Is ASAP a sending organization for missionaries from the United States?
No. ASAP organizes short-term mission trips to Southeast Asia to conduct evangelistic meetings, help with training or with special projects, but we do not send out missionaries on a long-term basis. Instead, we provide training and stipends for ethnic missionaries who already live in the countries ASAP serves. We use this method for two reasons: 1) ethnic missionaries have proven extremely effective because of their knowledge of the language and culture; and 2) it is the most cost-effective method for spreading the Gospel. While recognizing the unique contributions of Western missionaries, ASAP Ministries is pleased to support the work of ethnic missionaries in reached areas, where an Adventist presence already exists, and in unreached areas.
What is ASAP's ongoing greatest need?
Support of ethnic missionaries, especially lay-pastors and church planters, remains the greatest need. ASAP gives stipends and support to over 600 dedicated laborers in Southeast Asia. This is a big commitment and a significant part of the ASAP budget goes towards this. If in doubt, give to the ASAP ethnic missionaries. Besides lay pastors and church planters, ASAP supports youth evangelists, medical missionaries and literacy teachers. They win thousands to Christ each year.
Does all the designated money donated go to projects?
Yes! 100% of all money that is designated for projects will be sent for those projects on a quarterly basis. Money that is earmarked for “ASAP's Greatest Needs” is used for the evangelism projects in areas where donations do not meet the budget and also for ASAP operations.
How many people are being paid on your staff?
ASAP is a small ministry-focused team consisting of six full-time workers and six part-time workers. The Director, Associate Director, Treasurer, Data Entry Manager, Mission Outreach Office Manager, and Sponsorship Coordinator are full-time workers. The Communications Director, Data Entry Assistant, Development Assistant, Hispanic Communications/Events & Media Coordinator, Refugee Coordinator, and Writer/Editor work part-time.
How often does the ASAP Board of Directors meet?
The Meeting of the Board of Directors occurs once a year in November. The Executive Committee, which is a small contingency of the Board, meets on a monthly basis.
Why is ASAP's primary focus those people in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and other Southeast Asian countries?
Quality versus quantity. Much of Southeast Asia was under the oppression of communist governments or oppressive military governments for many years. Since the communist and military governments repress religion, people today are hungering for a knowledge of the true God. The Southeast Asian countries we aim to reach are also among the poorest in the world and are in need of help. God has opened many doors for service in these countries over the past years. ASAP believes that quality should supersede quantity and by focusing our attention and resources on this corner of the world, the wholistic methods we use of reaching the people are very effective.
How often do ASAP personnel go to those countries to assess the needs?
The administration go at least once per year to inspect projects, determine needs for future projects, and to conduct evangelism and medical missionary training of workers. The ASAP personnel stay in close contact with the Adventist leaders and our Southeast Asian workers throughout the year.
How much does ASAP raise each year for projects?
Over $2,000,000. The amount of support typically grows each year as the Holy Spirit impresses hearts to give, and more projects are added to the ASAP ministry.
Does ASAP accept tithe funds?
We do not accept tithe funds. We do accept offerings. We are a faith-based ministry that exists because of God's blessings through individuals' donations.
How is ASAP connected to the Seventh-day Adventist® Church?
ASAP Ministries is a faith-based Christian ministry that fully supports the spiritual mission of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church, but it is an independent supporting ministry that is not part of, controlled by, legally affiliated with, or endorsed by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA or any of its affiliates known as the Seventh-day Adventist® Church. Thus, any content or opinions expressed, implied or included in or with the services offered by ASAP Ministries are solely those of ASAP Ministries and not those of the General Conference or the Seventh-day Adventist® Church.