEOs.

Handley: There is genuine Christian community between us. We value one another. We appreciate one another’s gifts. There is no sense of threat among us. We have one another’s backs. And even though we are on different vocational paths at the moment, we still share a common sense of mission.

We believe in one another. In some ways, that is the bottom line.

Finally: What advice would you give to other leaders who would like to nurture the same kind of relationships and community in their organizations?

Wendling: Are you willing to shift focus on who gets the glory? Are you willing to give God the glory, and not yourselves? In some ways, it’s that simple.

Hoke: Can you let go of your ambitions? Can you envision a CEO role that is apostolic, rather than being based on achievement? Can you blend the strengths of your gifted brothers and sisters and steward their contributions for greater Kingdom impact?

Birdsall: Are you willing to hold things loosely? Can you make room for others to excel? If you are the outgoing CEO, will you do everything in your power to empower your successor, and be his or her biggest cheerleader?

Many times I heard Ken say, “There is no limit to what you can do for the glory of God when you don’t care who gets the credit.” I also remember Ken telling me of a conversation he had with Ted Engstrom. When Ken had asked Ted, “How do you stay out of your successor’s way?”, Ted put his hands on Ken’s shoulders, looked him square in the eyes and said, “Ken, it’s really easy. Stay out of his way!”

Handley: Can you make the shift from competitors to colleagues? Can you affirm the strengths of your fellow senior leaders—whether they be CEOs, senior VPs, or whatever particular role—and celebrate how God is using them, and all of you, for the greater good of bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to a hurting world? What could be better than that?

Noel Becchetti

Noel Becchetti has been serving as A3's VP for Leader Development since 2012. Noel and his wife Kyle currently reside in El Cajon, California.

More Information

History of A3
In February 2023, Asian Access recently changed its name to A3.

Thousands Come to Christ in Vietnam

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 18:30:00 +0200

Praise God, Friends!

“Hello Brother Joe, Thank you for your prayer for our evangelistic event.

For the two nights (March 4th and 5th), about 42,000 people came. About more than 4,500 people opened their hearts to accept Jesus Christ. Praise God!”

~ Pastor Loc Lam, A3/Vietnam National Director

Pastor Loc, our national director, who also is the president of the Vietnamese Evangelical Fellowship helped the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association coordinate this festival and translate the messages of Rev. Franklin Graham.

See the BGEA follow-up video here: https://billygraham.org/video/franklin-graham-god-has-done-a-great-work-in-vietnam/

Internally we have been praying for weeks and we felt it best to wait until after the festival to share the good news.

For years A3 has partnered with BGEA: through Samaritans Purse in Japan and Nepal and through festivals like this one. It’s a privilege to be part of seeing so many come to Christ.

Will you now join us for the important work that God is doing? Here is Loc’s request:

“Now we do follow-up discipleship for the new believers.”

This discipleship phase is pivotal! In fact, Billy himself encouraged many of my friends and, even my predecessor Doug Birdsall to focus their time here. He knew that is what will sustain faith over the long haul.

Please pray for Loc and our teams as well as churches across Vietnam in this critical hour for the hope of Jesus in Vietnam!

With Great Joy in Christ,

Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.

jhandley@a3.email
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

More Information

Photos courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Pastor Loc.
Watch the BGEA follow-up video here...

Voices in the A3 Community

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0200

On this International Women's Day, we celebrate the voices of these valued members of our A3 Community. We are so fortunate to know and work with these tremendous people and many others like them.

'We need your voice' — the call for women in leadership

Mary Jo Wilson

Mary Jo Wilson's own desire to understand how God views women in leadership compelled her to invest time in scripture and prayer. She says that, in a world of mixed messages and traditional values, it can be easier for a women to lead from the back rather than take a more upfront role at the table where key decisions are made in ministry.

“I think it’s been difficult sometimes to capture those women and to find a place where we can engage them and develop them as leaders because they are in the background and often they’re more comfortable in the background.”

Mary Jo’s personal investment resulted in a white paper on women in leadership.

“As I studied and prayed, the point of my paper was women and men serving together and how we can come together in the body of Christ and be all about the mission – not separating and not limiting anyone to serve and be about the Great Commission.”

It's a Different World

Tia Blassingame

When Japanese people would see me, they'd give me the "You're different" look, and practically break their necks because they never looked away.

There was a young man on the train who couldn’t stop staring. It was comical because he was not a small man and kept trying to hide behind a pole so he could stare at me. As he got off of the train he didn’t stop looking. He walked backward and even pulled his camera out and aimed it at me. I was tempted to pose . . . but I didn’t. I was too tired from traveling to find my Philly-girl response.

It was then that I had to have a pep talk with myself:

Tia, being different is not a bad thing. You are here to represent the Creator. He created you with purpose and for a purpose. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Keep reading...

Counting the Cost: The Shape of You

Bethany Ho

When I first moved to Japan, my first time worshipping in Japanese with the local church impacted me deeply. I didn’t understand the language, but I knew we were worshipping the same God, Creator, and Savior. I had just met these people, but I knew they were family.

I also got exhorted early on that in Japan I would have to learn how to “feed myself,” spiritually. I would have to take charge of my spiritual life and pursue Jesus wholeheartedly because, truly, no one else could do it for me.

There were many days when this wasn’t easy. But while there have been many rough and dry patches along the way, and sometimes the shaping is painful, I would much rather be clay in the Potter’s hands than be brittle and unyielding.

Spiritually, I am a different person because of how the Potter had shaped me in Japan.

Keep reading...

New, But Not — Our Journey to Japan

Linda Koyama

After returning home from a short-term mission trip to Japan, we spent six months in the early half of 2012 praying, listening, reading Scripture, and talking to friends, family, and mentors about our potential move. We felt strongly that God was saying, “Go.” But of course, with any big decision, you always question things. (Well, maybe you don’t, but I do!) For Kohei and I, what solidified our decision was being able to say,

Even if things don’t turn out like we think and we find ourselves back in the US, we took a step of faith!

That in and of itself helped us feel like we had nothing to lose. Stretching our faith and relationship with God? Sign me up! (Honestly, in the beginning, it was exciting . . . but boy, the hardship and heartache that came later stretched my faith and relationship with God far more than I could ever have imagined. Not in an “Oh, this is great and wonderful!” way, but in a truly excruciating way.)

Keep reading...

My Journey Toward Ethical Awareness

Sue Plumb Takamoto

Even though I am the founder and director of one of the very few social enterprises in Japan for women, I have not been very aware of the issues surrounding the fashion industry and ethical sustainability. That all began to change two years ago.

After some deliberate consideration, my husband and I canceled our planned seaside vacation to instead go as a family to Cambodia. Let’s just say our four children were not excited about this decision! Upon arrival, we were hosted by wonderful Cambodian friends also working with our organization [A3]. We told them that our goal was to see and experience “real life” in this developing country.

Those eight days changed our views of the world -- our children included.

How can you develop women leaders if their basic rights aren’t even recognized?

Kärin Primuth

Kärin Primuth, A3 board member, says not only is it possible, but it’s also key to growing God’s Kingdom.

“It’s a very critical opportunity,” Primuth emphasizes. “Basically, to develop a woman is to develop a family, a community, and a culture, because she is going to re-invest in her family, her children, and her community.”

A3 helps women recognize the skills God has given them, and then use those skills to tell more people about Jesus. But, they’re not the only mission agencies investing in an oft-overlooked people group.

“There are women who are trying to catalyze opportunities for other women to create ministries that encourage their development,” notes Primuth.

Read more posts from Karin Primuth...

More Information

Cover image courtesy https://www.wheniscalendars.com/
Headshots courtesy from these women

A3 begins training Christian leaders in North Africa

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0200

MENA (MNN) — A3 (formerly Asian Access) is comfortable in many parts of Asia. The organization has built consistent and effective systems for discipleship and leadership training there. And those systems are exactly what drew the attention of Phil Butler, a Christian leader in the Middle East.

Phil contacted Joe Handley of A3 in hope of finding a fresh perspective. “He said, ‘Joe, we’ve reached the last mile when it comes to the Middle East and North Africa,’” Handley reports. According to him, Butler said “’We’ve saturated this region with the Gospel through satellite technology and Internet technology, but we have little tangible evidence of flourishing fellowships or flourishing churches.’”

Admittedly, it’s hard to measure the success of churches that are often underground. Still, Butler thought that A3’s special brand of disciple-making leadership development could help bring about flourishing churches in the Middle East and North Africa. And with that, A3 began expanding its vision.

As a test run, A3 ran a pilot project in a North African country. The leadership training program only ran for three or four days and gave A3 team members a chance to review and revise their program as needed for a North African context. The program was a success and taught the team much, but maybe the most important thing A3 learned was how immense the needs of believers in North Africa really are.

“Our need for capacity building leadership development and pastoral training is huge,” one leader told Handley.

That’s why A3 needs your prayer. “This is a new region of the world for us, both Europe and North Africa as well as Central Asia,” Handley says. “You’ve got the Ukraine and Russia crisis. In North Africa, you’ve got the strength of Islam. In Europe, you’ve got a secularism.” All of these obstacles are serious considerations the A3 team needs to make, so keep them in your prayers.

What’s more, they need personnel. Maybe that’s where you can step in. “Please pray to the Lord of the harvests to send forth laborers to help us engage this region. And should the Lord give you capacity, come alongside and help us as we equip leaders to see the gospel advance in these regions.”

Learn more about A3 and how you can help right here.

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 1:30)

Direct Link: https://a3-media.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Feb27-2023.mp3

More Information

This story by Alex Anhalt was originally published on 27-Feb-2023 by Mission Network News:
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/a3-begins-training-christian-leaders-in-north-africa/
Download the audio file: https://a3-media.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Feb27-2023.mp3
Header image courtesy of the New York Public Library, Unsplash

Only 10 churches open in Algeria

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 17:00:00 +0200

Algeria (MNN) — Persecution escalates in Algeria. Local believers tell Asian Access, or A3, that the government is closing more churches and targeting Christian leaders.

Four pastors face trial this week and could be sentenced to prison. One leader was arrested for holding a church service in his home, and two others were detained for producing Christian media content.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen,” says a believer we’ll call Yemathen*.

“Algeria doesn’t have democracy or freedom, so they can charge them with anything.”

The Algerian government also shut down another church last month, Yemathen says. Only ten churches remain open in the entire country.

Religious freedom conditions have declined since 2020 when a constitutional amendment declared Islam the national religion. Last year, the United States placed Algeria on its Special Watch List for international religious freedom.

“Algeria has two facets,” Yemathen says.

“Outside, it shows that it’s open to any religion and freedom for people to worship; yet, in reality, Algeria has never been open to other peoples of faith.”

Mass protests in 2019 sparked hope for change, leading to a new government formation. However, “the government has not changed its threats on churches,” Yemathen says.

“We thought the government was going to help, but they were just checking on Christians — where they are, and where they may be – [to] not allow them to evangelize and expand the Gospel.”

Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage persecuted Christians in Algeria.

“Pray that this persecution may lead into a greater expansion [of the church] and the Gospel may spread even to different nations across North Africa,” Yemathen says.

*Pseudonym

Listen to the broadcast (top story)

Direct Link: https://a3-media.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Feb22-2023.mp3

More Information

This story by Katey Hearth was originally published on 22-Feb-2023 by Mission Network News:
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/only-10-churches-open-in-algeria/
Download the audio file: https://a3-media.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Feb22-2023.mp3
Header image depicts closure announcement and government seal on church doors in Algeria. (Photo courtesy of Middle East Concern)

Asian Access takes new name as ministry expands to the Middle East and beyond

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 20:00:00 +0200

International (A3) — Asian Access, known widely as A2, is expanding its ministry into some of the most dangerous and volatile parts of the world.

For over half a century, Asian Access has catalyzed Christian movements in Asia. Now, leaders are calling for this important work in the Middle East and North Africa.

So, the organization is boldly stepping in with its proven process that has changed the fabric of the church and transformed communities throughout the Asian continent. The organization is committed to sharing the love of Jesus and the freedom of the Gospel by ensuring the support for healthy and sustained learning communities of Christian leaders.

“We know leaders of faith communities around the world struggle in deep ways – with spiritual growth resources as well as capacity, stress, even hostility,” says Dr. Joe Handley, President of Asian Access. “Our ministry focuses on these key leaders because they’re the ones who serve so many.”

Cohorts are already launched in new regions around the world including Europe, Central America, and the Middle East.

“These leaders are often first-generation Jesus-followers, and they need mentorship, education and community,” says Handley. “We are responding to the places where we’re able to have the most impact based on our specific work to nurture intentional learning communities that are ultimately self-sustaining.”

Jeff Johnston, VP for Advancement and Communications explains:

“The moniker of A2 must now evolve to reflect the broadening impact of our learning communities. Asian Access is now A3, a global network of leaders serving their local communities.”

When Asian Access was originally established in 1967, it was focused as a ministry in Japan, serving church leaders and teaching English language to the community. As the ministry grew, so did the need for greater support for the leaders of these local communities.

In 1979 the organization began a simple but radical approach to developing and supporting church leaders by following Jesus’ model as He trained the first 12 disciples: small, well-equipped groups of 12-18 people, highly trained and building deep community among their cohort to provide a valuable bond to support and sustain.

Throughout the years, Asian Access has built these micro-networks across Japan and all of Asia as the missional support organization keenly focused on creating leadership groups with a distinctly transformational process. Each group studies a tailored program for their region, built around 14 strategic areas of leadership.

Through the strength of these local leaders, the organization has planted over 1,000 church congregations in Japan. In fact, the A3 process can be connected to significant growth in the Christian church in Japan, as well as collaborative influence between governments and the overall societal health of their communities.

A3 operates with instructors from within each nation’s context as well as expert teachers from around the globe to provide a holistic and dynamic learning environment.

Thilini K. was an early participant in the A2 process and now helps lead the Young Professionals for A3. “The leadership support from Asian Access became a catalyst to expand what God was doing inside me, so that I can more effectively fulfill His Commission in my community,” says Thilini. “Now this foundational network is helping to grow the ministry across the globe, for the church, for business, and other spheres of society.”

Handley says, “The peer community is the secret sauce to creating a sustainable momentum for the local church. Our process has always been centered around the belief that a Spirit-filled leader can change a nation. We work to equip and unify leaders so they can continue their calling fueled in local community, with the strength of a global organization.”

Learn more about the ministry here.

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 1:29)

Direct Link: https://a3-media.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Feb03-2023.mp3

More Information

This story by Lyndsey Koh was originally published on 03-Feb-2023 by Mission Network News:
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/asian-access-takes-new-name-as-ministry-expands-to-the-middle-east-and-beyond/
Download the audio file: https://a3-media.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Feb03-2023.mp3
Header photo courtesy of Pixabay.

And Our New Name is...

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0200

February 3, 2023

Friends of Asian Access,

I am thrilled to announce today that Asian Access has a new name. I have been waiting a long time to tell you, and I have simply been bursting to get this out there!

Today, we are A3.

Asian Access has long been known as A2. A2 is now becoming A3 on 2.3.23!

Having ventured to equip leaders in places well beyond Asia, many have been asking me:

“When will Asian Access change its name to represent this larger global scope?”

So, perhaps it doesn’t come as a surprise to many.

A3 is version 3.0 of our movement.

A3 marks the third chapter in our organization’s history—moving from a national focus on Japan... to multi-national in Asia... now to a global focus. A3 is global!

Our new name A3 connects us to our past as LIFE Ministries and Asian Access.

With each new season since 1967, God seems to ask us to go deeper and trust him more. And following him increases our faith.

And our new name A3 bridges us to our future. Following God’s trajectory for us into a new realm requires deeper faith. Pray with us as we follow God’s leading!

I am excited that our new name represents some significant steps for us...

beyond geographic boundaries.
beyond generational boundaries to work with leaders of all ages.
beyond the spheres of Church and Business into new sectors of societal influence.

Over the coming weeks, I hope to share more about A3 moving forward. We hope to hold fast to the values that brought us here: a commitment to our Savior, our community, and our networks of leaders. Simultaneously we embrace learning, deepening, and a passion for innovation.

A3 Community

As we move toward this exciting future, we’re all in this together. We are the A3 Community. Let’s move ahead in faith together. I think fondly of the people who make A3 what it is:

servant leaders wanting more for their lives and ministries
devoted missional partners serving local churches in Japan
the committed staff who come alongside and serve in a variety of ways
seasoned faculty whose lives are a lesson to us
the dozens of national leaders who sacrificially volunteer their time to see other leaders grow
and the wonderful team members who lift us in prayer and support us with generous financial gifts making all of this work possible.

My heart is full of gratitude to God and to our A3 community. Celebrate with us our new name, A3.

Visit us online at A3Leaders.org.

Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.

jhandley@asianaccess.org
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

Watch my video announcement here...

2023... New Name and Encouraging Developments

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0200

This week Asian Access will be making a significant announcement and we want you, our friends, to be the first to know.

February 3 (2.3.23) is the day we have targeted to share the news of the ministry's expansion which is also driving the moment for a new name for the organization. I think you'll agree it's a wonderful connection to the past and a bridge to the next era of ministry to which we're called. Stay tuned for this exciting news!

Anticipating this new chapter of ministry, we are encouraged by ongoing developments. The pandemic and economy have slowed us down, nevertheless, we see the Lord’s fingerprints as we venture beyond!

Fresh Things on the Horizon

God is doing fresh things in Japan as leaders prepare for the Japan Congress on Evangelism. Joshua Hari, who serves on our Ministry Leadership Team (pictured here, left) as well as the National Director of Japan is very encouraged about this gathering and the chance to cast vision for church multiplication and reaching 2% (doubling) of the population.

Also in the picture (center) is Thilini K. who is eager to see our Young Professionals' cohorts growing. They now hope to launch in a few more countries.

It’s neat to work with this team as we have a mix of fresh voices, younger, and more diverse than at any time during my tenure of leadership. We talked about new developments in Central Asia and the Middle East as well as North Africa. We also shared about our initiatives serving the Persecuted Church which you may know has been an increasing challenge the last several years.

New Name Coming Soon

So, keep your eyes peeled… On Friday, we’ll be announcing our new name! And, we’ll keep you updated on all these new developments.

The Lord is stirring in new ways and we could use your prayers in this tumultuous season. Whether it’s the economy or wars and persecution, our world is facing challenges every which way we look. It’s a season where our focus on going deep with God as our only source of hope and his provision and guidance are what truly accelerate mission.

Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.

jhandley@asianaccess.org
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

Sri Lanka youth movement joins with churches

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0200

Sri Lanka (MNN) — A new movement of young people has stirred in Sri Lanka in recent years. It’s called Sri Lanka Unites.

Joe Handley with Asian Access says, “They said, ‘Why are we fighting our grandparent’s war? How is this helping us?’ And young people across the entire nation are seeing that the old approaches of polarizing the society and separating one ethnic group from another was not helping them.”

A young man connected to Asian Access actually started the movement. Handley says, “The movement was noted by the U.S. State Department several years ago as one of the top five youth movements in the world.”

Change in Sri Lanka

During Sri Lanka’s political upheaval last year, Sri Lanka Unites joined with churches. They took to the streets, calling for peace, justice, and change. Handley says, “Out of this, they are praying about starting a new political movement or party that will have better principles embedded in it. So the Gospel’s advance in this nation is rather interesting. It’s a trajectory starting with equipping leaders for a bigger vision for society.”

Asian Access works with young professionals in Sri Lanka, preparing them for career ministry. “Handley says, “They’re the kind of people who really don’t feel called to pastoral ministry. They thought, to really be somebody for the kingdom, they had to be a pastor and go to Bible school.’ But that’s not their gifting. Now they see they can be a kingdom player, no matter what their professional calling is.”

Ask God to sustain this work.

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 1:35)

Direct Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jan25-2023.mp3

More Information

This story by Kevin Zeller was originally published on 25-Jan-2023 by Mission Network News:
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/sri-lanka-youth-movement-joins-with-churches/
Download the audio file: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jan25-2023.mp3
The header photo shows Sri Lanka highlighted in red. (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

Russia-Ukraine war divides Central Asia

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 01:00:00 +0200

Central Asia (MNN) — The Russian invasion of Ukraine has deeply impacted Central Asia.

Many Russians and Ukrainians own companies in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Russian is the common business language. Joe Handley with Asian Access says, “Depending on who you’re working for, you may create an alliance with one or the other. It’s a very sensitive situation. The Asian Access approach is trying to unite the church, so how do you unite the church when you have people taking sides?”

As Russia loses influence in Central Asia, other countries try to make inroads. Iran, for instance, has focused on diplomacy with Tajikistan, as well as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The region’s position between the EU and China sets it up for further conflict.

Central Asian Church

It could mean big things for the Church. Handley says past growth of the Central Asian Church happened during the fall of the Soviet Union.

As outside forces grab for power and influence, ask God to strengthen the growing Church. Handley says, “To really extend the reach of the Gospel in places where, in Kazakhstan’s case, it’s pretty open. In Kyrgyzstan, it’s a little more challenging. But nevertheless, the need for building up the leaders of the Church is immense, so that’s the status as of now. We plan to go back in early 2023.”

“We ask everyone to pray for us, because we’ll probably open in at least one of those countries, possibly two.”

Listen to the broadcast (top story)

Direct Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jan23-2023.mp3

More Information

This story by Kevin Zeller was originally published on 23-Jan-2023 by Mission Network News:
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/russia-ukraine-war-divides-central-asia/
Download the audio file: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jan23-2023.mp3
Header image courtesy of picknicker54 from Pixabay.

Former imam prepares to reach Muslim leaders for Christ

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 18:00:00 +0200

Middle East (MNN) — When you see “Asian Access” you probably don’t think of the Middle East. But last year, the Lord led Asian Access to this region so they could help new believers become effective leaders.

Khalifa*, one of Asian Access’ cohort leaders, met Talib* along the way. “We came across a fellow who is an imam; he is an established leader in [his] mosque,” Asian Access President Joe Handley says.

Read Talib’s full story here.

When they met, Talib had been researching Christ online, and he was full of questions. When Khalifa shared the Gospel with Talib and his wife, they gave their lives to Jesus.

Shortly thereafter, “his (Talib’s) contract with his mosque came up for renewal, and he’s disillusioned with Islam,” Handley says.

Talib discussed the situation with his new friend, Khalifa. “Surprisingly enough, an opening came up in an administrative role for Religious Affairs within his government. My colleague said, ‘Why don’t you resign from the mosque and take that post?’” Handley says.

“Then, you can [disciple] other imams, leading them to this life-giving hope we have in Jesus Christ.’”

Other imams have also come to know the Lord as Talib did. Many can become strategic leaders within the Body of Christ, they only need training.

That’s where you can help. Giving $100, $150, or $250 will help Asian Access continue to develop leaders like Khalifa and Talib. Support dramatic church growth in the Muslim world through Asian Access.

*Pseudonyms

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 1:30)

Direct Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jan19-2023.mp3

More Information

This story by Katey Hearth was originally published on 19-Jan-2023 by Mission Network News:
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/former-imam-prepares-to-reach-muslim-leaders-for-christ/
Download the audio file: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jan19-2023.mp3
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Monstera/Pexels.

Remembering Sareeta Thapa: A Person of True Kingdom Impact

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 19:30:00 +0200

A person of true Kingdom impact has left this earth for her heavenly reward.

Sareeta Thapa served God, her family, and so many others with a whole heart, an amazing set of ministry gifts, and an unstoppable passion. Along with her husband, Sundar, Sareeta led the Asian Access ministry in Nepal, building into the lives of hundreds of key national leaders.

She also shone as a spouse, a mother, and fellow pastor with Sundar in the Ashish (Blessings) church network. Sareeta was a sought-after speaker and preacher, and along with Sundar, played a key consulting role with the Nepalese government in the drafting of Nepal’s first-ever constitution. But Sareeta was so much more than the roles she filled—she was truly a woman after God’s own heart.

Joe Handley, president of Asian Access, and Doug Birdsall, former president and now global ambassador for Asian Access, shared their thoughts on this remarkable woman of faith. With additional thoughts provided by Asian Access vice president for missional engagement, Mary Jo Wilson, their reflections are woven together below:

Sareeta was a force like no other. In many ways, she led the work of Asian Access of Nepal. While Sundar, her husband, is a pied piper among leaders, Sareeta was bold and prophetic. Her prophetic challenge was authenticated by her deep walk of faith…

She was a small woman with large energy, amazing gifts, and widespread impact. All her life, she worked tirelessly, joyfully, and sacrificially for the good of others and for the glory of God.

Sareeta was greatly used of God in Nepal, across Asia, and beyond. Her leadership and energy were sources of inspiration, amazement--and some amusement--to all who knew her…

Sareeta’s high-caste upbringing and quality education positioned her well. In addition to her ministry credentials and experience, Sareeta was a trained nurse, an educator, and holder of a DMin degree. In fact, as a young woman, Sareeta received an award from the Queen of Nepal for her outstanding achievements in nursing. Sareeta held her own--whether engaging with church leaders, ministering to the rural poor, or working with the highest levels of the national government…

She had a heart for her nation and a passion for the gospel to reach into every valley and every village in her Himalayan nation at the top of the world. Together with her husband, she trained and mobilized hundreds of evangelists, church planters, and pastors, as well as providing major financial support for many of these same leaders…

Sareeta’s voice into the Asian Access movement was listened to. When she spoke, people paid attention. Her approach consistently reinforced the vision, mission, and core values of our movement…

And she loved her family. Sareeta loved to say that she had 29 children—Benjamin and Andreas (her two biological sons) and the 27 girls that over the years she and Sundar adopted and raised. The example and wisdom Sareeta instilled into her children is remarkable. Her love and care for them was immense…

We are and I am going to miss her. What a dear, dear sister she was and what a great friend. We know that her legacy will continue in the thousands she invested in who are now passing it on. Someday we’ll be reunited with her again and see that beautiful, glowing smile along with that voice of conviction! I look forward to that day…

Now there is in store for Sareeta the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her on that day. We honor her for her life, and praise God that she has entered into her eternal rest…

"Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on; they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
— see Revelation 14:13

Noel Becchetti

Noel Becchetti has been serving as Asian Access' VP for Leader Development since 2012. Noel and his wife Kyle currently reside in El Cajon, California.

More Information

Sareeta's memorial service will be held in a few days. Please be praying for Sundar, their family and vast community of friends.

SLIDESHOW

Hopeful this 2023

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 19:30:00 +0200

#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?

The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:12-14...

"Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

There are at least three things we can learn from this passage:

1. Focus on your calling, not your circumstances.

Paul was in a Roman prison while writing these words. Yet, despite his miserable situation, he was still focused on his calling. “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” A clear sense of purpose could mean the difference between hope and despair.

2. Focus on the present, not on the past.

For Paul, if you want to stretch yourself toward your goal, it is not enough to know your calling; forgetting the past is equally important. Often, our greatest achievement often becomes our greatest limitation when we are more mesmerized by the past than we are excited about the future.

3. Focus on your goal, not on your grief.

Whatever caused you grief last year or the years following Covid, it is time to address that grief.Mark Buchannan says there are four ways to deal with your past.

Forgiveness
Thankfulness
Repentance
Acceptance

Paul’s goal was to know Christ. However, this does not come without a price. The path to knowing Christ is by sharing in his suffering and experiencing his resurrection power (Philippians 3:10).

As we all face a New Year, let us “make our calling and vision so clear that our fears become irrelevant” (anonymous).

Wishing you all a grace-filled 2023!

Blessings to all,

Jason and Donna

More about Dr. Jason Richard Tan

Jason is an A2 alumnus having graduated from the Asian Access/Philippines program. Learn more about the TANs Ministry, https://www.globalgrace.org/tan

Dr. Jason Richard Tan is the father of Joshua and Elisha, and the husband of Donna. He is also the author of Man Up: 21 Lessons Every Man Needs to Know About Manhood. Dr. Tan has had nearly 15 years of full-time pastoral experience with the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP) and is currently the president of Great Commission Missionary Training Center in Antipolo City.

2022 Highlights: Top Stories from Asian Access

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 10:01:00 +0200

Stories of Hope Emerging from the Storm

For most, 2022 has seen some return to pre-pandemic activity. We're not quite back completely, but we are definitely seeing glimmers. We have even been able to expand into new regions.

Here are a few of our top stories from 2022 that highlight the hope we have for the future. We trust these articles will encourage us as we collectively remember His faithfulness through the past year.

Everyone at Asian Access thanks you for your partnership in prayer and giving that made these stories a reality!

Transformation, expansion, and tightening restrictions

by JACKIE RO — 04-FEB-2022 — Travel was limited, but expansion was not... With strict quarantine regulations in my country of residence, I was unable to travel for ministry purposes. All meetings and classes continued online on Zoom. Though we will always be better served to physically be present together, in some sense, the travel restrictions have allowed us to expand faster. Faster does not always mean better, but it does mean reaching more people and bringing them into a community of Christian growth when times seem desperate and dire, depending on the region. I have been privileged to see transformation in the lives of people and this is remarkable to witness. For instance,... Read more...

The Blessing of the Pandemic: God's Deconstruction of My Ministry

by HERMAN MOLDEZ — 08-MAR-2022 — My ministry activities have been undermining my intimacy with God. God has used the pandemic to dismantle the ministry construct under which I had been working. The pandemic forced me to embrace undoing ministry. I had no choice because pandemic rules and restrictions grounded me at home. Slowly, the restrictions created by the pandemic became God’s instrument to deconstruct my ministry practices and perspective. Deconstruction made it clear that what I had prioritized and pursued in life and ministry needed radical review and revision... Read more...

Asian Access greetings from Poland?

by MARY JO WILSON — 08-APR-2022 — This week we're in Warsaw and you're wondering, "What's Asian Access doing in Poland?" We're here learning more about the Persecuted Church and things that we can do to help our partners in Asia. They've asked for more assistance, more understanding, and more resources for dealing with persecution—things that they're experiencing in their local setting. And this is an amazing time to be here in Poland and we've had conversations with people coming—church leaders who have been in Ukraine... Read more...

Celebrating the 2020 Vision & Passing the Baton in Japan

by JOE HANDLEY — 31-MAY-2022 — Recently the A2 international board and A2 Japan board held a historic joint meeting. At this gathering, we solidified our commitment to Japan by officially passing the leadership and legal "shukyo hojin" (religious corporation) to the leadership in Japan.In the new agreement, A2 still keeps missionary management responsibilities but the overall vision and leadership sits with A2/Japan. We took the time to celebrate the completion of the 2020 Vision together. We highlighted the many achievements accomplished over the last 35 years... Read more...

For Such a Time as This — A New Movement Births!

by JOE HANDLEY — 30-JUN-2022 — The Global Alliance for Church Multiplication (GACX) estimates millions of new churches are springing up rapidly in desperate need of leaders. Five million more churches are still needed. Stephanes Sigemindus Loots observed: “Church planting is moving at the speed of a bullet train with leadership development following on a bicycle.” Thus, several of us have gathered, praying together and planning for a new movement to raise up and train a million new Christ-like workers annually. Dr. Manfred Kohl says: “Today we need a global leadership summit for the purpose of finding, training, mentoring, and commissioning a million women and men for the needed ministry every year.”... Read more...

Disciplemaking course takes fresh look at following Jesus today

by MARY JO WILSON — 07-JUL-2022 — A2 Course of Disciplemaking: Disciplemaking is not an everyday word. It may be mentioned at church, but even there it can feel foreign to our common experience. To be honest, the word “disciplemaking” is not in the Bible and my auto-correct continues to tell me it’s not a word in any standard dictionary. Yet for a serious follower of Jesus, the task of making disciples is core to our purpose in this world. Disciplemaking is central to the Asian Access leader development model being used across Asia and beyond. That is why we were excited to be asked by Bill Mounce of Biblical Training to produce a course on disciplemaking... Read more...

Vision of A2 alumni to plant 14,392 churches across Cambodia

by MENG AUN HOUR — 23-AUG-2022 — My name is Meng Aun Hour. I'm the country director for Asian Access in Cambodia. I just want to take this time to share with you what God is doing through Asian Access / Cambodia... especially through the alumni of Asian Access. Most of us in Asian Access come together with the same purpose and same heart. We want to plant a church in every village. Our Vision: We want to see a church in every village in Cambodia. So in Cambodia, we have 14,392 villages. So we want to plant the church in every village... Read more...

Mission Visionary’s New Book Calls For Global ‘Leadership Shake-Up’

01-SEP-2022 — A California-based mission leader with a vision to shake up the way Christian mission agencies, churches and businesses create their leadership strategies has released a new book on the topic. Dr. Joseph Handley, president of Asian Access (www.asianaccess.org), presents an innovative re-think on leadership strategies in Polycentric Mission Leadership: Toward a New Theoretical Model for Global Leadership. “We’re in a world that’s increasingly complex and difficult to navigate,” said Handley, who’s been with Asian Access for nearly 15 years. “Polycentric leadership helps bring us together and helps us center ourselves around Christ. It lets everyone’s voice be part of the leadership process.” ... Read more...

The No-Name Ministry Trip

by NOEL BECCHETTI — 07-SEP-2022 — I just completed an exciting trip for Asian Access that I can’t tell you anything about. If you’re like me, you would love to know everything possible about a ministry that you support. We would love to let you know all of that, and more. But in many cases, we cannot. And that can be frustrating—for us as well as you. We want and need your friendship, prayers, and financial support. It’s your backing that makes it possible for Asian Access to do its Kingdom work. And we know that it is important to keep you as informed as possible on our work. So why are there many times that we must keep you in the dark? The short answer is that many of our colleagues live under varying degrees of pressure because of their Christian faith and practice. To identify their names, vocations, and even geographical locations can put them at risk... Read more...

Gospel workers balance joy, lament in first summit since 2019

by MISSION NETWORK NEWS — 05-OCT-2022 — Asian Access held its annual Global Summit at a secured location in Asia this week. “In many ways, it (the summit) is a celebration. Because of the pandemic restrictions, we haven’t seen each other in three years,” President Joe Handley says. “We celebrate the fact that we can be in community once again; we’re not going to have to live on Zoom forever.” The occasion is bittersweet in several ways. “We have had two very significant losses; these are people of profound influence within our history,” Handley says. “The first [loss] was Jan Wendling; her husband [founded] Asian Access over 55 years ago. And then, on top of that, Ophelia De Visser from Sri Lanka [passed away].”.. Read more...

Additional Popular Posts

Home church: the new norm in Japan? (Mission Network News)
We really clicked with each other. And we liked the philosophy of Asian Access. (Joe Handley)
Collaboration for Transformation: A Team Effort in Indonesia (Noel Becchetti)
Our Attitude Determines Our Life... (Rod Denton)
John Houlette's 'Resilience' receives Christian counseling award (Robert Adair)
Call upon me in the day of trouble (Joe Handley)
Former Imam reaching other Imams with the Gospel (Joe Handley)

ECFA Endorsement

Guidestar - Gold Medal Seal

Charity Navigator rating

Cover photo by zero take on Unsplash

For more stories, visit Asian Access Blog Centre — https://asianaccess.org/blogcentre

South Asian Church faces increased persecution

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 19:45:00 +0200

South Asia (MNN) — The Church in South Asia faces increasing pressure from religious majority groups in various countries.

Joe Handley with Asian Access says sometimes the persecution comes from governments. Sometimes, the government looks the other way. “It’s happening to the degree that most of my colleagues are alarmed. They’re very worried about this. And they’re asking for help.

Persecution

Handley says Christians who have suffered persecution often need counseling. “They need pastoral care and then equipping. How do you face these kinds of challenges? What do you do when the wife of somebody in your church has been burned? Or maybe their sister or their daughter?”

Handley spoke to one Christian who was tortured with literal salt in his wounds. His captors demanded he recant his Christian faith. In another country, the military captured a man and nailed his hand to a board, taunting him and asking him if Jesus would save him.

Religious Freedom

Many of these countries have some measure of religious freedom implemented in government documents.

Handley says in one country, “They did lessen the sentences. So if you lead somebody to Christ and baptize them, formerly you’d be in prison for seven years. They’ve taken it down to five years. You’re still in prison for a long time.”

Get Involved

Pray for these believers. Handley says, “Number two, be friends. Most of us now are connected somehow to somebody in China or to somebody in South Asia or other countries that are facing these. They are desperate for a touchpoint. So that could be a WhatsApp call. It could be a text message.”

Of course, many partners need extra security caution when talking to people outside the country. Handley says, “Some of my colleagues only operate on Signal because, for them, that’s the safest way to reach people.”

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 1:39)

Direct Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Dec30-2022.mp3

More Information

This story by Kevin Zeller was originally published on 30-Dec-2022 by Mission Network News:
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/south-asian-church-faces-increased-persecution/
Download the audio file: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Dec30-2022.mp3
Image credit: header image courtesy of congerdesign from Pixabay.

2022 in Summary

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0200

As we reflect on 2022 and prepare for 2023, several highlights come to mind:

Family Updates —

Becca enjoys her work as the social media manager at 4b. She’s been central to their re-branding process which has their big reveal in the next few months. Her husband, Lowell, took a new position closer to home a few months ago automating the LA Harbor docks with APM Terminals.

Rachel loves her work as a visual journalist for McClatchy illustrating key stories for several newspapers around the nation. Her husband, Quan, serves with Kite Pharma in the South Bay and does freelance concept art on the side.

John graduated with a master’s degree in political economy from Oxford University and started his first job in London as a graduate economist at Ofcom.

And, Silk and I enjoyed celebrating our 32nd anniversary in Croatia and Macedonia this fall. It’s been a joy having all of our children around for the holidays!

Ministry Highlights —

Joe’s thesis was published last summer and is receiving quite the praise… Check it out on Amazon if you are curious.

Asian Access did pilot projects in North Africa and Europe this year so soon we’ll be doing our own name change and re-branding. I hope you enjoyed hearing the story of the Imam who came to Christ who hopes to lead other Imams to Jesus.

We’re serving several global bodies to better equip the Church worldwide as well. Joe is serving as a co-catalyst for the Lausanne Movement which is preparing for their 4th Global Congress in Seoul in 2024. Perhaps most encouraging is the progress we are making developing a new curriculum for the persecuted church which will be utilized throughout the Religious Liberty Partnership and beyond.

And, after several years of digital connections, we held a number of graduations for our Pastor and Young Professional tracks this past summer and fall: Young Pros, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines and Vietnam. Altogether, Asian Access is now serving among 26 nations and venturing beyond the continent of Asia for the first time.

It was also a huge blessing being able to hold our annual Global Summit which had been on pause for 3 years due to the pandemic. We devoted time to lamenting our losses, but also celebrated being together again and are eager for the next phase of equipping leaders for the rapidly growing Church worldwide. This includes forms of church (biblical ekklesia) which serve in the marketplace, education, government, etc. and look very different than the churches you and I are accustomed to.

To cap off this incredible year, our team is currently at Urbana mobilizing young people to serve Christ in Japan. This past year saw the largest influx of missionaries to Japan during my tenure and Japanese pastors are preparing for the Japan Evangelism Congress next year with a huge goal to double the Christian population.

As our little thank you for your friendship and support, the disciple-making course Joe and his colleague Mary Jo produced for BiblicalTraining.org is available to you for free. If you take it, let us know what you think! You can take the course here: https://www.biblicaltraining.org/learn/academy/em520-disciplemaking

What an important year 2022 turned out to be and 2023 looks even more promising!

Thanks for all your support and prayers,

Joe and Silk

As you consider year-end giving these last few days of the year, please keep us in mind:

To support us, you can follow this link: https://www.asianaccess.org/handley
And, to give to Asian Access: https://www.asianaccess.org/give

Joe & Silk Handley

jhandley@asianaccess.org
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

Can we double the Christian population of Japan?

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 17:00:00 +0200

This was the most encouraging Japan National Pastors’ Conference I remember in my 14 years with Asian Access.

The theme as set by Pastor Yoshiya Hari, Asian Access/Japan National Director, was “From 2020 to 2030” and Pastor Shinji Takita’s words captured it best:

The first Asian Access National Conference in three years was a heart-gripping challenge for the future of Japan's mission, rooted in the love of theology and practice of young teachers who lead the future of the Japanese mission, and the challenge of the young teachers. Thank you Lord.

My predecessor, Rev. Dr. Doug Birdsall reflected on the 2020 Vision sharing insights into how we discern the Lord’s calling. All the pastors shared in small groups and several highlighted the influence the 2020 Vision had on the nation. Perhaps most telling was the influence that vision had on church multiplication. Today, pastors across the country have a heart for church planting that was not apparent in decades past.

In fact, prior to the Japan Evangelism Congress of 2017, those gatherings didn’t even have church planting as a core element. But today, as we head toward the next JEC Congress in 2023, Asian Access chairman, Pastor Makio Kodaira is at the helm of the event and our director Yoshiya Hari is leading the way for church planting.

I was asked to share after Doug on the State of the American Church to see what implications that might have as Japan contemplates their future. After my presentation, I encouraged them for their bold new vision to reach 2% of the population (doubling the number of believers in the country). I believe it’s fair to say that these new initiatives would not have surfaced without the Lord’s direction in the 2020 Vision. Praise God!

What inspired me further though was the next generation, or should I say Now Generation! Graduates of our U40 and U30 programs (for under 30 and 40 something pastors) shared what they have been learning so that we could discern further what the Lord may be telling us as we look ahead to 2030. What encouraged me was that the average age of this event was about 45. Why was that so encouraging? Because in my previous 13 years the average age had to have been around 65. A 20 year differential! For Japan, this is important and pivotal as the Church nationwide has been aging for years. To see such vibrant young pastors sharing their heart for the future was remarkable!

Yoshiya Hari designed the congress so well with the intent of preparing for the Japan Evangelism Congress 2023. I am praying for a great wave of people coming to Christ and many churches being planted in new forms all together. They might not look like what we think of as church. And, from the lessons learned about the American, or even Global Church, disciple-making must be key!

Rev. Dr. Paul Ariga, Global Ambassador for Asian Access/Japan, shared this:

There were Great messages delivered on 4 challenges this year: Discipleship and Leader Training, Churches to Send, Connecting with Churches to Communities, and Inter-Church Connections! The best is hidden in Japan!!!

The participants were 100% satisfied! I felt the foretaste of the 7th Japan Evangelical Conference in September 2023! With a new commitment to see with God's eyes, act with God's heart, connect with regions and realize God's kingdom! It was such a meaningful gathering. The Best Is Yet To Come!

I believe he is right. Japan’s future is as bright as the promises of God. Just as Doug Birdsall often shares Adoniram Judson’s famous response to what hope there might be for Burma years ago, Japan’s future is as bright as the promises of God. The best is yet to come!

Can we Double the Christian Population of Japan? – Of course we can! God can do all things!!!

Joe Handley
President, Asian Access

jhandley@asianaccess.org
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

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South Asian Church faces increased persecution

Persecution

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Get Involved

2022 in Summary

Family Updates —

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Can we double the Christian population of Japan?