Across Asia and North America, the A3 community is deeply saddened over the catastrophe of the MV Sewol, the South Korean ferry. We mourn for the loss of so many young lives on board. The images and stories we've all seen and heard are just heart wrenching.
The tragic capsizing of the ferry in South Korea has captured the attention of the world—nowhere more than in Japan. Takeshi Takazawa, National Director for A3 Japan, recently shared some reflections on his nation’s reaction and its implications for the work of A2:
Every television and print media outlet here in Japan has covered the tragedy nonstop. Culturally, we could relate to the vice-principal of the high school who was rescued, but then committed suicide due to his overwhelming sense of responsibility for the students who were killed.
This grievous disaster highlights the tremendous need for Christlike leadership among business leaders in Korea, where 30% of the population identify themselves as Christian.
As A3 explores starting a prototype of its leadership development program with business leaders in Korea, I pray that Christian CEOs will be developed as Godly leaders—to enhance and bless their work environments, multiply the fruits within those who are in their sphere of influence, and to be agents of Divine transformation in their country, which I believe will soon be unified with North Korea.
A2’s work is not only needed; it is very strategic for this time in history. Please join me in praying for A3 Board Member David Kim, A3 President Joseph Handley, and A3 Executive Vice President Elliott Snuggs as they explore working with business leaders in Korea and Hong Kong.
A3 friend, John Ng, President of Meta and partner with A3 Council of Reference member Peter Chao of Eagles Communications wrote this poignant article on the importance of good leadership in the wake of the ferry tragedy. It is well worth reading.
And let us continue to pray for the surviving family members and friends of all those lost on board.
Joe Handley
