Asia and the Pacific
In the last decade, the Asia and Pacific region has experienced major shifts in both international and ecclesiastical contexts. Their effects will certainly continue to impact the mission and ministry of world mission in the coming years. The world economy has faltered. Asia’s great successes have come at the expense of the poor and the middle class. Gaps between rich and poor, capitalists and laborers, grow ever wider across the globe.
In reaction to the presence of U.S. military bases, grassroots movements in both Japan and Korea have grown and people have begun speaking out. The people of Okinawa are questioning whether the U.S. military bases are in their best interest. The division of Korea continues to be a source of conflict in the Korean peninsula and poses a real threat to peace and security in northeast Asia and the world. Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 and Macao to China in 1999. China and Taiwan remain divided despite a recent lifting of travel restrictions. The Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan takes a position of Taiwanese independence, while mainland China takes a clear position of reunification of Taiwan and China.
As members of the American church and citizens of the United States, we need to seek understanding of how our country affects the Asia and Pacific region. From that knowledge, we can better respond to God’s call to serve the people in Asia and the Pacific by helping to build bridges of friendship and understanding. In this way we can exercise the ministry of justice, peace, and reconciliation through the good news of Jesus Christ.
In the following pages, you will come to know the names of some of the PC(USA) partner churches and institutions, along with dedicated national church leaders and PC(USA) mission personnel who serve with them in the name of Christ in this vast and complex region of the world, Asia and the Pacific.
—Rev. Insik Kim, former area coordinator, Asia and the Pacific, General Assembly Mission Council
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Shishir Gauri, GAMC
Karen Geary, BOP
Elder Martha Gee, GAMC
Melissa Gee, OGA
God of grace and God of peace, be with the people of Asia and the Pacific as they seek to walk in humility, with open minds and hearts, prepared to change their ways, fulfilling the ministry of peace, justice, reconciliation and healing. May we each do likewise.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ps. 43, 149 Ps. 31, 143
Job 19:21–27a
Heb. 4:1–16; Rom. 8:1–11
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