persecution

 Treatment of Christians has taken a turn for the worse

Nepal (MNN) — For the past several years, the Gospel has moved more in Nepal than almost any country in the world. Christians were showing the nation that the Gospel was more than just a political agenda. But Joe

Christians are coming together in support of one another

Nepal (MNN) – There have been significant changes in Nepal’s recent history which have introduced uncertainty for the nation’s future. In 2015, the nation declared itself a secular state through a new constitution. It seemed

I just read a report from one of the members of the A2 Community. I wanted you to be encouraged, but for security reasons, I've removed specific details that might pose a safety threat.

"I returned from ______________ just a few days ago. I want to thank all of you for your prayers for me and the

Recently during our national directors meeting in Thailand, one of Asian Access directors said the following: “It is very difficult to run our programs in our country because of political pressure and persecution. It's a miracle that I'm alive today

"I was like a tree without roots and on the verge of burning out..."

New law ramping up pressure on churches

Southeast Asia (MNN) — In many communities, the local church exists to serve people and be a beacon of Christ’s love. But not everyone sees it that way. In many countries, the government sees the body of believers as a

Christian minority feels safe under martial law

Philippines (MNN) — The Filipino military declared a brief ceasefire Sunday, allowing

You may have already noticed but since the beginning of the year it seems like there has been an explosion of reports about persecution and violence related to religious issues in the world. It’s something I predicted would be happening the last few years as I watched the various country elections surge with

Ahok imprisoned on blasphemy charges, prayers needed

Indonesia (MNN) — In a surprising turn of events, Jakarta’s former governor, Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, was sentenced to two years in prison for blasphemy. Ahok was Indonesia’s first Christian governor running for

We as the Church need each other

Asia (MNN) — There’s a reason why when we share stories of persecution, we ask for the Body of Christ to get involved in the solution. It’s because a key ingredient to perseverance of Christians under attack is encouragement from other

The persecuted Church reflects on strength amidst trials

International (MNN) — Yesterday, we told you about some of the persecution the Church in Southeast Asia is up against, but what

The Church in Asia prepares for

Militants set fire to a

“Things have gotten better here.”

Given where I am sitting as I hear these those words, this is no small statement. I’m writing from Dhaka, where I am attending a session for A2 Bangladesh’s third class. 15 pastors and parachurch leaders are deep into the fifth of what will be

Bangladesh (MNN) — It took 28 years to get a petition before the High Court in Bangladesh, putting the official state religion in question. Yet, as soon as the case opened it was shut, with the judges choosing to maintain the status quo. The threat of instability was already rising, as more attacks against

Bangladesh (MNN) — ISIS last week claimed responsibility for the murder of a pastor in northern Bangladesh. Joe Handley with Asian Access confirmed reports that armed extremists killed 65-year-old Hossain Ali, who converted to Christianity from Islam in 1999. He was

Bangladesh (MNN) — Bangladesh is dealing with Islamic terrorists claiming the ISIS banner. Pastors and church leaders are seeing an upsurge in violence and threats. Noel Becchetti with Asian Access shared some of the ominous texts being reported: "'Make sure you eat your favorite foods over the next few days because

Death threats issued to pastors in Bangladesh — The persecution of Christians, Hindus, and

There is an unprecedented movement of God happening right now in Asia. And if you are from Asia or currently living in Asia, you have a unique opportunity to support this movement. This summer I met “Nathan” (not his real name). Nathan serves a church in one of the world’s most populous nations.

Asia (MNN) -- Terrorists are striking fear around the world,

At the latest leader development session in one of the restricted-access countries where A2 is at work, one thing is clear: Pastors here persevere in the ministry despite persistent persecution. Let two of our leaders share their testimonies with you in their

I enjoyed seeing A3/Bangladesh class 2 leaders wrestle with Byron MacDonald's teaching...

China (MNN) -- Authorities in China have removed and burned around 1200 crosses from Churches in the country. Why? Joe Handley of Asian Access says, "The government does not want to see a disharmonious society. When they see churches that are putting up these crosses, they feel like that's a bit of a flagrant

A3/Sri Lanka focused on disciple-making and the importance of making disciples within community...

Most of you know that many of the countries Asian Access works in the leaders face trials, tribulations and persecution. My colleague Jim, who serves in partnership with us through Sunrise International Ministries, shared this powerful story from one of our alumns. Sometimes the stories of others give us perspective on our own

Dear Friends, thank you for your partnership in coming alongside leaders in Asia. I am grateful for you and wanted you to see this brief video of thanksgiving. Pastors and leaders across Asia have asked me to thank everyone who prays for them, supports them, and partners with

Watch Joe Handley share Asian Access' new plans to:
1) Launch leader development in a new country this year;
2) Begin exploring a second new country soon after;
3) Launch a new marketplace ministry, in which Asian Access takes lessons learned in 35+ years of pastoral training and apply it in developing business leaders.

Joe also reports a significant milestone that...

 Inspiring attitude despite eight pastors

You'll be surprised to hear the

USA (MNN) — When you’re at a missions conference, you’re bound to run into someone you know. That’s what keeps

The spring 2014 issue of Leadership Journal had a powerful article by J.R. Briggs, Transforming Failure: How God used a painful season of ministry to change my life.

The article posts these

It is a nearly unbearable feeling reading about brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted for their faith and feeling helpless in knowing how to respond. This is true in situations like the current catastrophe of Iraqi and Syrian Christians as well as in the everyday persecution friends face in many

On a day that Americans celebrate their country's birthday, and the religious freedom that comes with it, many brothers and sisters in Christ across Asia are facing tremendous persecution. Asian Access is standing with these persecuted church leaders and you can too.

MNN’s Ruth Kramer interviews Asian Access’ Noel

Asia (A2/MNN) — Persecution is

Many of our friends in Asia serve as pastors and national leaders while facing harassment, oppression, and outright persecution. They persevere with amazing courage as, in the words of a Western colleague, “They feel that suffering is part of their calling.” By coming alongside these choice leaders who serve Christ on the

Persecution is alive and well in Asia.

This fact sometimes escapes me as I travel in the region. Our A2 national leaders are so gracious that I am often lulled into complacency as I visit with our A2 participants and hear about what God is doing in their area.

I’ve been jarred out of

The last few weeks I had the privilege of seeing the powerful fruit of Asian Access: leaders being developed who are making disciples, planting churches, helping street children, working in the garbage dumps, establishing orphanages, and working with those suffering from human trafficking. It was a powerful week seeing

When you get on the ground in the Third World, you can find tragedy in nearly every nook and cranny—and also God’s care at work, through the kindness of His people.

We saw this up close on a recent visit to an A2 session in what we call a restricted-access country

MNN's Ruth Kramer gets an update from Bishop Zothan Mawia with Asian Access about a prayer conference in Myanmar on Saturday, May 25, 2013 despite persecution trends.

Listen to Bishop Mawia pray for his country of Myanmar.

Prayer for Persecuted Christians

• Information about the Persecuted Church
  • Voice of the Martyrs

The last few months I have visited with pastors in a few countries where pressure and persecution happen on a semi-regular basis. These pastors feel 'the heat' on a sometimes daily basis. Their plight reminds me of Jesus words from Matthew