Thursday, October 07, 2010

Thought you might enjoy this blog from Asian Access

Asian Access Blog Centre | Cape Town 2010

Cape Town 2010

Posted:

Countdown to an historical gathering

In just a few weeks, Asian Access will be deeply involved in what one article in Christianity Today has called "The Most Diverse Gathering Ever". They recently published the article on Cape Town 2010 in the magazine's September issue. The importance of this event is significant as several leaders echo what one person recently said:

"What happens at this Congress will reverberate throughout the worldwide Body of Christ for decades to come. There is no other event like it. There may not be another gathering of this magnitude in the next 20 years."

The event is led by Asian Access missionary and board member, Reverend Doug Birdsall, the executive chair of the Lausanne Committee on World Evangelization.

In addition to Doug's role, several board members and staff members are playing key roles.

Former Asian Access board member, Mrs. Grace Mathews, serves as the Director of the Programme Committee.
Reverend Ajith Fernando, Asian Access Reference Council, will be a plenary speaker.
Reverend Adrian De Visser, Asian Access Vice President for Partnership Development, is the Lausanne International Deputy Director for South Asia.
Dr. David Bennett, Asian Access board member, serves as the Plenary II Session Coordinator.
Reverend Kenneth Fong, Asian Access Reference Council, is on the Reference Council for the Congress.
Dr. Sue Takamoto, Asian Access missionary, is on the Leadership Development Working Team.
Mr. Jonathan Kohl, Asian Access board member, serves on the Business as Mission Working Group.
Mr. Bobby Ryu, former Asian Access missionary, is on the Theology Working Group.
Mr. Elliott Snuggs, Asian Access missionary, serves on the Arrangements Committee.
Mr. Mark Larsen, Asian Access Finance Director, is on the Finance Committee.
Mr. Ned Kiser, former Asian Access VP for Development, is Chief of Staff for the Chairman’s office and joining him on that team is Mr. Bruce Johnson, former Asian Access VP for Leadership Development.

Furthermore, a number of Asian Access Country Directors, Faculty, Board Members and Reference Council members will join me as delegates at the Congress.

I believe this event has enormous potential for the future of World Evangelism. It likely will set the pace for the Church for the next two decades. I invite you to join us in praying for the Congress.

Also, if you would like to participate, there will be a number of Global Link sites where you can participate from your country. For those of you living in Southern California, my friends at Biola University are hosting one of these sites.

Thank you for praying for us and praying for Lausanne. As you pray, you can use Billy Graham’s advice to us as a key reminder:

"Keep evangelism at the center. Make Christ your focus. Base everything on Scripture. And pray, pray, pray."

Joseph W. Handley, Jr.

Sunday, October 03, 2010

Is Cape Town REALLY Africa?

A lot of people say that Cape Town isn't REALLY Africa. It is completely different from the rest of the continent. Modern city, not many bugs, cool climate, etc. For example, when you think of Africa, would you expect as you stroll down the beach to run into a colony of penguins? I did today!

So, no doubt, Cape Town is very different. But, then as I was walking down a path and a baboon jumped out of the bushes with a screech right in front of me, well, I decided Cape Town IS Africa!

Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV) 15 Look carefully

then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

The Cape Town 2010 office is now a buzz of activity, and the Ephesians verse is very appropriate for the remaining time before the Congress. I need wisdom in how I use my time. And we must be aware that the enemy is doing everything he can to mess things up. I appreciate your prayers for health and wisdom!

Saturday, October 02, 2010

Yaweh Tsuri (The Lord is my Rock)

The Lord is My Rock. Cape Town is a beautiful city. Each day as I look at Table Mountain, I'm reminded that God is my Rock. You will even see in the picture what the locals call the "table cloth". At certain times (like tonight), a thin blanket of clouds rolls in over table mountain, forming the table cloth.

I'm thankful God is our Rock. Since landing on Tuesday I've been on the run, needing to very quickly secure contracts for radios, telephones and cell phones that we need during the Congress. Also, I had to generate the room set up sheets for every day of the Congress and get those to our liaison at the Cape Town International Convention Center, so they can begin to set their staff schedule. And then there were the flood of emails that came in while I was flying and out of touch--91 to respond to upon landing. Yikes!

Thankfully, the weekend has provided a chance to slow the pace down a bit and catch up on some of the workload. Tomorrow, Sunday, I plan to take mostly off as a Sabbath rest. Pray for good rest. Then pray for this next week that I can maximize the minutes of the day. Need wisdom!

Snuggs Ministry Update