That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!— Linus van Pelt
If you are like me, you grew with the tradition of watching A Charlie Brown Christmas during Christmas season—that, along with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and It’s a Wonderful Life. I loved those shows and couldn’t wait to watch them when...
I just returned from a phenomenal week with three teams that are vital to the ministry of Asian Access:
1. Our International Board of Directors
2. The A2 Vision Council
3. Asian Access’ Women In Ministry Leadership Team
It was a thrill to spend a week with so many men and women who embody our vision of a vibrant community...
It was a brisk and windy day in Tokyo a few weeks ago when Silk, John and I made our way to the Biblical Church of Tokyo. We are so glad we made the trip. We had a delightful visit with Pastors’ Seiji and Kathy Oyama and a wonderful reunion with friends from our home church in America: Rolling Hills Covenant Church. Pastor Seiji preached a wonderful message even highlighting one of Asian Access prime shapers: Dr. Bobby Clinton from Fuller Seminary. He mentioned how much Dr. Clinton influenced his life and leadership journey and then he proceeded to encourage us that we are truly...
It was a beautiful Sunday here in Tokyo—a day that inspired my hopes for Japan, and for the world. I was more than ready for some inspiration, as the American presidential election that had taken place earlier in the week seemed so divisive.
That morning, Silk, John and I made our way to attend services at Saikyo Nozomi Chapel, led by Pastor Joshua...
What a blessing to be with our team here in Tokyo yesterday for our Thanksgiving banquet. It was so fun just being with everyone and experiencing a little Americana together. My highlight was when we were sharing stories of gratitude with one another and Barbara Bauman shared a wonderful story. After two decades of faithful ministry summed up in the principles taught in her 2002 book, Discovering the Joy of Parenting, one of the first class participants, Sanae, is taking a new step of faith. Sanae came to a mothers group nearly 20 years ago and has been faithfully learning and growing ever since. She’s been an active Bible reader, learning so many wonderful lessons about parenting from the Bible...
Dear Friends, Silk and I will be in Kyoto, Japan for Thanksgiving this year with our son John. While enjoying the beautiful fall colors of the country, we remembered you and the rich partnership you share with us at Asian Access. On behalf of all of us here with Asian Access in Japan, across Asia and around the world, I want to thank you...
How fun it was seeing Emi and Sterling Miller and their girls last weekend. We had a blast together catching up and going out for beef BBQ. It was one of the best meals we’ve had in Japan so far.
Seeing how their family is growing was such a joy for me as their oldest daughter took a liking to me from the moment she met me when she was...
In God’s kingdom our work becomes a manifestation of his love for the world.— Skye Jethani I was inspired by this recent quote from my friend Skye Jethani. If you don’t read his devotionals, they are fantastic. This one is linked here. They are not free but very affordable!
I firmly believe this and it’s why Asian...
You may remember Pastor Akira Sato, the pastor from Fukushima First Baptist Church. He was the focal point for many of the stories coming out of Japan following the triple disaster on 3.11. His now famous story of the Exodus Church can be found nearly anywhere online. And, it’s a story full of life and leadership lessons.
Yesterday I heard him preach as a guest speaker at Kurume Christ Church in Higashikurume, Tokyo. Pastor Sato asked this question...
What a joy it has been for the Handley family visiting churches here in Japan every weekend. So far, we’ve made it to four different congregations and connecting with Japanese pastors and Asian Access missionaries.
You may have heard that next year Asian Access celebrates 50 years of ministry. And, many of you will know that it all started...
For several years, I have wanted to move here serving as the president of Asian Access. This year proved to be the perfect time! Our family was ready and next year Asian Access turns 50! What a joy to be here where it all began nearly 50 years ago. It’s been an adventure… to say the least! Those who follow us on social media are well aware. Even with a tremendous team in place to help us settle and with all these years of experience settling staff in country, we still faced a series of challenges that boggle the mind. As I reflect back though, I see it all as God’s divine plan. You know, at Asian Access we often talk about The School of God. The Lord has taught us many lessons the last few weeks and there are many more to discover I’m sure...
Throughout the week, I share the story about my faith journey A LOT. As a mobilizer with SIM, I’m one of the first conversations people have with us as they seek to discern God’s calling for them in His kingdom work around the world. An important part of every conversation is getting to share my journey and inviting the person on the call to share theirs.
A favorite line I like to share in my story is “If you don’t have a firm sense of your identity in Christ, and you don’t have a firm sense of His calling on your life, then you probably shouldn’t try to teach middle school English!”
I first heard about what God was doing on your campus on Friday, February 10. At the SIM USA sending office, we take our motto By Prayer very seriously. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, we come together corporately for a chapel service to pray over each one of our fields and our missionaries. On Mondays and Fridays, we do the same, but this time we gather in smaller groups by our departments. One of my coworkers brought up what God was doing on your campus, and we began to pray for you.
By Linda Koyama
Hi, I’m Linda. Nice to meet you. I’m currently writing from Yamagata, Japan, where my family is partnering with a local church. You’ve probably never heard of Yamagata. Don’t worry, neither did I until it was presented as one of the potential prefectures we’d be serving in.
So where exactly is Yamagata? Think north of Tokyo about 200 miles (300 kilometers), or a 4 1/2 hour drive by car. It’s in the southern part of the Tohoku region, closer to the Japan Sea side (rather than the Pacific Ocean side). It’s definitely not one of Japan’s hot tourist spots, but this region is known for its ski slopes, onsens, and delicious fruits.
By Tia Blassingame
Okay, if you look like me you probably started singing that song title and know exactly where I got it from. Perfect, because it has been playing in my head all week! This is truly a different world. Right now, I am at a homestay with my onēsan (pronounced ohnay-sahn) and her family. That term right there is already different vocabulary for you I’m assuming. Onēsan is “older sister” and a “homestay” is when you stay overnight (or more than one night) with a family. In basic “Tia terms” (that’s me), I’m at a sleepover with my sis and her fam. Let me backtrack a bit...
Leaving what I’ve found:
You helped me find my true self.
Wishing you were here.
During one of my first annual Asian Access retreats in Japan, Dr. Sue Takamoto led all of us first-term missionaries through a special training specifically designed for our experience. One of her warm-up exercises had us flexing some of our creative muscles: we were to write haiku that showcased our experiences during our first term. I wrote the above haiku for my church family back home in St. Louis.
By Kent Muhling
I sometimes pray Psalm 143:8 at the beginning of my morning devotions. It reads,
“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.”
International (A3) — Asian Access, known widely as A2, is expanding its ministry into some of the most dangerous and volatile parts of the world.
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!
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!
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