October letter November News 2018 ADVANCING GOD’S KINGDOM FOR ASIA
IN THIS ISSUE
BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP BIBLICAL IN ASIAN CONTEXT Biblical Leadership in Japanese Context 1 LEADERSHIP The Language of Leadership 3
Biblical Leadership in IN JAPANESE Asian Context, an Inquiry 5 The Story of The CONTEXT Evangelicals in Singapore 10 COMMISSION REPORT Rev. Paul H. Ueki Religious Liberty Trends South Asia 7
Narrative Report: South Asia Legal Consultation – Defending Religious 12 Freedom esus taught that the Youth Commision Report 15 greatest commandment was “Love the Lord AEA General Assembly J and Asia Church in 17 your God with all your Mission Congress heart, with all your soul, LOOKING BACK and with all your mind.” AT THE JOURNEY This commandment is from AEA ExCO & the Shema (Deut. 6:4-9). For Mission Commission 20 Jewish people, their Lord is Engagement 2009-2016 one God. There is no other devotion and love. Because of Info AEA 23 god besides Him. If they the difference of the concept worship other gods, this of God/god, it seems to them LATEST NEWS 7.4 M Earthquake and commandment demands that this commandment does Tsunami Disaster in Palu 26 repentance and returning to not necessarily emphasize City and Donggala – their God. worshipping one God. In Central Sulawesi Japan there are grounds for UPCOMING EVENTS 29 When Japanese Christians many gods. For ordinary read this commandment, people, it is not strange to go PRAYER POINTS 30 they understand it literally. It to different religious places in demands their wholehearted their lives. When a baby was
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 1 BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP IN JAPANESE CULTURE
born, parents take the baby that other attendants do, such 2. “Our witness is to be to a Shinto shrine and pray as burning powdered incense marked by ‘gentleness for its healthy growth. When at a Buddhist funeral? and respect, keeping a a couple plan their wedding, clear conscience.’ We they seek for a beautiful Japanese Christians are often therefore reject any form chapel and ask a pastor to caught between unshakable of witness that is coercive, marry them. When a person “Christian behavior” and unethical, deceptive, or dies, his family asks Buddhist other behaviors friendly to disrespectful.” (The Cape priests to perform a funeral. those of other faiths. If the Town Commitment, Part II Japanese culture is tolerant behavior of a Christian is C-1) of many gods and various impolite or offensive to the 3. “We must also distinguish religions. Therefore they have non-Christians, they may between advocating the tacit consent not to talk about close their hearts to Christ rights of people of other their faith in their social life. and His followers. Sincere faiths and endorsing the It is only accepted in private believers wonder how they truth of their beliefs. We talks. should behave. Therefore can defend the freedom Christian leaders have to of others to believe and When a person becomes a show some lights that will practice their religion Christian, he renounces such help each Christian find without accepting that religious life and believes in his behavior or a guideline, religion as true.” (ibid. the one Living God. He starts though there is no general Part II C-6) enjoying his new life and guideline. These things give Christian fellowship in his lights. church. In the course of time 1. When people of other this new-born Christian faces faiths come to a church, Rev. Paul H. Ueki several questions about his what do we expect them Asia Evangelical Alliance – behavior among the people of to do in singing or in Chairman other faiths. Is it right for him prayer? When they join JEA International Relations to attend a wedding in Shinto us in singing or in prayer, Committee, Immanuel shrine or Buddhist temple? do we think they become Kakogawa Church – Should he follow the actions Christians? Chairman
2 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 THE LANGUAGE OF LEADERSHIP
Rev. Dr. Richard Howell
ragedy looms large cords of love, in order to be over church leadership light and salt of the society T as it often adopts the remains a big challenge for language, the values, and church to model. Does it strategies of the marketplace show the insecurity of the to explain the incomparable leadership? I think so. When mission of the church. We the identity and security is have forgotten that the sought in ethnicity, language kingdom of God is not a and colour of the skin, it is business enterprise and the challenges it encounters. The not then a sign of insecurity missio dei is not like any situation in India is alarming of leadership. plan that was formulated by not only because the church the brightest human minds. is facing unprecedented When the Bible states “God This tragedy is prevalent all persecution, is divided is love” (1 John 4:8) it shows over the world and India is no along ethnic lines, and caste God’s ways are highly exception. discrimination is also visible personal. Its more about who in the church and the way we are then what we do. Leadership is always Christian NGO’s operate. God’s personal intervention contextual and faith has to The church as a community in the painful and violent be lived out in the midst of of the Holy Spirit bound by world in Christ sets the model
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 3 THE LANGUAGE OF LEADERSHIP
Our need is to return to the old and ever fresh principle of of leadership. Jesus lived life God became one of us and incarnate “full of grace and truth” (John lived among us in order 1: 14). He fully identified to lead us out of darkness leadership with our humanity except and into a marvelous light. sin. This lesson is not taught Remarkably enough, God’s that in leadership books which chosen way for leading us hit the market selling dreams to salvation and liberation- empowers of successful researched through the humanity of principles of leadership. We Jesus- remains his preferred the easily succumb. Our need is way: incarnating divinity to return to the old and ever through humanity to love a powerless, fresh principle of incarnate hurting, sinful world. But leadership that empowers leadership fails- every time - gives hope the powerless, gives hope when it becomes mechanistic to the hopeless. While Jesus or in any way impersonal or to the said, “Do not be afraid, little relationally anaemic to all flock, for your Father has of community of Christ or to hopeless. been pleased to give you the all of God’s creation, it takes kingdom” (Luke 12: 32). We a position on a pedestal, often hear fear not big flock treating the people down you are the kingdom for we below as projects or causes have the numbers. or problems. There is no The number game gets substitute to incarnation full incentive from the phrase of grace and truth. often used: “Return on investment.” This mantra is elevated to the status of prophetic word by its worshippers. Grants fall or Rev. Dr. Richard Howell shower depending on how Asia Evangelical Alliance – you provide numbers. General Secretary
4 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 Biblical Leadership in Asian Context, an Inquiry
Dr. Bambang Budijanto
umerous articles departure from the leadership and books have concept in the Old Testament, N been written on let alone the contemporary Biblical Leadership. The understanding of leadership topic of our conversation is in the surrounding nations. whether culture and context So when we talk about in different part of the Biblical Leadership, we might world speak into and shape be referring more of the Jesus’ the expressions of Biblical and the New Testament’s idea Leadership? Would Biblical leaders in Korean churches be of leadership. Leadership expression among different than the expressions the church leaders in the US of Biblical leadership among So, what are some new differ from the expressions the Javanese Christians? And leadership concepts Jesus of Biblical leadership if so, in what way they are introduced? First, when demonstrated by the church different? Jesus compared His idea of leaders in Japan or Thailand? leadership with those of the Or in a smaller scope, would One even argues that Jesus’ world, he emphasized radical the expressions of Biblical and the New Testament’s idea servanthood, service instead leadership among the church of leadership is a significant of dominion.
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 5 BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP IN ASIAN CONTEXT, AN INQUIRY
“You know that the rulers to make disciples of all people of the Gentiles lord it over (ta ethne), wherever they go them, and their high officials (Matthew 28:19). exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, Every Christ’s follower whoever wants to become who obeys His command, great among you must be your ‘to make disciple,’ that is servant and whoever wants to to invite other people to be first must be your slave— follow her/him, is a leader. just as the Son of Man did Leadership is no So, third, Through the not come to be served, but to Great Commission Jesus has serve, and to give his life as a longer belonged democratized leadership. ransom for many.” only to the ‘blue Leadership is no longer (Matthew 20:25-28) belonged only to the ‘blue blood,’ or certain blood,’ or certain tribe, or Second, Jesus associated tribe, or certain certain class in society (caste). leadership with love, extreme Anyone who obeys Christ, love, love till the end, love class in society and disciple others in the that sacrifices the leader own (caste). same way Jesus made disciple life for the followers (Mark of the first disciples(follow 10:45), love instead of fear. Anyone who me), is a leader. obeys Christ, Having loved his own who If disciple making is were in the world, he loved and disciple leadership, its core must be them to the end others in the radical servanthood, extreme (John 13:1c) love and modeling of a total same way Jesus obedience to God (follow me). For three years Jesus showed made disciple His disciples how one should How would Christian make disciple of other of the first leadership in Indonesia, or people, the key phrase for disciples (follow Thailand or Korea translate the Jesus’ disciple making these three into the local and is “follow me” (Matthew me), is a leader. national context, both at the 4:19, 8:22, 9:9, 10:38, 16:24, church and in public sphere? 19:21, John 21:22). Just before Jesus left the world, at the end of His last 40 days with His disciples, he Dr. Bambang Budijanto revolutionized leadership Asia Evangelical Alliance concept and practice, when – Associate General he commanded His disciples Secretary
6 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 Regional religious Religious liberty trends Listed below are some recent religious liberty trends in the Liberty Trends South Asian region. These include: • Decline in secularism South Asia • Religious nationalism and the spread of religious extremism Yamini Ravindran • Government repression: legal Restrictions (blasphemy laws, registration regulations & anti-conversion laws) Religious freedom in • Social hostilities South Asia • The weak rule of law & In a study conducted by Pew culture of impunity Research , it was revealed • The use of Social media as that Christians were harassed a vehicle for hate speech either by governments or social groups, in 102 out of 198 countries (52%), 1. Decline in secularism making Christians the most In the South Asian context, persecuted community while certain countries worldwide. The study also self-identify as secular, in revealed that Muslims were religion has been used as a reality, the practices of these reportedly harassed in 99 tool in politics in South Asia states stand in contrast to countries (50%). to gain and solidify political their claims. In India, for power. instance, secularism has In the South Asian region been defined as the equal in particular, driven by the According to the World Watch treatment of religions.2 rise of religious nationalism, List (WWL) 2017, all South However, increasingly, the there has been an increase in Asian countries were listed ruling Bharatiya Janata Party religiously motivated attacks within the top 50 countries government has continued on religious minorities. This where religious persecution is to advocate for an anti- is no surprise, as, historically, most severe in the world. secular state with a dominant
1 Pew Research Centre, Trends in Global Restrictions on Religion, 23rd June 2016: http://www.pewforum.org/2016/06/23/trends-in-global-restrictions-on-religion/ 2 Seo, Hyeon-Jae. (2018), “Equal But Not Separate: India’s Secular Dilemma”, Harvard International Review: http://hir.harvard.edu/article/?a=14574
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 7 RELIGIOUS LIBERTY TRENDS SOUTH ASIA
Hindutva ideology. Elsewhere region include efforts to in South Asia, Nepal has Another growing trend within control religious groups granted the foremost place to this region has also been the and individuals in a variety the practice of the Santana spread of radical Islam. This of ways, ranging from culture, despite claiming to be is particularly prominent in registration requirements a secular state. Bangladesh and Pakistan. to discriminatory policies Furthermore, in countries like and outright bans on certain 2. The weak rule of law Sri Lanka, there has also been faiths. Most often, State and the culture of an increasing trend in the actors pass legislation impunity Arabanisation of Muslims in and regulations, claiming There has been a downward certain parts of the country. to protect vulnerable trend with regard to the communities, whereas in rule of law in South Asia. 4. Social Hostilities fact these laws are then While the region boasts of Along with the growth of used to curtail the religious laws that protect religious nationalist agendas, there freedoms of minority freedom, there has been a has also been a rise in social communities. According to notable lack of will on the hostilities against religious the Pew Research Global part of governments and law minorities across the South Trends Report, restrictions enforcement to prosecute and Asian region in recent years. on religion were high hold accountable perpetrators Social hostilies include acts of or very high in 39% of of religious liberty violations. religious hostility by private countries with around 5.5 Compounding issues further, individuals, organizations billion people (77% of the religious minorities in the or groups in society. It is world’s population) living region have fallen prey to the also noteworthy to mention in countries with a high or arbritary use of government that the majority religious very high overall level of regulations that restrict communities in most of these restrictions on religion in religious freedom. nations act as custodians 2013. of the land, which in turn 3. Religious nationalism has fuelled anti-minority 6. Social media, hate and the spread of sentiment and has paved the speech and the use of religious extremism way for violent suppression ICT laws The rise of majoritarianism of minority groups who are As noted below, the usage of and religious nationalism viewed as ‘guests’, or even the internet has grown rapidly has been a worrying ‘intruders’. in the recent years across the trend in South Asia. In South Asian region. Globally, efforts to preserve power 5. Government 3.196 billion people out of – governments across the Repression: Legal around 7 billion are active region have continued to use Restrictions on social media (53% of the nationalist sentiment to fuel Government repression entire population). Within religious tensions.3 within the South Asia the South Asian region, 20%
3 Dayal, J. (2017), Christians: India’s Other Persecuted Minority, National Herald.
8 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 RELIGIOUS LIBERTY TRENDS SOUTH ASIA
of the population are active growth of the internet has hate speech. Alarmingly, social media users with also empowered extremist Youth in these nations have Internet penetration being elements to use online also been influenced and used recorded at 36%. platforms, as vehicles for as tools to promote such hate hate campaigns, inciting campaigns. The expansion of online hatred and bias against media and its usage has had religious minorities. The most its positive and negative common platforms used for impact within South Asia. such campaigns have been Positively, larger groups of Facebook and Twitter. Yamini Ravindran human rights activists have Attorney-at-Law, LL.B been able to use online media In terms of a negative impact, Asia Evangelical Alliance for advocacy efforts. On the online media has been – Director of Religious other hand, however, the increasingly used to promote Liberty Commission
YAMINI RAVINDRAN Ex. Director, Asia Evangelical Alliance, Religious Liberty Commission
This year, by Gods grace I have been able to represent AEA, RLC in the below work: a. Compiled the World Watch List b. Conducted a Legal Consultation for South Asian lawyer defending religious freedom, we trained around 25 Christian lawyers from Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh. We also created a network of South Asian lawyers, whom we will be working with in the future. This was organized by the WEA. As the AEA, RLC Ex. Director, I organized this consultation, facilitated sessions. Furthermore, I also presented on Asia trends and issues. c. Presently, working on a draft report, looking at restrictive laws in South Asia – along with other lawyers we formed in the South Asia network.
UPCOMING EVENTS a. Thailand youth leaders training, this is organized by the WEA. I will be presenting and training youth leaders on: understanding advocacy, issues concerning Asia and effective responses b. Training in Bangladesh, organized by the WEA. I will be training persecuted pastors / churches on practical advocacy, how to respond, documentation.
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 9 THE STORY OF THE EVANGELICALS IN SINGAPORE
Dr. Chia H. L. Lawrence
or me, in my The Chinese speaking involvement as a Christians were not affected F Christian especially as as liberal theology did not it relates to our ALLIANCE have inroads into these involvement and inputs, churches. Furthermore, the Asian Biblical Leadership influence of Dr. John Sung refers to providing on these Chinese-speaking LEADERSHIP wherever/ churches had been significant whenever needed in Asia and a factor that later brought especially where Christian Christianity in Singapore had an Evangelical awakening values can be enhanced or been influenced by liberal if not revival to Singapore promoted in winsome and theology and the Ecumenical churches. Other factors were winning ways. This must of movement from the west with the influence of missionaries course done Biblically. For resulting nominalism and like those from CIM-OMF, Singapore, this leadership compromises with secular CNEC and SIM, inputs has truly brought about and other prevalent religious and ministries associated TRANSFORMATION in precepts and practices with the SINGAPORE country, community and then. This was certainly the BIBLE COLLEGE, INTER- church. For about 2 decades situation with the English VARSITY and their respective prior to the mid/late 1950s, speaking. Christian Fellowships /
10 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 The growing evangelical influence as well as the impact of the Billy Graham Crusade contributed significantly to the growing concern for MISSIONS and the challenge of seeing Singapore as one of the Antiochs of Asia.
Christian Unions (i.e. VCFs The significant change This is also important to and EUs and also GCF, in theological basis and generate confidence for our their Graduates’ Christian emphases in our churches foreign friends, investors and Fellowship), Scripture Union also led to our then Singapore partners. These have parallels (SU) and their Inter-School National Council of Churches in the evangelical revivals in Christian Fellowship (ISCFs), (NCCS) withdraw from the other counties. Youth for Christ (YFC) and Council of Churches of Asia ( Campus Crusade (CCC now CCA ) and the World Council The Charismatic movement renamed as Cru). While of Churches (WCC). The also brought about the traditional and usually Charismatic movement also considerable conversions larger denominations like brought about considerable and church growth. There is the Methodists, Anglicans, conversions and church thus the constant challenge Presbyterians and Lutherans growth. to ensure that both our were influenced by liberal individual Christians and theology, the BRETHREN, Individual Christians, churches, groups and BAPTISTS and AOGs were motivated to live out their organizations develop and not affected. But these largely faith Biblically, were grow Biblically, being fully kept to themselves then. conscious of their calling to grounded in God’s word be salt and light wherever the in precept and practice, Steadily the Evangelicals Lord has placed them. Their witnessing winsomely and grew in influence and character and conviction, winningly by life and lip. received inspiration and values and principles The need to experience impetus from the 1978 Billy including their Christian and express Christian Graham Crusade which also work ethics have been both unity, stewardship and saw the birth of EFOS. The admired and appreciated. working together would growing evangelical influence These have enabled our also be enhanced through as well as the impact of the government to serve our our evangelical faith and BG Crusade contributed people with integrity and convictions. significantly to the growing industry demonstrating concern for MISSIONS concern for the welfare and the challenge of seeing and security of the people Dr. Chia H L Lawrence Singapore as one of the and peace, progress and Asia Evangelical Alliance – Antiochs of Asia. prosperity for the country. Treasurer
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 11 NARRATIVE REPORT
South Asia Legal Consultation – ‘Defending Religious Freedom’ Colombo, 17th – 20th July, 2018
Yamini Ravindran
The South Asia Legal Consultation titled ‘Defending Religious Freedom’ was held from the 17th to the 20th July, 2018 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Consultation saw the participation of 22 lawyers and academics (in the field of law) from the South Asian region. The countries represented were Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Consultation on Defending Religious Freedom: A Legal Perspective Colombo, Sri Lanka
ersecution against ideology by group such as persecute Christians. restrictions across the Pthe church in the the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Particularly there has South Asian region, the South Asian region has In addition to also been an emerging trend World Evangelical Alliance continuously increased persecution perpetrated within this region that (WEA) and the Barnabas over the past few years. by extremist groups, requires religious places Fund will be conducting a According to the World the religious freedom of of worship or religious consultation for religious Watch List for the period Christians in the South organisations to register freedom advocates and of 2017/2018, Bangladesh, Asian region has also been with the State, in order to be lawyers in South Asia to Bhutan, India, Nepal, constrained as a result of given legal recognition or to discuss, create awareness Pakistan and Sri Lanka are government restrictions. access certain legal rights. and strategise on the below within the top 50 countries These include laws Such laws and practices topics within the region: where persecution against requiring compulsory are common, for example, 1. Legislative provisions Christians is highest.1 One registration of churches, in countries such as Sri promoting and of the main reasons behind blasphemy laws and Lanka, India, Bhutan and restricting religious this has been the rise of anti-conversion laws, Nepal. These laws are used freedom religious nationalism in the which have been imposed by extremist groups or the 2. Relevant case law & region. For instance, India discriminatorily against State, who take advantage Judicial trends and Nepal have witnessed Christians and churches in of legal restrictions and 3. Common trends and the spread of the Hindutva this region. A Pew Research registration processes challenges ideology by extremist study on government to further persecute 4. Political trends and groups such as the Rashtriya restrictions in 2015 shows Christians, who are minority culture Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that legal restrictions populations in these 5. Best practices & and its affiliates and Sri imposed by governments countries. Strategies Lanka has seen the rise of have also been used as a Considering the 6. Advocacy initiatives & the Buddhist nationalist tool by extremist groups to common trends in legal way forward
12 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 NARRATIVE REPORT
ollowing welcome Yogarajah. He took the Jagannath University. address by Godfrey participants through the Christine touched briefly F Yogarajah, the different terminology used on international instruments Deputy Secretary General and the meaning that each safeguarding freedom of of WEA, Yamini Ravindran, of them entails, such as religion, before going into the Director Religious Religious Liberty, Religious detail with regards to the Liberty Commission of AEA, Freedom, Religious Tolerance, Constitutional recognition introduced the participants the difference between given to freedom of religion in to the main objectives of the Patriotism and Nationalism the South Asian region. Consultation, namely: and Secularism. Following lunch, was 1. To create awareness, Following the tea break, a panel discussion on the identify common trends Yamini Ravindran headed topic “Rule of law and the and challenges providing the discussion on Religious Judiciary”. The panellists an opportunity for Liberty Trends in the South were: Ganesh Shreshtra, an lawyers to collaborate Asian Region. The key points advocate from Nepal, Kashif in promoting religious highlighted were the decline Alexander, an Advocate from freedom in South Asia; in secularism, the emergence Pakistan, Siju Thomas, a 2. To discuss and strategise and spread of religious lawyer from India, Probhat on effective steps, which nationalism and religious Tudu, a lawyer practising can be taken within extremism and the weak in Bangladesh and Shalomi the country, region rule of law and culture of Daniel, an Attorney-at-law and internationally, impunity. from Sri Lanka. The panel pertaining to defending Yamini also addressed was moderated by Lakshan and promoting religious restrictions on religious Dias, an Attorney-at-law from freedom and, best freedom imposed by the Sri Lanka. practices to be followed state, especially by way of This session focused when dealing with restrictive laws, such as laws mainly on judicial trends in religious liberty violations mandating registration of the South Asian region, with and issues; religious places of worship, regards to religious freedom. 3. To establish a network blasphemy laws and anti- The last session for the of religious freedom conversion laws. day focused on European advocates committed The next session for the Union (EU) Mechanisms, to promoting religious day was on an ‘Overview of with Roshan Lyman, Deputy freedom in their respective Constitutional Safeguards Head, Political Trade and countries and within the on Religious Freedom’ in Communications Section South Asian region. the South Asian region, from the EU Mission in and was conducted by Colombo, being the speaker. The second day after Christine Richardson, The session enlightened the devotions time, it was Dean, of the Faculty of participants on the June 2013 followed by the topic ‘A Law and Chairperson of EU Guidelines on promotion vision for Religious Freedom’ the Department of Land, of religious freedom and the conducted by Godfrey Management & Law of the appointment of an Envoy for
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 13 NARRATIVE REPORT
religious freedom within the EU. Lyman highlighted that the Generalized System of Preferences, (GSP) which is rights advocacy and research, Hon. M. A. Sumanthiran, a preferential tariff system provided an overview of hate President’s Counsel and providing certain tax speech in South Asia. Member of Parliament, exemptions, can be used as Following lunch, Dr. leading this session. He spoke a leverage to ensure basic Dinesha Samararatne, a senior of the spread of nationalism human rights standards, and lecturer at the Faculty of Law, across South Asia and the that the GSP plus system University of Colombo and importance of lobbying with which is in operation in Tahir Bashir, an advocate of politicians to ensure minority countries such as Sri Lanka the High Court in Pakistan, rights. and Pakistan in the South led the next session on The final day after Asian region, provides tax the theme ‘Education and devotions time, it was concessions if the country religion’. This session focused followed by participants abides by 27 Human Rights on what is education from a sharing their feedback and Conventions. Christian perspective. the lessons learnt during the The third day after The session on ‘Women course of the Consultation. devotions time, it was and persecution’ was led by Following this session, followed by a panel Advocate Ayesha Boota from the Consultation moved into discussion on the topic ‘Legal Pakistan who spoke of the the final component, with the Challenges for religious discrimination of women as a participants forecasting trends freedom’. The panellists result of restrictive laws and that may develop over the were: Ganesh Shreshtra, an conservative social practices next few years with regards advocate from Nepal, Kashif and women persecuted on to religious freedom in the Alexander, an Advocate from the grounds of faith as well as South Asian region. Pakistan, Sanbha Rumong, a gender. Thereafter, possible lawyer from India, Shubradev Thereafter, Daniel Singh, measures that can be taken Tripura, a lawyer practising Chief Information Officer for in order to address these in Bangladesh, Timothy the Barnabas Fund in India, issues were discussed, such Dorji, head of the Bhutan spoke on Digital Security. He as addressing common issues Evangelical Alliance and enlightened the participants in the region collectively, Shalomi Daniel, an Attorney- on important and practical sharing resource material, at-law from Sri Lanka. The measures to ensure that the working with progressive panel was moderated by information and work carried civil society members in the Yamini Ravindran. out by the participants is safe local scene, and collectively Thereafter, Roshini and well protected. lobbying internationally Wickremesinhe, a lawyer The final session for for religious freedom in the and consultant engaged in the day was on ‘Political region. religious freedom and human trends in South Asia’ with
14 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 Youth Commission Report
Rev. Dr. Joseph J. Lee
AEA – DIRECTOR OF YOUTH COMMISSION
September 11th, 2018 According to the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, servant leadership can be regarded as 1. The Servant Leadership in Korea one of the core biblical values. In particular, In regard to the uniqueness of the Asian biblical it has been an even more profound meaning leadership from the Korean sociocultural and value in Korea where the hierarchical perspective, “servant leadership” can be Confucian culture still remains in its society considered as the most distinctive feature. as a cultural heritage. For the past 130 years The servant leadership must be a core value of and more, the Korean church has been serving Christian leaderships worldwide, but it has a the areas of education, medicine, arts, and more special meaning in the Korean context. the like. The considerable number of charity The hierarchical human relationship became a organizations in Korea was founded and run significant trait of Korean culture in that Korean by a Christian spirit and actively served the culture during the Chosun dynasty (1392- marginalized in the society. In conclusion, 1910) had been predominantly influenced by “servant leadership” has played a distinctive Confucian culture. This trait has been deeply role in Korea as the value of the Asian biblical embedded in Korean society and culture as a leadership. basic element along with shamanism thus far. 2. News Releases Concerning However, Christianity in Korea after the first National Youth Commissions Protestant Korean church had established in AEA’s youth commission has been trying the late 19th century showed a new model to introduce youth ministries of member of human relationship as servant leadership. alliances to youths in Asia. In particular, the This is a critical turnover or shift of Korean alliances from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal traditional culture, as well as continues to specifically shared their activities and events. influence Korean society in general. Namely, The youth commission strives to inform more traditional Korean vertical relationship among people of these via media platforms. Hence, individuals could be changed into a horizontal there have been several newspaper articles one and an even serving one due to an influx of released about it. The attached files are a couple Christianity in Korea. of pictures related to the respective activities done by the national commission.
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 15 YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT
Summer Youth Camp in Bhutan
Youth Leaders Workshop in Bangladesh
Nepal Christian Youth Congress
16 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 osted by the Asia China, New Zealand, Papua AEA HEvangelical Alliance, New Guinea and Uzbekistan). PGLII (The Fellowship GENERAL of Indonesia Evangelical The General Assembly Churches and Institutions), unanimously accepted the ASSEMBLY Integrated Village Ministry report presented by the AEA (PESAT), and a local Executive Committee (2012- AND church in Bandung, 187 2016) and its Commissions key leaders, observers accepted the report of ASIA and doctorate students on the commended the able Theology in Mission from 19 leadership of Rev. Dr. David, CHURCH countries, the Four-Yearly Sang-Bok, Kim, Ph.D. The General Assembly of Asia General Assembly has also IN MISSION Evangelical Alliance was honored and gratefully held in Bandung, Indonesia accepted the resignation CONGRESS simultaneously with a of Rev. Dr. David, Sang- Mission Congress, under the Bok, Kim and endorsed BANDUNG, INDONESIA theme of Ethical Leadership the appointment of Rev. AUG 30 – SEP 1, 2016 and Authentic Discipleship. Dr. Paul Ueki, Ph.D., as the The participants represent 13 new chairman of the AEA member countries and 5 non- Executive Committee for the member countries (Australia, period of 2016-2020.
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 17 AEA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2016
The new Executive Committee for the period of 2016-2020, is as follows: Mission Congress The church in Asia, as in Executive Council many parts of the world is Chairman Rev. Paul H. Ueki., Japan cautiously navigating its General Secretary Rev. Dr. Richard Howell, India. missions and ministries in Associate General Secretary Dr. Bambang Budijanto, Indonesia a world increasingly driven Treasurer Dr. Chia, H.L. Lawrence, Singapore by ‘goals’ and ‘success.’ In such environment, quite Members Mr. Godfrey Yogarajah, Sri Lanka often numbers, revenues and Rev. Dr. Ronny Mandang, M.Th, Indonesia bottom line measurements Bishop Philip Adhikary, Bangladesh took precedence over ethic Rev. Dr. Manoch Jangmook, Thailand and relationship. Bishop Noel A. Pantoja, Philippines Rev. Ok Gi Lee, South Korea Questions have been raised, whether ‘leadership’ is Commission Directors biblical or what make a Mission Commission Mr. Lawrence Ko, Singapore leadership a Christian one? Family Commission Rev. Mathew Ling, Singapore People have put different Youth Commission Rev. Dr. Joseph J. Lee, South Korea adjectives to describe what Children Commission Rev. Tri Budiardjo, M.Th, Indonesia kind of leadership represents Intra Faith Commission Bishop Philip Adhikary, Bangladesh both the organizational Church Relation Commission Rev. Dr. Ajai Lall, India and the Christian nature Women Commission Dr. Yoon He Kim, South Korea of leadership. Terms such Religious Liberty Ms. Yamini Ravindran, Sri Lanka as, Effective Leadership, Information Technology Mrs. Seri Lee, South Korea Impactful Leadership, Theological Commission Dr. DoHong Jou, South Korea Servant Leadership, Authentic Leadership, Successful Leadership, Influential Leadership, Relational Leadership, Level-5 Leadership and Biblical Leadership are widely circulated and studied by church leaders around the world.
In an increasingly global world and the holistic expression of our missions, LEFT TO RIGHT. Dr. Bambang Budijanto (Associate General Secretary). Rev. Dr. David, shortfall of common practice Sang-Bok, Kim (outgoing Chairman). Rev. Dr. Richard Howell (General Secretary) in Christian leadership,
18 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 AEA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2016
one term critically needs expounding further is “Ethical Leadership.” What is ethical leadership? Does our leadership and services need to be “ethically” expressed? Who has the right define whether a leadership or service is ethical? What if ethical standard collide with results or the achievements of our missions? Where does leadership development The valuation of the Ethical Leadership reside in is Disciple Making, and participants in average score Biblical discourse? disciple making is the the sessions at 7.80 to 10 Strategy, the Mandate, the scale. The participants are On other dimension, the very Commission Jesus entrusted especially thankful and core of Christian Mission to us to achieve the Goal of blessed by two Biblical entrusted to the church is our Mission, which is the Reflection ministered by Rev. “to make disciple,” which leadership in business of the CB Samuel. All participants is to LEAD . . . ALL PEOPLE KINGDOM OF GOD. highly appreciate the (ta ethne) (all races, all ages, The Asia Evangelical Alliance presentations of the topics all nationalities, all religions Church in Mission Congress on Raising Laborers (Bishop wherever they are located and senses the importance, Efraim Tendoro), Ethical in their spiritual journey), timely and strategic nature Leadership – Asian Context from the state of “FAR of our gathering, as such and Evangelical Perspective FROM CHRIST, to a state of that we have chosen the (Rev. Dr. Richard Howell), “CLOSE TO CHRIST,” and following theme: ETHICAL Ethical Leadership in the becoming “LIKE CHRIST.” LEADERSHIP, AUTHENTIC Biblical and Theological In a sense, the core business DISCIPLESHIP AND THE Discourse (Rev. Dr. Paul of the church is to grow KINGDOM OF GOD Ueki), Leadership as by producing, equipping, Discipleship – The Next resourcing, supporting its The Congress, allocated 2 Generation (Bambang members to LEAD . . . ALL Biblical Reflection and 8 Budijanto, Ph.D.), Redefining PEOPLE in the journey of plenary sessions to explore Global Mission from the become like Christ. In turn, and the expound on the perspective of Authentic these disciples in the making theme, beside 4 Breakout Discipleship (Lawrence Ko), (all of us, including those we Sessions on practical Ethical Leadership, Local lead) are also tasked with the applications in the context Church and the Kingdom same MANDATE of “Making of Youth & Children, Family, of God (Rev. Dr. Wirachai Disciple” of “LEADING.” It Community and present Kowae), The Indonesian is essentially that biblical Global Digital World. Stories on Global Mission:
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 19 AEA MISSION COMMISION
Approaches, Strategies, Trends and Challenges (Dr. AEA EXCO AND Iman Santoso, Ph.D.) and Stories on Younger Leaders MISSION COMMISSION and Mission Engagement (Rev. Dr. Ronny Mandang and ENGAGEMENT Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah). 2009-2016 The AEA Mission Commission and the Organizing Committee are very grateful and would 2009 like to thank the followings, for their generosity and partnership in hosting the AEA GA and CICM 2016: • The New Covenant Church, Bandung under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Bambang H. Wijaya for serving as the host church and committee for the event. • The Fellowship of Indonesia Evangelical March 16-20, 2009 AEA Co Sponsor Asia Churches and Institutions, Chiang Mai, Thailand Emerging Leaders Summit 3 for their partnership in hosting the event. • PESAT Foundation for providing the administrative support for the event.
Dr. Bambang Budijanto November 2009 AEA Mission Consultation Chairman, Bali, Indonesia Organizing Committee
20 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 AEA EXCO & MISSION COMMISION ENGAGEMENT 2009-16
November 2009 AEA Mission Commission launched the Corruption Kills Campaign,
2010
March 2010 AEA Mission Commission Publication: EMERGING MISSION MOVEMENTS: Voices of Asia,
2011
April 2011 Bangkok, Thailand AEA Mission Consultation
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 21 AEA EXCO & MISSION COMMISION ENGAGEMENT 2009-16
2012
April 16-18, 2012 New Delhi, India AEA General Assembly and Mission Conference 2012
2013
February 2013 Korea AEA Co Sponsored the 4/14 Missiological Conference 2014
January 11-14 2014 Chiang Mai, Thailand AEA Co Sponsored Asia Emerging Leaders Conference on Leading in Public Sphere 2016
Aug 30 – Sep 1, 2016 Bandung, Indonesia Asia Congress on Ethical Leadership and Authentic Discipleship
22 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 INFO AEA 2016
August 31, 2016 Bandung, Indonesia Leadership transition of the Asia Evangelical Alliance’s Chairman, from Rev. Dr. David Sangbok Kim to Rev Paul Ueki
August 31, 2016 Bandung, Indonesia AEA General Assembly
2017
February 2017 Bangkok Thailand AEA Executive Council Annual Meeting
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 23 INFO AEA
December 5-7, 2017 Korea AEA EXCO Special Meeting
Rev. Daniel Kim, Senior Pastor of the Hallelujah Community Church Korea, led the opening devotion.
December 2017 Korea AEA Relief and Development Commission was launched under the leadership of Bishop Noel Pantoja.
24 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 INFO AEA
December 2017 Korea AEA Strategic Workshop, Redefining Mission and Vision of AEA.
2018
April 2018 Penang, Malaysia AEA Executive Council Meeting
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 25 7.4 M Epicenter of quake Lende Earthquake Magnitude 7.5 and Tsunami GULF OF Disaster in TOMINI Palu City and
MAKASSAR Donggala STRAIT – Central Area of strongest Sulawesi shaking
Tsunami entered bay
The largest wave on Friday crested over electricity poles in Donggala Donggala. PALU INFOGRAPHIC: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/10/01/world/asia/map-tsunami-indonesia.html INFOGRAPHIC: BAY
Palu
Hundreds were killed and nearly A tsunami hit Donggala and 17,000 were made homeless in Palu city in Central Sulawesi on Palu, where buildings collapsed and waves reached as high as 18 Friday evening, triggered by a 7.4 feet. magnitude earthquake that rocked In two neighborhoods in Palu — the province at 5:02 p.m. Jakarta Balaroa and Petobo — more than 2,500 buildings were destroyed time. The epicenter of the quake is when the soil beneath them was about 27 kilometers northeast of liquefied by the earthquake. Donggala and 10 km deep. SULAWESI
26 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 LATEST NEWS
rior to the earthquake, in the afternoon, Donggala regency was hit This is a bridge that spanned the mouth of the Palu River before the P by a 6.0 magnitude quake that killed disaster. (Source: Google Earth) at least one and injured several others. The quake struck about 2 km north of Donggala at a depth of 10 km and lasted 10 seconds. The earthquake was followed by several aftershocks of magnitudes between 3.2 and 5. The main quake was felt in Donggala, Palu and Poso.
Soon after the evening quake, a tsunami warning for Central Sulawesi was issued at 5:07 p.m. The warning, however, was revoked Here’s the same bridge after the tsunami. (Source: Carl Court/Getty Images) around 30 minutes later. because communications are still cut off. A It was only later that the BNPB confirmed team has been dispatched to the regency. that a tsunami had occurred. Its wave reached 1.5 meters high and hit, among The number of victims was likely to increase other structures, Palu Grand Mall and because the rescue teams have yet to reach Baiturrahman Mosque, both located near other affected areas. the coastline. On Tuesday October 2nd, the National The Central Sulawesi administration has Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) declared a 14-day state of emergency, announced that at least 1.234 people are from Sept. 28 to Oct. 11. According to dead, 99 missing and 799 injured as rescue Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Central Sulawesi’s teams scoured the ravaged city of Palu, and population reached nearly 3 million people 61.000 evacuated. in 2016. From the total, Palu city was home to at least 374,000 residents and Donggala The BNPB announced on Tuesday that the regency at least 296,400 people. death toll has risen to 1.234.
At around 2 p.m. on Saturday, the BNPB BNPB also estimates 71 foreign tourists announced that at least 384 people are have been affected by the earthquake and dead, 29 missing and 540 injured as rescue tsunami. Authorities had found 66 of the teams scoured the ravaged city of Palu. foreigners and declared them safe.
Updated numbers of the victims show that 384 people died, 29 are missing and 540 Source are injured. Donggala is still unreachable The Jakarta Post & Concord
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 27 Update Current After seeing and assessing the impact of the earthquake and Condition In Palu tsunami disaster in Palu City and Donggala - Central Sulawesi, City – Central PGLII (NEA in Indonesia) has done and planned to do things, Sulawesi as follows:
1. The fundraising collected for Central Sulawesi as of October The volunteer team arrived 1st amounted to IDR 60 million, and according to the at 6:30 p.m. after traveling information from government the urgent need for victims about 30 hours by bringing is drinking water and rice / foods. logistics. The logistics that 2. Starting October 1st, 2018, the Jelambar Command Post were brought was blocked (PGLII) is opened operationally to accommodate donated but could be carried safely goods. to be directly distributed. 3. There will be part timer personnels who will alternately stand by at the Command Post who will be tasked with The conditions of Palu city receiving and registering incoming donated goods. are prone to looting and 4. It is targeted that this week the PGLII will deliver the like a dead city at night. donated goods needed. Shops, schools, gas stations 5. PGLII will re-issue a circular letter for the PGLII members at were all closed and there the soonest. were looting of shops, bank 6. The community services of PGLII have prepared operational atm, and schools. The food cars (Grandmax) for donated goods delivery transportation. stock is getting less and 7. The collection of donations will be collected in their runs out in all stores, and respective churches, and then will be sent to Halim the fuel stock is very limited. Perdana Kusuma (Jakarta) airport by using Indonesian Military-owned aircraft to be sent directly to Palu city. The entry and exit points of For churches that do not have a place to accommodate Palu city are very difficult to donation goods, they can send it to the PGLII Command be passed, many paths that Post. are landslide, bridges and many roads that are broken cannot be passed. There Donated goods can be sent to PGLII Command is no unity in coordination Post in Jelambar area, Jakarta with address between government agencies/ parties and rather below: chaotic, and exodus out of Palu is happening. JAKARTA COMMAND POST Jl. Pangeran Tubagus Angke Blok A No.20/A-31 (next to RD Jabar Agung) - Jelambar Baru, Grogol Petamburan Jakarta Barat. Updated by Yosmart Volunteer in Palu City Telp: +62 21 7252831 or direct call to Phone: +62 81 1420 2265 Deddy Madong: +62 811 820 959
28 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 UPCOMING EVENTS
AEA Executive Council Meeting and Celebrating AEA Milestones Bangkok, Thailand • February 26-28, 2019
Main Agenda Honoring Rev. Dr. Richard Howell for more than 10 years of dedicated service and leadership as the AEA General Secretary; Inauguration of AEA office in Bangkok; The Launch of the new planning process for AEA with the leaders of the National Alliances and the Directors of AEA Commissions.
World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly Bali, Indonesia • November 7-13, 2019
OCT/NOV 2018 Newsletter 29 PRAYER POINTS
PLEASE TAKE TIME SUMMARY PRAYER FROM EFOS TO PRAY FOR THE (EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP OF SINGAPORE) PEOPLE OF PALU AND DONGGALA- CENTRAL 1. Year 2018 marks the 40th Anniversary of the BILLY GRAHAM SULAWESI: CRUSADE in Singapore in 1978 which saw the birth of EFOS. The partnership and prayer of EFOS with BGEA has resulted • For the security in EFOS and NCCS (National Council of Churches) to jointly conditions to be safely sponsor a nation-wide outreach, CELEBRATION OF HOPE for controlled, the police May 17-19, 2019. can immediately take 2. EFOS served as the legal entity/sponsor for our nation-wide control of the residents MISSIONS CONFERENCE, GOFORTH in June 21-23, held and volunteers security once every 3-4 years, driven by various MISSION AGENCIES over there. in Singapore and where leadership has been provided by • For logistics distribution Lawrence Ko, the AEA Mission Director. of foods, basic needs, 3. Alongside others, EFOS and her leaders have been prayerfully and fuel could be and carefully involved in giving various inputs in preparing distributed to residents. fellow Christians and churches in view of the very strong, • For the revitalization concerted and determined LGBT efforts, inroads and lobby. process of roads, bridges, Essentially we have advocated for various Christian groups the exit and entry points and individuals a MULTI-STRATEGY, PRONG, PLATFORM, of Palu and other areas VOCAL APPROACH. in Central Sulawesi could be immediately implemented and completed.
PLEASE • Please pray for the preparations and participants of AEA Executive Council Meeting in Bangkok next year. PRAY • Please pray for the preparations and participants of WEA General Assembly in Bali next year. • Please pray for the people of Palu and Donggala – Central Sulawesi who were affected by the Earthquake and Tsunami disaster. • Please pray for many minority people groups in Asia especially in South Asia who were restricted on religious freedom and got persecuted.
30 Newsletter OCT/NOV 2018 We are pleased to announce the launch of AEA brand new website!
www.asiaea.org
“We do hope that this website and other AEA media will help AEA community much stronger and more effective in fulfilling our call in Asia and beyond.”
– Dr. Bambang Budijanto – AEA, Associate General Secretary [email protected] www.asiaea.org