How does Asian Access plant churches?
Asian Access forms networks of Japanese churches in an area, trains and coaches the pastors in the church planting process, and provides a church planting missionary and an Associate for 3 years to start a new Japanese church. Each new church is under the leadership of the Japanese pastor from the very beginning. The Associate's focus is meeting people and building relationships for sharing the Gospel. Top
What do Church Planting Associates do?
They build relationships. Associates build relationships with Japanese in their area through setting up ministries such as English classes, leading cooking classes, learning Japanese arts, drama programs, etc. Throughout these activities, they connect their Japanese friends to the Japanese church and pastor.
They use their gifts and interests. Associates are given freedom to discover and test their spiritual giftedness while under the guidance of Asian Access' church planting missionaries. Each Associate's experiences differ according to one's placement, church situation and interests.
They learn about church planting. Associates meet with other Associates, church planters and Japanese pastors within their own regional church planting network to share and learn from others also starting new churches.
They minister and grow in community. Associates gain spiritual nourishment and support from their primary ministry team (the Japanese pastor, church members, and church planting missionary), and from their extended ministry community: other Associates, Asian Access missionaries and staff. Associates participate in an annual mission-wide retreat in a beautiful mountain setting where the 1998 Nagano Olympics were held and in a regional Day of Prayer. Top
What kind of a support network does Asian Access provide for Associates?
Asian Access surrounds you with relational support for your ministry. There will be bi-weekly meetings with other missionaries and Associates for spiritual nourishment, encouragement, and prayer. You will have opportunities to learn about church multiplication at network meetings with other missionaries and Japanese pastors. At least twice a year you will gather with all Asian Access missionaries for a weekend retreat to celebrate what God is doing. You'll work closely with your assigned career missionaries, as well as reporting to the Japanese pastor. In addition, you will be supported by the administrative staff in our Tokyo office. Top
I'm considering full-time ministry or cross-cultural missions. Would this be a good program for me? Yes! The Associate Program is designed to be a springboard for those who want to see if God is truly leading them to commit their lives into full-time missions. Discover and nurture your spiritual gifts. Learn from Japanese friends and ministry partners. Gain practical ministry experience. Grow through mentoring relationships with Asian Access staff. See God provide as you raise financial and prayer support!
If you are thinking about full time ministry or cross-cultural missions, Asian Access' Church Planting program is a great way to gain God's heart for the nations. You will undoubtedly benefit from your time with Japanese Christians. Top
We are married and have children. We need detailed information about support raising, language training, family support, and education for our children.
Asian Access has just recently expanded the Church Planting Associate program to include families with children. We are still in the process of developing the support profile for families, and unfortunately, many of the details are still not settled. Your support profile would be more like our Church Planter support profile with the exception that a Japanese church would subsidize over 30% of your costs given the fact that you and your family could commit to 3 years. Three years is the time span it takes to start and plant a Japanese church in the networks that are established in the various regions of Japan. The cost of a Church Planter is significantly more that the cost of an Associate. Please look at the comparison chart in the attachment.
Support requirements increase when language training (you can opt to do language training in Japan or in the USA) and children's education is added. Incidentally, many of Asian Access' missionaries are opting to do home schooling, which cuts costs. If you have further questions about language training and education, contact Jeff Johnston at 1-800-543-3678. Top
Why do you only have two departure dates? First, September and March works best for the Japanese host churches. These are logical entry points for launching new ministry activities in Japan. Second, it is most efficient for Asian Access to train a group of Associates together, as well as debrief them together when they return. Top
Qualifications Questions What are the qualifications for being an associate?
Church Planting Associate Qualifications:
1) Love Jesus Christ & have been a Christian for at least 1 year by time of application.
2) U.S. or Canadian citizen/resident.
3) Native or fluent English speaker.
4) At least 21 years old or completed 2 years of college by departure.
5) Active member of a local church.
6) Your local church must endorse your participation and agree with Asian Access’ statement of faith.
7) Self-starter, flexible, with previous ministry and cross-cultural experience.
8) Actively shares faith.
9) Commits to raise funds for assignment and complete all training materials.
10) Baptized prior to departure.
Note: Couples with kids must commit to 3-year terms. 5) Subscribe to Asian Access' statement of faith
6) Your local church must endorse your participation
7) Preferred: self-starter, flexible, previous cross-cultural experience
8) Couples with kids must commit to 3-year terms Top
I have never gone on a mission trip. Do I still qualify? Possibly, though Asian Access may recommend summer teams first. Your next step should be to talk with a Mobilization Specialist to discuss your particular situation. Call us toll-free at 1-800-543-3678. Top
Do I need to know Japanese?
No, Japanese language is not required to qualify. However, learning the language will certainly help in your adjustment to Japan, as well as in deepening the impact of your ministry. So it is recommended that you start by taking Japanese classes and try meeting Japanese people living in your area before departing for Japan. Top
Do I have to be knowledgeable about church planting or have related experience? No, absolutely not. It's great if you do, but the strength of our program is that you will get to learn first-hand and play a key role in the church planting process by working with your Church Planting team. Your team consists of Asian Access' church planters, your Japanese pastor and church members, and others involved in the regional network. The experienced Asian Access missionary in the region will mentor you. Finally, you will learn much by building relationships with Japanese non-Christians. Top
Does LIFE allow couples with children to go as Associates?
Yes, but keep in mind that you will need to make a 3-year commitment. This is related to the time it takes a family to adjust to living in Japan, as well as the cost of opening a larger apartment there. Obviously, your support requirements will also understandably be higher than singles and couples with no children. Top
I am a Japanese citizen. Can I serve with Asian Access? Yes, this may be possible. Several Japanese, who have lived in the U.S. for a period of time, have served in Japan with Asian Access. A Japanese citizen working with Asian Access would need to have very good English language skills (i.e., roughly the level of a native speaker). Top
I am not American, Canadian, or Japanese. Does Asian Access send missionaries from other countries?
At this time, Asian Access is not equipped to train, supervise and develop individuals from other countries for ministry in Japan. You might want to check out www.ShortTermMissions.com for other ministry opportunities. Top
I am a new Christian. What do I need to do to qualify?
You need to be a Christian for at least one year. Your main focus should be to grow in Christ, as you serve as an active member of a local church body, where others can endorse your ministry calling. Beyond that, there are additional qualifications listed above. Top
Application Questions How do I get an application for the Church Planting Associates program?
We recommend that you download the application materials using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Be sure to read the instructions for "How to Apply," before downloading the application and reference forms. Or you can contact us directly to request an electronic copy in MS Word format sent via email or hard copies mailed to you. Contact us at
or 1-800-543-3678 Top
What does the application process look like?
There are four phases in the application process:
Application:
Application form + attitudinal questions + doctrinal questions
Self-reference
6 references
post-secondary school transcripts
Phone Interview: 90-minute phone call with one or two Asian Access staff members.
Psychological Assessment (MMPI inventory)
Personal Screening Interview
If everything with your phone interview (#2) goes well, we would then have you take a psychological assessment (MMPI) and schedule a personal screening interview in our Los Angeles office -- preferably on a Thursday or Friday. If accepted, there would a brief orientation meeting during your trip to the Los Angeles office. Then the support development process begins! Top
What is the difference between the "Spiritual References" and "General References" forms?
Some of your references may be Christians (e.g., pastor, Bible study leader, mentor) and some (e.g., maybe former teachers or employers) may not. Spiritual Reference forms are to be given to Christians, while the General Reference form should be provided for non-Christians. The general form is scaled down, removing the "spiritual qualities" section, so as not to cause embarrassment for your non-Christian references. They would not feel comfortable to rate you on how appropriately you deal with sin in your life, for instance. Top
How should I distribute my reference forms?
LIFE requires a total of 6 reference forms from people of your choosing So please distribute the "Spiritual" form to the Christians in your list of 6. Provide the "General" reference form to any non-Christians on your list.
You can download reference forms from www.lifejapan.org/forms. Print 6 copies and write your name on the appropriate line at the top of each. Then distribute a form to 6 different people who know you well, along with a stamped envelope, addressed to:
Asian Access Associates Program
PO Box 200
San Dimas, CA 91773 USA
Please have your references return their form to our office within 2 weeks. Top
We are a married couple hoping to apply. Do both of us need to complete the application? Yes. Husband and wife should complete the entire application, including references, phone interview, etc. Asian Access will screen each person separately and also screen you as a couple collectively. We want to make sure each person is qualified for a ministry assignment in Japan. Top
Preparation Questions What services does Asian Access provide?
Once an individual is accepted into the Associate Program, a Asian Access staff member will be assigned to guide the new Associate through the process of building a financial and prayer support team, obtaining a visa, and preparing for service in Japan. Upon acceptance, materials will also be provided which will help the Associate understand more about living and ministering in Japan and the process for getting there. Top
Will I need to obtain a visa? Yes. Everyone who stays in Japan longer than 90 days must have a visa. Asian Access takes care of obtaining the necessary documents. The first step is getting a Certificate of Eligibility, which is issued by Japan's immigration bureau. We will need you to fill out some paperwork and provide 4 passport photos. Asian Access will send the paperwork to our Tokyo office to obtain the certificate of eligibility – a process that can take up to 3 months. Once received, our U.S. office applies for the visa at the consulate nearest your permanent home address. We will need your passport in-hand for this last step, which usually only takes about 3 business days. Japan will only issue visas for 12 months at a time. They must be renewed annually. Top
How does processing or deputation differ for Canadian citizens?
Canadian Associates are processed largely in the same way as their U.S. counterparts with exceptions in the area of support raising, taxes & health insurance, and visas.
Canadian Associates receive a support profile prepared in both U.S. & Canadian dollars. U.S. donors can send their donations to our San Dimas PO Box. Canadian donors must send their donations to our affiliate, Asian Access-Canada, in order to receive a tax deduction. Their address is as follows:
Asian Access
Nordel Postal Outlet
PO Box 33016
Delta, BC V4C 8E6
Asian Access-Canada handles receipting for Canadian donors and assists our Canadian Associates with payroll tax and health insurance payments to their national and provincial governments. The U.S. office receives periodic reports from the Canada office and performs support tracking prior to departure.
There may be slight variations to the visa process for Canadian citizens, but it usually takes 1-3 months. Top
Training Questions What kind of training will I receive?
Asian Accesss values effective training and ongoing development. So as an Associate, you can expect:
a pre-field manual with information you will need
access to a specialist in the Los Angeles office to answer your pre-field questions
2-volume video series on how to raise support, plus access to a proven support development consultant
3 days of orientation at Asian Access' Los Angeles office
2-3 weeks of in-depth training upon arrival in Japan
ongoing mentoring from an experienced church planter, including meetings every 1-2 weeks
regular church planting network meetings with other Associates, church planters and Japanese pastors
Will I receive language training?
There are various options for language training, with a wide range of costs. The most expensive option is intensive language study at a language school. You would need to raise additional support above the program costs to cover language courses. On the inexpensive side, you may select a CD-ROM language study application or a local volunteer language program in your prefecture. You also might choose to hire a language tutor (e.g., college student) to teach you in areas you want help. Innovative Associates swap English tutoring with someone who can teach them some Japanese. Top
Placement Questions How is placement determined?
Our staff in Japan make placement decisions by prayerfully taking into account several factors which impact where you will be placed. Here are the primary variables, listed in order of priority.
Church Selection: First we select those visionary Japanese pastors and congregations within our training networks which make a commitment to multiply their churches. Among 7,500 evangelical churches in Japan, only a handful would fit our criteria to enter a church planting project.
Timing: The second placement factor is timing and coordination. This refers to the launch dates for the project and when an Associate will actually arrive in Japan. It is crucial for Asian Access to place workers into church planting projects when the churches are ready to multiply. Related to this is how long the Associate has committed to be in Japan. All church planting projects run three years from start to finish. Associates who go for 2 or 3 years are eligible to be involved in the launching of a church plant. (One year Associates will usually only be placed in church plants during the final year of the 3-year project.) This is because Year 1 is largely composed of team formation (i.e., pastor, Associate and church members) and strategy formation (i.e., how to plant the church).
Good Fit: Another set of factors relates to finding a good fit between Associates and Japanese churches. Here are some of the variables influencing your specific placement (not listed in any particular order):
Similar ministry interests and outreach activities
Associate's gifts, skills, abilities (including Japanese language) and hobbies
Theological compatibility
Partnership or existing relationship between a given sending organization and a host church
Personality and make-up of the Associate and potential compatibility with experienced regional Team Leader (i.e., The Associate's supervisor/mentor)
Preferences of the host church (e.g., gender) or of the individual Associate (e.g., Osaka) Top
When will I find out my placement? A few days after the final support deadline, usually one month before departure, Asian Access' leadership in Japan communicates their final placement decision (prefecture and church) to the Asian Access U.S. office. At that time, your candidate coordinator will contact you by phone to give you the details of your ministry assignment. Placement can not be made earlier because this is dependent on the number of people reaching their support goal, the number and location of Associate position openings, and ultimately making the best match between the churches and the Associates. Top
What will my living situation be like?
Each Associate's accommodation is unique because the Japanese church arranges housing and prepares everything before your arrival. There have been two scenarios with our Associates.
Homestay: You will live in a house with one of your Japanese church members or the pastor's family. This can be a tremendously beneficial experience in many ways: deepens your relationship with a Japanese Christian, accelerates your language learning, and experience more of Japanese culture.
Apartment: A Japanese apartment is often very different from our Western concept of an apartment, primarily because they tend to be very small living quarters. Each apartment comes furnished with the basic items and you will receive a list to know the specifics provided after support raising is completed. Top
Financial Questions How do I pay for my ministry?
Asian Access is a faith mission that requires each of its missionaries to raise his/her own personal support to cover stuff like airfare, training, salary and some living expenses. Asian Access will help equip each missionary for this task. The good news is that your Japanese host church will help considerably by subsidizing over 20% of your expenses.
In 2010, the approximate support needed for a single Associate is (amounts in $US):
When does my support need to be raised? There are two benchmarks. You need to reach 85% of your required overall support level in order for Asian Access to purchase your departing airline ticket and 100% to actually board the plane. Your goal is to reach this first benchmark 8 weeks before departure. In other words…
For departure in: Reach 85% by Reach 100% by
September July 15 Departure (Sept. 9)
March January 13 Departure (March 9) Top
What happens if I cannot raise support by the deadline?
This is a firm deadline since we must confirm with our Japan staff about the status of our Associates the next day. Our Japan staff then sends confirmation to the Japanese churches and final placement is made. If something happens and you're not able to raise support by the deadline or if you are not able to go at the last minute, you have two options:
You can defer for 6 months and continue raising support to go the next departure date.
If you decide definitely not to go, your donors will be given the option of having their money refunded or donated to Asian Access' general ministry fund. We will send a letter to those donors who have sent in funds to present this option to them. If they request a refund, they'll receive a check within 2~3 weeks after we receive their request, which must include their original tax-deductible receipt, issued by Asian Access.
Just recently, two Associates climbed from 65% and 55% to 85+% on the very day of the deadline! Sometimes God uses these deadlines to motivate people to give. On the other hand, not reaching this benchmark is probably God's timing telling you to wait for 6 months until the next available departure date. Top
What do the initial expenses cover?
Initial expenses include the following:
Processing and training Associates in the U.S. and Japan
Certain support raising costs (e.g., prayer cards, postage, stationery, and copying services)
Airfare and travel costs in getting an Associate between the U.S. and Japan
Some furnishings in Japan
1st year of auto insurance in Japan
Shipping allowance for personal goods from Japan to the U.S.
An administrative charge for support functions provided by the ministry
Pre-field language learning prior to departure (optional-additional expense)
Shipping of personal goods from the U.S. to Japan (optional – additional expense) Top
What do the monthly expenses cover?
Monthly expenses include the following:
Personal allowance
U.S. Social Security taxes & medical insurance
Japan Income Taxes & health insurance
On-field language learning
Some automobile expenses
Telephone allowance
Prayer letter expenses
Mission retreat expenses
Auto insurance beyond 1 year
An administrative charge for support functions provided by the ministry
Personal goods storage in the U.S. (optional-additional expense) Top
I am just finishing school and have incurred student loan debt. Does Asian Access provide a way to pay off my loans while I'm an Associate? Currently Asian Access allows our Associates to raise up to $160/month towards the repayment of student loan debt. This amount is in addition to the standard monthly support target and is paid only after all other costs during the month are supported. For tax reporting purposes, repayments towards student loans are considered taxable income to an Associate and are included in their withholding tax calculations and year-end W-2 form. Top
I've never raised support before. How do I do that? Once you are accepted, Asian Access will provide you support-raising training materials that all our missionaries have used to successfully raise funds to get to Japan. From understanding the biblical basis of financial support, to writing your support letters, to follow up on contacts, we provide all the information for you. Plus, you can get personal coaching from our professional support-raising consultant. Top
How much do prayer cards cost?
The prayer cards usually cost around $250 (including taxes & shipping) for a quantity of 300. Top
What do I do after I've sent out my support letter?
Start setting up appointments with those on your mailing list. Talk with your Candidate Coordinator to see the initial responses from the mailing before the response card deadline. Contact our professional support-raising consultant to set up a one-hour phone appointment (for those of you who live outside of southern California) and receive professional advice from him. Those living in southern California can meet with him personally. Top
How are monthly pledge supporters reminded of their commitment? For each donation received by Asian Access, we issue a receipt to the donor indicating the amount donated and the missionary to whom the funds were credited. This receipt includes a tear-off portion for the donor's next gift, and is the "reminder" for those who have made a monthly pledge).
Donors can choose to sign up to have funds automatically taken from their checking account each month. With this method monthly receipts are not sent but the donor will receive an annual receipt in late January/early February for the preceding calendar year. Top
Will my donors get tax receipts for the "special gifts" and monthly contributions they send to Asian Access?
Asian Access sends tax receipts each time we receive payments throughout the year. We are especially busy during the month of December when we receive year-end gifts so it may take a few weeks for those donors to receive their tax receipts. If a donor signs up for automatic monthly withdrawals from their checking account, they will receive a single receipt in January or early February covering the preceding calendar year. Top
Is the money I raise considered taxable income?
To your donors, the money is considered tax deductible. A receipt will be issued for each donation they send to us. If a donor signs up for automatic monthly withdrawals from their checking account, they will receive a single receipt in January or early February covering the preceding calendar year.
To you, some of the money will be considered taxable income. From your support profile, the amount you receive each month for Salary, Rent, Telephone expense and Social Security taxes are considered taxable income in the US. For Federal Income Tax purposes, the nice thing is the government will allow you to exclude up to $80,000 (called the Foreign Earned Income exclusion) in a calendar year for income you earn outside the US. This credit is pro-rated for partial year stays in a foreign country. There are a few conditions but our missionaries who stay at least 1 year generally qualify for those conditions. Based on your profile, you probably won't owe any Federal Income Taxes. State Income Taxes could be a different matter. Most states follow the Federal government's practice but a few states are different. You'll need to research the practices for your state. Top
One of my supporters made a check out to me instead of Asian Access. What do I do?
Please endorse the check on the back as follows:
Payable to Asian Access
Your Signature
For Deposit Only
Mail the check to our post office box address to the attention of the "Finance Department."
The donor will receive a receipt from Asian Access for their gift. If the donor's receipt information is different from the information on their check, please include a note with the check you send. Top
I have friends or relatives in Japan who want to support me in yen. How can they do so?
Yen donations can be mailed to our office in Japan at the following address:
Asian Access
6-16 Enoki-cho
Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama-ken
Japan 359-1141
Attn: Finance
All donations should include a letter stating to whom the support should be credited. The Japan office will notify the U.S. office of any yen donations received. These will be included in the Associate's support tracking report as US$ translated at current exchange rates.
To arrange bank or postal account transfers, call our Finance department in the Tokorozawa office (042) 925-4101. Transferred amounts less any bank fees incurred will be credited to the Associate. Top
Departure Questions Could I use or have someone donate frequent flyer miles to go toward my plane ticket to Japan?
Unfortunately, we cannot use donated frequent flyer miles for your ticket to Japan after Los Angeles orientation. Once you are serving in Japan, you can make your own arrangements for personal travel using frequent flyer miles. Make sure you get approval for your trip first from your on-field supervisor before you make travel plans to leave Japan. Top
Living in Japan How will I get around in Japan?
For those living in Tokyo, you will use trains and bicycles. Automobiles are not practical in Tokyo, where the mass transit system is extremely efficient. However, if you live outside Tokyo, you may also be provided with use of an automobile, courtesy of your host church and Asian Access. Top
Are there any fees in Japan for having/riding a bicycle?
There is the initial cost of purchasing a bicycle, monthly amount to pay for parking your bicycle at train stations, and money you should allocate for maintenance. Even though Japan is very safe, bicycle theft especially around train stations is common, so be sure to purchase a good bike lock. Top
How often can I come home to visit during my term of service?
Most Associates do not return home during their term, but this depends largely upon the term length. One-year workers generally don't leave Japan during their ministry assignment, except, for instance, for a close relative's funeral or an immediate family member's wedding. There are a couple reasons for this guideline. First, it is beneficial to see an entire calendar year in another country. Going home may decrease the bonding you have with the Japanese, and ironically increase your homesickness. Second, a year is fairly short, and churches want to utilize their Associates as much as possible. On the other hand, 2- and 3-year Associates may be able to return either for an important event (e.g., friend's wedding, family reunion) or for a holiday, if it doesn't interfere with any ministry activities. Prior permission is required from both your Japanese pastor and your LIFE supervisor. All travel expenses are out-of-pocket, and cannot come out of your ministry support account. Top
Contact Questions How do we contact you if we have more questions
If your question was not addressed, or if it was not answered sufficiently, please contact us at
or call us at 1-800-543-3678. We'll be happy to answer all your questions as you seek to prepare for Summer Teams ministry in Japan. Top
or 1-800-543-3678 
