Early morning thanksgiving

..It's early morning here in Kuala Lumpur. I have been awake since 4 a.m. The loudspeakers on the local mosque call the Muslims to their morning prayers. Malaysia is officially a Muslim country, but also part of the United Kingdom, having been a British colony.

..My prayers this morning and last night were of thanksgiving for the last three days of meetings with the Asian brothers who lead the Asian Access work in seven countries.

..Now they return to the realities in their countries. We hugged and prayed for our dear brother and friend as he left to return to pastor his church in a country that is currently in the news with peaceful demonstrations, but likely leading to a repressive response from authorities.

..Yet in the midst of these and other challenges the Church grows and His people worship.

Gathered in Kuala Lumpur

...Leaders from across Asia are gathered here in Kuala Lumpur. Each one is a leading pastor in their country and they also lead the work of Asian Access in their country....At our time of Bible study and prayer this morning, one of the pastors remarked that we look like a taste of what heaven will be like with Christians gathered from across the globe.

...We have had excellent times of hearing about the current work in each of the countries, some of the challenges for the church in the countries and what God is doing among His church in the country.

...Meng Aun Hour, left gave an update on the work in Cambodia. He told how three pastors who have graduated from the Asian Access are now working together to do training of nine key pastors in their churches every two years. They are reproducing leaders, which is one of the major outcomes of the Asian Access ministry.

...David Dayalan, above, gave an update on the approach for India with multiple Asian Access pastoral training programs planned across that vast country.

...What a privilege to serve these pastors who have passion to see their fellow pastors in their countries grow as leaders of the church and multiplyers of Christ-like leaders and churches.

Preparing for Malaysia

...I leave in two days for Malaysia.

...It is always a bit hectic getting ready for a trip, even this one that will only be eight days long.

...Final preparations, finishing projects, getting some work done ahead that needs to be done before I return.

...Yet, with all the pressure comes the joy of serving the church in Asia. What a privilege.