Growing Optimism
Heading into 2024 I’m more optimistic than I’ve been in years. We are post-pandemic, coming out of a remarkable year of progress for A3 (see Memorable Year and Family update). We thank God for his faithfulness in sustaining us.
Now, we are looking toward what God has in store for us in the coming year.
This promise from Deuteronomy comes to mind:
"He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land — your grain, new wine and oil — the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that he swore to your forefathers to give you."
— Deuteronomy 7:13
The word of the Lord to the people of Israel was if they obeyed, he would bless them immensely. Of course, that obedience ultimately came through the one we just celebrated his arrival: Jesus is the hope of our world and as we abide in Him, we bear much fruit (John 15)!
Growing Anticipation
PROGRESS IN JAPAN
In the coming year, I anticipate great progress following the Japan Congress on Evangelism and our record years in mobilizing missional partners. More importantly, it’s a significant year as the leadership of A3/Japan celebrates a milestone in taking ownership of our main office property and NGO status.
IMPACTING NEW PLACES
It’s also neat to see so many countries opening for A3. We are seeing great growth in Central Asia and the doors across North Africa and the Middle East are teeming with potential. We may even be able to explore West and Central Africa soon!
EXPANDING NETWORKS
On top of these, our work with Business Leaders is growing at a pace we are surprised to see develop. Several new countries will start for A3.business and our work with Young Professionals and Women in Ministry is growing as well.
NEW TRAINING TOPICS
Plus, we are sharing our new curriculum for the Persecuted Church and Generosity both within the A3 community and to groups like the Religious Liberty Partnership.
LAUSANNE MOVEMENT & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Finally, we are integrally involved with the upcoming 4th Congress on World Evangelization. Along with my co-catalysts for the Leadership Development Issue Network, we are compiling a new book that should set the pace for filling key Great Commission gaps in our field. Stay tuned as we hope to publish this new book by Seoul 2024!
One of these key gaps is related to Reproducing Disciple-Making Leaders as one mission trainer has said:
"The Church is growing
at the speed of a bullet train,
but leadership development
is lagging at the speed of a bicycle."
— Stephen Loots
CHRISTLIKE HARVEST WORKERS
With this, A3 has been an instrumental player in launching a new venture called the Galilean Movement. Through this venture, with many others involved with developing leaders, we seek to raise up millions of new Galilean “Christlike Harvest Workers” to lead in every sector of society to fulfill the Great Commission.
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to raise up workers!
—Matthew 9:37-38
Join us in following Jesus’ exhortation: to pray! The need is so great, and the opportunities are immense. Our role is to pray and take part in raising up these Disciple-Making Leaders for the Harvests that are so Ripe!
THANK YOU!
And thank you for your generous support. Every gift you give will be doubled and tripled if you are giving from outside the U.S., this year.
Your partner in His Commission,
Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
@jwhandley
@jwhandley
More Information
- Cover photo by Jamie Fenn on Unsplash
