Asia encompasses a vast territory—the largest continent on earth, totaling 30% of the world’s land. In an area covering over 17 million square miles (44.5 square kilometers) and over 4.4 billion people, our work here is similar to elsewhere—“for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12), both for the purpose of inward edification and outward propagation of the gospel.

In recent years, Christians in many parts of Asia have suffered under the heavy hand of persecution. You may have heard the news reports of tension and violence directed against believers and especially against fresh, new converts to Christianity. In spite of these perils, the Lord’s work is moving forward in many places. Because of the membership growth in Asia, some new units in this region have been added—specifically the Sri Lankan Northern Province Mission, the Sri Lankan Central Mission, and the Andaman and Nicobar Mission.

We thank our brethren and sisters from around the world for the relief that has poured into Nepal following the devastating earthquake in the spring of 2015.

Surely, the recent experience of many of our members throughout the Asian region can aptly illustrate the following inspired passages:

“The daily record of disasters shows that there is no safety anywhere. Even in our homes we are in danger; for storms, floods, and fire are sweeping off thousands, while earthquakes are destroying additional thousands. If there ever was a time when we should be sober and watch unto prayer, it is now. Our lives are safe only when hid with Christ in God. We need every day to purify ourselves even as He is pure. There is always hope for us in God. Faith is our defense, for it connects our human weakness with divine power.”1

“When the testing time shall come, those who have made God’s word their rule of life will be revealed. In summer there is no noticeable difference between evergreens and other trees; but when the blasts of winter come, the evergreens remain unchanged, while other trees are stripped of their foliage. So the falsehearted professor may not now be distinguished from the real Christian, but the time is just upon us when the difference will be apparent. Let opposition arise, let bigotry and intolerance again bear sway, let persecution be kindled, and the halfhearted and hypocritical will waver and yield the faith; but the true Christian will stand firm as a rock, his faith stronger, his hope brighter, than in days of prosperity.”2

Amen!