‘You basically have free hot water’: how Cyprus became a world leader in solar heating (September 20, 2024, The Guardian)
Cyprus has outstripped all other EU member states in embracing hot-water solar systems, with an estimated 93.5 % of households exploiting the alternative energy form for domestic needs.
Turkmenistan’s balance of trade with China tilting heavily in Ashgabat’s favor (June 3, 2024, Eurasianet)
Turkmenistan occupies a unique position in Central Asia as the lone state in the region enjoying a trade surplus with China. Nevertheless, Beijing’s diplomatic signals suggest that Turkmenistan isn’t a high priority for Chinese diplomats.
Digital gender divide in South Asia is more than just a social issue – it’s an economic one (September 28, 2024, The Print)
South Asia stands at a pivotal juncture. As the fastest growing region in the world, with booming economies and a flourishing middle class, it is poised for a future of unparalleled prosperity. A critical obstacle threatens to impede this progress, however: the persistent digital gender divide.
The destructive quest for the buried treasure of the Armenians (September 6, 2024, The Economist) (Subscription required)
Turkey is littered with the evidence of long-gone empires. Nearly every major construction project unearths traces of ancient civilisations. In places such as Erciş, treasure hunting offers the dream of escape from economic deprivation. The vast majority of hunters are looking for treasure they believe was left behind by Armenians.
How Saudi has Become Tourism Icon of the Year with Seventy Three Percent Growth in Travel Sector Beating UAE (September 28, 2024, Travel and Tour World)
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a surprising frontrunner in the race to become the Middle East’s top tourist destination. Under the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, the Kingdom has experienced a staggering 73% growth in tourism as per latest UN Tourism, catching global attention and surpassing its regional neighbor, the UAE, which has long dominated the global tourism industry.
How Japan’s humble onigiri took over lunchtimes around the world (September 27, 2024, The Guardian)
While rice sales in Japan are in decline, shortages notwithstanding, demand for onigiri is rising – a trend industry observers attribute to changing eating habits when the Covid-19 pandemic began, as people started ordering “artisanal” onigiri to take home for dinner.
Why does heart disease affect so many young South Asians? (September 11, 2024, Nature)
Geneticists are trying to understand the elevated risks of heart and metabolic disease among people of South Asian ancestry, but some question whether a purely biological approach is best.
Unadopted Turkmen Orphans Sent To Retirement Homes Despite Right To Housing (August 19, 2024, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty)
Many children who grow up in Turkmenistan’s state-run orphanages end up living in retirement homes when they turn 18, says a woman who was raised in a Turkmen orphanage. By law, the Turkmen government must provide social housing once orphans become adults and leave the state institutions.
Indonesian Astropolitics is Outdated: Will Indonesia Rise and See The Opportunities? (September 28, 2024, Modern Diplomacy)
Indonesia is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that has begun to have an interest in outer space and space studies since 1962. The development of astropolitical studies in Indonesia has undergone increasingly visible changes, where Indonesia is also carrying out various collaborations and developing space-related technology.
Attempt in Indonesia to Ban Church’s Worship Ends in Apology (September 27, 2024, Morning Star News)
Indonesia ranked 42nd on Christian support organization Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Indonesian society has adopted a more conservative Islamic character, and churches involved in evangelistic outreach are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups, according to the WWL report.
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Joann Pittman
Joann Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of ZGBriefs. Prior to joining ChinaSource, Joann spent 28 years working in China, as an English teacher, language student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer for organizations and businesses engaged in China. She has also taught Chinese at the University …View Full Bio
Blessing Asia
In October-2022 more than 500 Christian leaders from across Asia gathered in Thailand for the Asia 2022 Congress, sponsored by the Lausanne Movement and various partnering organizations. I had the opportunity to participate in the Congress virtually and was mightily blessed. From Bible exposition to K-pop worship, and through seminars and workshops, the participants were encouraged by the stories of what God is doing in countries all over Asia. Clearly, God is on the move.
A beautiful vision was portrayed in a video of the popular worship song The Blessing, featuring singers from all over Asia. Here it is:
Many of the sessions have already been posted on their website and to their YouTube channel.
One that I found particularly helpful considering all that is going on in China was a presentation titled Church and State Relationship in Asia Today. You can see the video here.
I encourage you to spend some time on their website; there are fantastic resources for understanding God’s work in Asia today.
Original link: https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/blog-entries/blessing-asia/
Image credit: Andrea Brucker, via Unsplash
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