Renewing & strengthening leaders facing crises
What do these 3 situations have in common?
- Typhoon Bualoi in Vietnam harms 44,000 homes, impacting many Christians.
- Youth-led uprising in Nepal disrupts food distribution, affecting Christians.
- Persecution in a closed country includes arrests of key church leaders, including a principal A3 faculty member.
If you haven’t guessed, what they have in common is the impact on Christian leaders who need to possess incredible resilience to effectively deal with these situations.
Your financial partnership will support our brothers and sisters navigating instability, natural disasters, and mounting pressure. Also, your gift for this purpose may be doubled or even quadrupled. More on that below.
1. Typhoon Bualoi in Vietnam:
In Vietnam, A3 leaders are currently the hands and feet of Christ, bringing immediate relief to communities devastated by Typhoon Bualoi. This severe storm, which struck Vietnam early this month, has caused immense destruction, including harm to more than 44,000 homes and around 14,000 acres of crops.
Pastor Tien Truong* from A3 in Vietnam reports that many believers have lost their houses, food, and clothing. He and other A3 leaders are connecting with those affected to supply essentials like rice, clothing, and accommodation. Their very survival depends on this.
2. Disruption of Food Distribution in Nepal:
Many are facing survival issues in Nepal because of the disruption in the food supply chain caused by protests by young people. Their protests are in response to government shutdown or the ban of 26 social media platforms. Believers are especially hard hit because they tend to be poorer than the general population.
A3 leaders in Nepal are connecting with the government and suppliers to get food to those most vulnerable, including many Christians.
3. Persecution through Surveillance and Pressure:
New regulations published by the government of one closed country outline strict limits on how clergy can use internet platforms to teach and preach. These are not mere suggestions—they are backed by a formidable surveillance infrastructure, often leading to the arrest of underground church leaders.
One of those recently arrested was an essential A3 faculty member, Rev. Yong Wu*. He was arrested along with about 30 other leaders of a house church network, which he leads, spanning over 40 cities with 10,000 members.
Another ministry leader called this roundup of Christian leaders the "most extensive and coordinated wave of persecution" against Christians in over four decades.
While we need to pray for the release of Rev. Wu, I do not doubt his resilience in this situation—he has experienced persecution before and is mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for this.
But many young Christians have not experienced faith under pressure in the same way their parents and grandparents have, including many of the house church leaders who were arrested. They need to be prepared for this kind of persecution because they are the ones who will carry the gospel forward.
Resilient Leaders Retreat
A3 is equipping these leaders to thrive, not just survive—we are building up resilient disciples who refuse to back down. And we need your partnership to continue this vital work.
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| A3 connects and equips leaders to be resilient in the face of persecution, natural disasters, and other crisis situations. | ||
A3 has been hosting a new Resilient Leaders Retreat—a 2.5-day gathering, designed to renew and strengthen pastors and ministry workers facing mounting persecution and pressure. Drawing from Scripture and real-world insights, the training covers essential topics such as leading in crisis, understanding trauma, and discerning the enemy’s tactics and God’s truth.
The impact? Overwhelmingly positive. In our post-retreat surveys:
- 93% reported reassurance in God's goodness and presence, no matter the circumstances.
- 90% built stronger relationships with others who listen and support amid persecution.
- Sessions on discipleship, understanding trauma, and preparing for persecution were highlighted as especially relevant, with many calling for more retreats like this.
Expanding these retreats, providing trauma resources for families, and supporting leaders on the frontlines requires resources. These challenges are likely to increase. Will you partner with A3 today to equip resilient leaders around the world, ensuring the next generation can weather the storms that come their way?
Your gift of $50, $100, or $150 allows A3 to host more gatherings, develop local presenters, and extend our reach to areas like Nepal and high-security countries where the need is urgent. If God has blessed you to be able to give more, please consider a gift of $250 to sponsor a leader's attendance at our next retreat. $1,000 could fund trauma healing materials for an entire community. You can strategically help as an A3 Sustainer by giving monthly toward our work of developing leaders (www.a3leaders.org/a3-sustainers).
Whatever you give by December 31, 2025, may be doubled or quadrupled until we fulfill the $375,000 match provided through the generosity of an anonymous friend. Here are the details:
If your gift this year is more than last year's total gift, the amount over last year will be doubled, but only if your gift is $5,000 more than last year.- If you have never given or have not given in the last two years and you live in North America, your gift will be doubled.
- If you have never given or have not given in the last two years and you live anywhere else in the world, your gift will be quadrupled.
Thank you for praying for A3 as we serve to equip the church around the world.
Yours for more servant leaders,
Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President
@jwhandley
@jwhandley
@JosephWHandleyJr
@jwhandley
* Names have been changed for their protection.
P.S. — The children and grandchildren of people like Rev. Yong Wu* have not experienced in their lifetimes the kind of persecution he is currently experiencing. They desperately need to be equipped for resilience. Your gift may be doubled or quadrupled to provide effective preparation.
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