SIM International Director Malcolm McGregor

Asia bustles with three of every five people on the planet. This vast continent is both the ancient birthplace of Buddhism and Hinduism (plus many variations) and home to the world’s largest populations of Muslims and communists/atheists. Millions continue to practice folk religions in an attempt to appease the spirits they believe control their lives. In the secular arena, many predict that China and India will be the economic giants of the 21st century. So where is Jesus in this crucible of cultures and religions? Despite atrocities against Christians across the centuries, increasing numbers of Asians are becoming followers of Christ.

SIM workers have served in South Asia for decades; and with changing political situations, God has recently opened doors for us to partner creatively with like-minded ministries in Central Asia. More exciting still is that through the SIM sending offices of East Asia and Korea, growing numbers of Asian Christians are joining SIM teams within Asia and around the world.

In 2004, SIM conducted a strategic review called “Seize the Day.” Prayerful analysis of the hundreds of responses led us to a fresh understanding of how SIM must meet the future. Now we are implementing our renewed mandate under the term “Faith Effects,” based on 2 Peter 1:3-11. Engaging Asia for Christ is high among the priorities God has set for us!

Dr. Howard Brant, deputy international director for Asia and East Africa tells this story:

I was on an overnight flight from Thailand to Korea. I boarded the plane in Bangkok on the evening of December 3, 1993, found a row of empty seats and lay down for the night. But I awoke after a couple of hours, and realized that the new day was December 4, 1993—exactly one hundred years after the three young co-founders of SIM had landed on the coast of West Africa. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. The video screen was tracking our flight path, and at that moment we were over the very heart of China. Suddenly my heart was full and I cried out to God, “Lord, just as you blessed us in Africa in our first century, would you be pleased to bless us in Asia in our second century!”

SIM is a gospel community committed to partnering the whole church in world mission. In the pages that follow, it is our high privilege to share news and stories from SIM workers and our partners in Asia. Some of the stories we can freely tell. In others, names and places are changed or left unmentioned because of security concerns. In these stories you will see examples of other high priorities for SIM: partnership, mentoring and discipleship, sacrifice, prayer, faith, and equipping church leaders. As you read, keep your eyes and ears open for the voice of the Holy Spirit. We welcome your participation with SIM in Asia. Please contact your nearest SIM Sending office to discover ways you may get involved.