Japan

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. — Isaiah 43:18-19

As I have traveled across Japan recently, the newfound hope I am sensing

"The Harvest is Plentiful but the Workers are Few… Pray to the Lord of the Harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38) I have called our global community to pray as we have entered an 18-month discernment process seeking the Lord’s direction for Asian Access as we look over the horizon of 2020 toward the middle of the next decade

Several months ago, one of our staff kids went on a school outing. On this outing, the class visited a neighborhood temple near the school to learn more about the culture and religion. As you would expect, her parents wanted to know how the day went and as good parents followed up with her that evening. “How did you

Japan (MNN) — There’s a new day dawning in the land of the rising sun. Japan’s current emperor – Akihito – is stepping down at the end of April. His son, Crown Prince Naruhito, will

Eight years ago, Silk and I were here in Japan during the horrific triple disaster that hit the country. In a matter of minutes, lives were ruined, the country was disrupted and it was a day that none of us will ever forget. The spirit of “Ganbatte” – never giving up or similarly “Ganbare” –

A3/Japan’s Progress Report from 2018

There is much to be thankful to God for in the ministry highlights he brought our way in 2018. Below is a summary of encouraging progress from various ministry categories and missionaries

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19 I was struck by hope at the recent A2/Japan National

Asia (MNN) — Roughly 36 percent of the world’s population lives in either China or India. China is expected to hold the world’s largest economy by 2050. The 49 nations of Asia span 17,212,048 square miles, or approximately one-third of the Earth’s land area. Joe Handley of Asian Access says the world’s largest continent has a critical role to play in the Great Commission. “This is Asia’s hour for the Gospel. She is the continent that will be finishing the task of global

Vision Festa Church Multiplication Conference

The Church in Japan faces a crisis. And Japan’s pastors and church leaders are stepping up to face it head-on. The crisis? Unless the Church begins to grow immediately, it is possible that the Christian community in Japan will literally die out

Declining Rates, But Daily Reality

It is well known that Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Fortunately, the numbers have been declining in recent years as can be seen from this graph. That said, many days I ride the trains in Tokyo and a delay occurs because of “an accident”. It’s so sad to

Japan (MNN) – Japan continues to be decimated by natural disasters after a summer filled with floods, heatwaves, earthquakes, typhoons, and landslides. Typhoon Jebi, the strongest to hit Japan’s mainland island of Honshu in a quarter

Japan (MNN) — Radiation remains a challenge even seven years after Japan’s nuclear meltdown outside Fukushima. On Thursday, UN experts called on Japan to help cleanup workers who may not have received proper training on radiation exposure. The special rapporteurs also warned of exploitation. Takeshi Takazawa of Asian Access saw the effects of

Japan’s deluge continues

Japan (MNN) — Yet another severe tropical storm is expected to roll through southern Japan this evening. According to Accuweather.com, the storm is expected to skirt just south of areas saturated by July’s constant rainfall. Along with the

A few weeks ago, Dr. Nelson Jennings from Onnuri Church took me on a historical tour of some of the Christian history of Japan in Hokkaido. What a treat! Dr. Jennings and I were there for Onnuri Church’s Love Sonata evangelism gatherings which was fabulous, by the way. The conference, praise

Takeshi Takazawa's follow-up interview: July 19, 2018

Takeshi Takazawa of Asian Access shares the latest updates about Japan’s flooding crisis with MNN’s Ruth Kramer. Here how we should be praying...

Asian Access responds as misery compound

Japan (MNN) — “When it rains, it pours.” In other words, when something bad happens, more trouble is right around the corner. Such is the case in Japan. Earlier this month, a typhoon brought record-breaking rainfall to southwest Japan. Last week, flooding

Our A3/Japan staff recently came together for our annual retreat. It’s always wonderful to get away in the mountains, enjoy fellowship with one another and take a break from the daily work God has called us to. This gathering was a little different in that we invited Pastor

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending my first Love Sonata in Sapporo. It’s an evangelistic event held 2-4 times per year here in Japan inspired and led by Onnuri Church from Seoul, Korea. It was

Asian Access is announcing that it is receiving donations for the current flooding crisis in Japan and is directing those funds to provide relief where most strategic in terms of long-term impact. In response to this crisis, Asian Access has decided to help Japan in important ways consistent with our mission. Our first priority is always the

Asian Access equips believers to respond in Christ’s name during a flood crisis

Japan (MNN) — Large sections of Japan are underwater following a typhoon and record rainfall over the weekend. The storm has claimed at least 100 lives and dozens are still missing.

85 Dead, Millions Forced to Flee

According to CNN, dozens of people have been killed and 2 million forced to flee their homes across eight prefectures after record rains pounded southwest Japan, triggering widespread flooding and deadly landslides. Japanese

Asian Access/Japan Developing Emerging Leaders

A value we stress in the Asian Access leader development program is finishing well. For leaders to be effective throughout their personal and ministry lives, and to successfully fend off the burnout that cripples so many Kingdom leaders, setting a course intended

Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.(— Joel 3:14) On Sunday afternoon, our family went to Harajuku here in Tokyo

Prayer is needed as the nation continues to heal

Japan (MNN) – Seven years ago on the afternoon of March 11, a massive earthquake shifted Japan’s Honshu island by

Japan (MNN) — Years before Japan agreed to host the Olympic Summer Games, Asian Access (A2) was praying and planning for Gospel transformation in 2020. After the triple disaster in 2011, Japanese Christians were encouraged by the responses from around the world. Renewed

Japan (MNN) — Of the 127 million people in Japan, only one percent of the population is Christian. The nation has been engaged with the voices of many believers for centuries, yet the Church has remained stagnant in its growth. These facts may sound pretty disheartening; however, Pastor Joshua Hari, ...

A church that met in a bar has exciting news

Japan (MNN) – A couple of months ago, we told you about

Having church in a bar?

Japan (MNN) — When you think of church, what comes to mind? Well-dressed men and women worshipping in a large building with a cross on the top? That’s not always the case. Sometimes, you have to make do with what you have. That’s what Taka Hiroami, the pastor of Praise Community Church

Missionaries on alert in the wake of North Korean missile launch

Japan (MNN) — North Korea fired a ballistic missile over Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island into the sea on Tuesday, testing already frayed international relations. Days later, Japan remains on high

Not long ago, one of my doctoral committee members suggested that the core of my dissertation research was very much in line with some new thinking related to the concept of the ...

One of the principles in Asian Access is that healthy churches grow. It’s why we spend so much time investing in key leaders’ personal walk with God and their growth in him. Because, when we are deeply

The lady sharing in this picture was saved by a bridge in her local fishing village. She was driving back to her home where her husband’s family has led a fishing business for several generations. As she drove onto the bridge, the tsunami swept away most of her friends, their homes, and their cars. The town was

I’ve been inspired by pastors in Japan this past week. 70 or more gathered in Northern Japan for a movement called Vision Festa. It’s a movement of people with a passion for church planting and I’m eager to share their stories… Those will

Tragedy brought them to a deeper level of ministry

Nepal (MNN) — Nepal just marked the second anniversary of devastating twin earthquakes that killed 9,000 people and made a million others homeless. The government has been criticized for the slow pace of rebuilding, and did not officially hold

“For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” — Matthew 17:20 Asian Access is passing some significant milestones in 2017. We are celebrating 50 years of ministry this year and are major celebratory event is

As recovery stagnates, Gospel growth booms

Japan (MNN) — Broken remnants and barricades remain six years after Japan’s deadly ‘triple disaster’. “There are still tens of

Recently, I experienced a great deal of joy at Asian Access/Japan National Conference. Story after story was shared that inspired me! One pastor who just graduated from Asian Access/Japan, Tomoaki Goto, shared an incredible vision. He wants his church to be known as

The day has come and we are moving to Japan — Tuesday, August 9. As you may have heard, our son John approached his mom last summer saying, “Can we make that move to Japan that we were thinking about a few years ago?” As soon as Silk

Attacker stabs and kills 19 disabled people, nation shocked

Japan (MNN) — Nineteen people were stabbed to death, and 25 injured early Tuesday morning in Japan. Of those injured, 20 are severely wounded. 26-year-old Satoshi Uematsu broke into Tsukui

This is an exciting year for Asian Access. There is a lot happening out there. I just spent the last few days with four key leaders from different countries like Japan, Mongolia, Cambodia and India. And listening to them would inspire you. I wish you could be here with me to hear their

Japan (MNN) -- It's not easy reaching the Japanese for Christ. According to Asian Access, Japan has some of the toughest spiritual ground around. But that was before the triple disaster of 2011. Now, hearts have been softened and many are ready to hear the

Thank you and thank Jesus!

The Lord provided once again for Asian Access and for the work He is doing in Japan. It took a few weeks to gather all the data due to online giving and some last minute checks in the mail. BUT praise God that He provided for the giving challenge offered to us by Dan Amos, CEO of

Japan (MNN) — If you’re going to dream, dream big. That’s what Asian Access is doing with their

This has been an extraordinary year in the life of the Church of Asia. Every day, we hear of political tensions, natural disasters and religious intolerance. But in the midst of disturbing news, the church of Jesus Christ is on the move. And you can help to move the spiritual needle

I just want to say thank you for your support to us at Asian Access. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, your prayers and your financial support. It's amazing to see what God is doing through the lives of leaders all over Asia. This summer, in particular, your work with helping us with the people of Nepal after the

Nepal (MNN) -- Japanese Christians know

Japan (MNN) -- Japan is coping with a one-two Tropical Storm punch. On the heels of a record heatwave came Typhoon

Pray for Japan following the Tropical Storm Etau which pounded Japan's eastern coastline this past weekend. These are things to remember in prayer: 1.) Pray for our partner local churches in all the places Etau has hit. They are

Japan (MNN) -- Speaking of global warfare, comments from Japan’s Prime Minister about WWII is stirring up