Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam: Could Southeast Asia be introducing a Schengen-style visa system? (April 10, 2024, Euronews)
Thailand is facing serious economic challenges amidst a faltering manufacturing sector and diminishing exports. Its popularity with travellers has been crucial for its survival, with the tourist industry making up about 12 per cent of its economy as well as accounting for around 20 per cent of jobs.
This cab startup helped 100,000 drivers survive Sri Lanka’s economic crisis (March 6, 2024, Rest of World)
As tourism continues to grow in Sri Lanka, with over 200,000 arrivals in January alone — the highest number in the last four years — PickMe is viewed as a reliable transport option for tourists, especially in regions that are otherwise unserviced
Tajikistan Intensifies Efforts to Train Locals for Work Abroad (March 21, 2024, The Times of Central Asia)
Tajikistan is stepping up efforts to teach its citizens global job skills which will facilitate access to higher-paying trades and expand the range of migrant-labor opportunities. The state-administered Adult Education Center of Tajikistan offers training in more than 100 professions, with new specializations emerging every year.
No one traveled to this island 50 years ago. Now it's one of the hottest destinations (March 31, 2024, USA Today)
The number of tourists visiting consistently surpasses previous records. In 2022, there were 1.68 million tourists, and in 2023, more than 1.8 million tourists visited the country with just over half a million residents.
Why this spectacular complex could become Oman’s ‘cultural magnet’ (February 23, 2024, CNN)
The country is looking to reshape several social and economic areas as part of its Oman Vision 2040, and a new structural plan has been laid out for the Greater Muscat area…“We don’t want just the building, we want a real area to organize festivals, different events,” he said. “It’s designed as a cultural village.”
Guardians of the glaciers - life beside Pakistan’s vanishing ice (May 12, 2024, Al Jazeera)
With a population of more than 200,000, the city boasts a rich cultural blend influenced by Tibetan, Balti and other Central Asian traditions, where diverse Islamic sects, including Noor Bakshi, Sunni and Shia, coexist. But this region of Pakistan is also home to more than 7,000 glaciers - the largest number outside the earth’s polar regions. These icy giants are far more than just a breathtaking natural spectacle; they are vital to the local ecosystem. Now, however, their existence is under threat.
Get a taste of Egypt on Google Arts & Culture (February 25, 2024, Google Blog)
This digital collection features over 1,700 high-resolution photographs, 60 curated stories, and 30 videos showcasing Egypt's diverse dishes, history, and culture. Explore ancient recipes, learn about the significance of food in celebrations, and embark on a culinary journey across Egypt's regions
Timor-Leste bans martial arts, citing an increase in violence — but trainers and advocates are fighting back (May 10, 2024, ABC News AU)
Manoeuvring around an obstacle course and delivering high kicks at will, she is one of thousands of Timorese who practice martial arts as a form of exercise, community or self-defence. But today, she can't do that anymore; these days, it's illegal to train, teach or learn martial arts anywhere in Timor-Leste. And violence — or the practice's alleged connection to violence — is at the centre of it all.
India Says It Has a Border Crisis. Christians Say the Solution Will Divide Them (April 26, 2024, Christianity Today)
Since Myanmar’s 2021 coup, the school has become a safe haven for parents wanting to send their children away from the violence of the war raging on in Myanmar. To Tuithung, it’s an opportunity to share with students and parents “about God’s love and how God is taking care of us.”
Iranian Muslims turn to Christ after encountering Open Bible Stories (May 10, 2024, Mission Network News)
Iran’s government may be hostile to Christianity and the Gospel, but Iran’s people are hungry for truth. However, only five of Iran’s 39 languages have any Scripture, leaving millions without any access to God’s Word.
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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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