Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA (A3) — When A3 graduated its first class of participants in Cambodia, it was clear that the new graduates had bonded with one another over the two-year program. Despite denominational differences, graduates excitedly planned several joint activities across Cambodia in an effort to build unity.
...
A3’s mission statement is to "identify, develop and release leaders." We consider those three verbs to be core competencies. They are at the heart of what God has called us to do. Each of them is a challenge unto itself. But it is the final one that can be the most emotionally challenging. . .
We've all experienced the emotions of releasing someone we love. I remember the first day my son went to kindergarten. My wife and I cried as we walked back from dropping him off. We had released him for the first time to someone else's care. It was difficult. But we knew it was the right thing for him. Now he is going to be a senior in high school. We are one year away from releasing him again.
Today as A3 released our president, Doug Birdsall, to devote 100% of his organizational leadership to Lausanne, I think many of us find this releasing thing difficult. It is so much easier to keep people within than to send them out. As Doug shared with all of us his decision to leave A3, I felt a deep sadness mixed with a deeper joy. Sad that we would lose such a gifted and talented leader--a true friend, but joyful that he is released to a new role in the kingdom which will have a wide ranging effect on world evangelization.
So I find myself reflecting on the last 24 years that I have ministered together with Doug in A3. He picked me up at the airport the first day I traveled to Japan to launch a whole new era of my life. He believed in me enough to ask me to serve next to him when he became president back in June of 1991. I've shed some tears today. But releasing is what we are all about; releasing leaders to unite the church, multiply the church, and transform the world through the power of the gospel. Praise God that he allows us the privilege, even when it is hard to do.
A3 missionary candidate Garrett Inouye shares about deeper issues in Japan. This is a compelling visual you've got to watch, and you can also read his thoughts below...
From Garrett Inouye:
My heart broke for Japan on a train in Tokyo. I was on an missions trip the summer of 2005,
...Ishinomaki is one of the hardest-hit areas in Japan's disaster zone. Within days of the tsunami, A3 missionary Eric Takamoto began making regular relief trips up from Sanda (near Kobe). Listen to him share about his first few trips there and why he and his wife Sue have just decided to move their...
Pastor Akira Mori of Global Mission Chapel asks God for the hills near Usuiso Beach, devastated by the March 11, 2011 tsunami. Hear his heart, his vision and his prayers for this area.
On the First AnniversaryWe’ve compiled a series of reflections on Japan's triple disaster on March 11, 2011--the Earthquake, the Tsunami and the Nuclear Crisis in the Tohoku region--on the occasion of its one year anniversary.
Interactive Reflections: http://www.asianaccess.org/reflections
This monumental disaster has deeply impacted the...
As we remember this tragedy in Japan this weekend, this short but poignant trailer from Lucy Walker's documentary is worth watching...
---
Survivors in the areas hardest hit by Japan's recent tsunami find the courage to revive and rebuild as cherry blossom season begins.
A stunning visual poem about the ephemeral nature of life and the healing...
What’s been happening 9 months after March 11
By Takeshi Takazawa
Evacuation Sites Closed
For better or for worse, government-registered evacuation sites have now all been closed in northeast Japan. Out of the 330,00 former residents, over 75% moved to temporary housing; the rest had to move in with friends or relatives or completely...
Pastors to share about Japan and A3
On Wednesday, December 14, two pastors in Southern California will be interviewed on The Frank Pastore radio show in Los Angeles in order to highlight ongoing relief efforts in Japan. The Frank Pastore Show is aired live from 4:00-7:00 PM (PST) on KKLA 99.5FM, as well as live on the internet.
Pas...
Page 47 of 55
For over half a century, A3 has catalyzed movements in Asia. Now, with doors open in the Middle East, North Africa, and the West, we have boldly stepped in...
TO CHANGE THE FEW WHO CHANGE THE MANY.
Our new name A3 reflects the broadening impact of our distinctive learning communities in 25+ countries on 4 continents.
A3 is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization verified by Goodstack & Google.
EIN #95-6120630
PO Box 3307 | Cerritos, CA 90703 USA
6 Centerpointe Drive, Suite 700 | La Palma, CA 90623 USA
You can sign up to receive email updates from A3 by clicking the button below. Provide your email address to start receiving updates.
