30-Year-Old Letter Points to the Present
The year was 1984 and A3, then known as the Language Institute for Evangelism, was heralded by Dr. Donald McGavran, the founder of Fuller Theological Seminary's School of World Mission. McGavran, a renown expert on Church Growth, noticed the remarkable fruit from the ministry that is now at the core of A3: developing leaders who multiply churches. The program – then known as the Japan Church Growth Institute went on to be connected to more than 90% of the church growth in Japan. Remarkable! Today, we are at another cross roads for ministry in Japan as many are responding to Christ… We are even hearing stories of people having dreams and visions that draw them to Jesus!
As you'll see in Dr. McGavran's letter to our founder, he foretold the future, hoping to see this remarkable ministry span the world over. As such Japan would become a model to other nations. Today, A3 is working in ten nations across Asia and close to opening our eleventh. Who would've imagined in 1984 when this prophetic letter was written that this little ministry would have such an influence across Asia.
May we indeed fulfill McGavran's hope and more importantly God's call for new life in Christ for those many who have so little chance to hear about Jesus!
Yours for His Kingdom,
Joe Handley, President
