ASIA PACIFIC MEDIA MISSION MISSION
SUSAN—
SUSAN—
"You need to utilize media to reach the next generation, or you will not reach the young people with the gospel."
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Bill Snider
MANAGING EDITOR/DESIGN
Amber Weigand-Buckley
COPY & LAYOUT EDITOR
Tom Young
EDITORIAL SECRETARY
Michaela McKinney
WEB MANAGER
Patrick Tan
APMedia was established in 1989 as a regional ministry of Assemblies of God World Missions.
Vision Statement
We see Christ followers effectively utilizing media to reach every people group in Asia
Mission Statement
We advance the gospel in Asia Pacific by empowering Christ followers to effectively utilize media and technology
Values Statement
We are a Christ-centered ministry that values:
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Contextual relevance
• Innovation
• Partnerships and teamwork
2024 ANNUAL UPDATE
—GATUT, INDONESIA CHURCH LEADER
WATCH MESSAGE FROM PASTOR CHAD
BILL & KIM SNIDER ASIA PACIFIC MEDIA DIRECTORS
WE IGNITE, THEY MULTIPLY
In the past decade, our focus has been on training the next generation of media professionals in Asia Pacific. We believe empowering local workers—both pastors and media teams—is the most effective way to spread Christ’s message to new places. Our team sparks a flame of possibilities, enabling churches to extend their reach beyond physical walls.
We equip Asian believers with digital media skills, empowering them to creatively spread Christ’s message within their unique cultural contexts. Then they teach other media-savvy believers to do the same. This ripple effect continues long after we leave, creating a lasting impact across the region.
Jesus’ simple words, “Go and make disciples,” continue to inspire our mission. We aim to see this vision of using all means to win some multiplied in others. Through teaching and modeling, we enable local workers to adapt and run with the message in their specific environments.
As we move into our 36th year of ministry, we are witnessing multiplication like never before. Our training gives birth to media communities that keep growing long after we leave, as they utilize media within their communities.
In the following pages, you’ll find inspiring stories that showcase the ignite-and-multiply results happening across Asia Pacific. You’ll hear about innovative social media campaigns and groundbreaking video productions. We are grateful for your faithful partnership with us supporting these amazing media movements.
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LIKHA SHORT FILM COMPETITION
In a world saturated with digital content, a group of young Filipino filmmakers is using the power of cinema to spread wisdom and faith beyond church walls. The Likha Short Film Competition, sponsored by Asia Pacific Media, is nurturing a new generation of “media missionaries” who are creating modern-day parables that resonate with audiences across cultural boundaries.
A New Generation of Storytellers
Asia Pacific Media believes in the transformative power of storytelling. Their mission is to equip passionate individuals with the skills to craft compelling narratives that reflect their cultural contexts while conveying timeless truths. Through a rigorous six-week bootcamp, participants hone their filmmaking abilities and learn to create impactful short films that reach people where they are.
This past year’s competition, themed “Kawikaan: Wisdom through Proverbs,” challenged filmmakers to draw inspiration from biblical wisdom literature. The resulting short films offer fresh, culturally relevant interpretations of ancient proverbs, making them accessible to contemporary audiences.
Modern Life, Eternal Truth
Among the standout entries is “Piaggio” (“Raw”) by Matthew Delda (https://bit.ly/3S3FWxr), which follows a day in the life of a Piaggio driver named Rex. As he encounters passengers from all walks of life, viewers are treated to a moving exploration of human nature and unexpected kindness..
In “What’s in My Lunchbox?” Abegail Esquierda (https://bit.ly/3RZRQIT) crafts a touching story of a proud kindergartener who learns valuable lessons about humility and compassion when faced with an embarrassing situation.
Hope Amplified
The Likha Short Film Competition serves as more than just a contest; it’s a launchpad for aspiring Christian filmmakers in the Philippines. Participants like Abegail appreciate the opportunity to have professional filmaking and scriptwriting training which she utilized to create her final competion entry. Turn to page 7 to meet Angela Macasieb, another filmmaker-in-training, to learn about how APMedia is helping her walk in purpose to see His Message Multiplied.
Angela Macasieb, a young filmmaker from the Philippines, embodies the transformative power of Asia Pacific Media’s training programs.
Her journey with APMedia training began when she entered into the LIKHA 2023, APMedia’s annual short film contest.
Lights, Camera, Gospel!
Like many participants in Asia Pacific Media’s workshops, Angela saw LIKHA 2023 as more than just a film festival. It was a calling to use her skills for a higher purpose.
“It’s an opportunity to share the gospel, the wisdom of Proverbs, to a larger audience,” she shares, highlighting the core mission of APMedia training initiatives.
Angela’s short film “Making Ends Meet” (https://bit.ly/4f0pZ55) is a story of a young woman torn between pursuing her dreams and caring for her ailing mother. The film delves into themes of sacrifice, family, and finding one’s true calling.
The Loaves and Fishes of Filmmaking
Angela’s story of resourcefulness in the face of budget constraints reflects the practical skills Asia Pacific Media instills in its trainees. Through community support and creative problem-solving, she completed her project, demonstrating the real-world application of our training.
“Using film as a medium in sharing the gospel is so powerful,” Angela said.
This belief drives Asia Pacific Media’s mission to equip individuals like her with the tools to create impactful, faith-based content that can change lives.
Scripting a Faith-Filled Future
Angela’s plans to produce films showcasing God’s transformative power exemplify the long-term impact of our training programs.
Angela’s journey is just one example of how your support enables Asia Pacific Media to nurture talented individuals across the region. Together, you are helping us empower young Christians like Angela to use their creativity and skills to spread the gospel, one frame at a time.
PRAISE REPORTS
1) Local leaders trained by APMedia in Myanmar and Vietnam are conducting their own media training workshops, multiplying impact across the region.
2) Churches utilizing APMedia strategies have seen improvements in social media outreach. One Indonesian church doubled Instagram followers in four weeks.
3) In July, APMedia welcomed new team members from Germany and US, expanding capacity to serve more countries.
4) The Likha Short Film Lab 2024 launches in August–September, engaging church teams across the Philippines in creating faithbased films.
5) Despite challenges like Myanmar’s civil war, media initiatives continue to bring hope and introduce people to Jesus.
PRAYER REQUESTS
1) Wisdom and productivity for new team members
2) Expand online training workshops and communities.
3) Secure 40 new donors to financially support growing initiatives.
4) New opportunities to serve people in mainland China.
5) Ensure protection and resilience for the Myanmar team amid civil unrest.
6) Expand social media outreach and impact in Vietnam.
READING MOMS
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APMedia’s MOMs magazine, which has been published since 2000, supports Filipino mothers through encouraging resources and practical assistance. The magazine offers articles on parenting advice, financial tips, health issues, and inspiration, accessible through their Facebook page, community, and website.
Searching for the Open Door
Pastora Bumaya and Malyn Castillo Sarzona from Lianga, Surigao del Sur (Philippines), saw a vision to use MOMs content to start a literacy program. This innovative idea began building new bridges between the church and the community.
The “Reading MOMs” program has opened a door to connect with local mothers. “The mothers were aloof from us,” Malyn shared, “but when the program was offered using MOMs, that was our open way in.”
Seeing Results
Ten Manobo tribe mothers enrolled in the program. None could read initially. One mom couldn’t hold a pencil or write her name.
After the program, nine of ten women are now reading. Two have accepted Jesus and five attend church. These moms now have literacy and a relationship with Jesus.
Meeting Needs
Food insecurity is a challenge—some moms miss class for log-carrying work. APMedia provides learning materials, rice, and sardines for $25 weekly. These simple provisions make a huge difference.
“Even just a kilo of rice and one can let their family have a meal,” Pastora shared.
More than literacy and food, Reading MOMs demonstrates God’s love to this unreached community. “This shows them God loves us,” Pastora shared.
Reading MOMs demonstrates God’s love to these women. A second session will start next school year. Pastora Bumaya and Malyn will use the program to plant a new church in another village. This is possible through APMedia’s partnership with the local church.
Susan has an urgent passion to reach the struggling youth of Vietnam with the hope of the gospel through social media. In an interview, she shared heartbreaking realities: “Just last week, we lost two [youth]. They go to “wreck” together (commit suicide). They jumped into the river, and we lost two.”
So what is driving young people to such despair?
Susan explains, “The parents of these young people do not give them the support they need to deal with the struggles of life. They lack everything. And when our country developed, the culture of material things came.… The young people, they do not understand their real value.”
She shares, “Their parents put a lot of pressure on them to succeed and not a lot of affirmation for what they are or could become.”
Yet in the face of this crisis, Susan has found an amazingly simple way to bring light:
“I just make super, super simple videos, like when my sister waters our plant. I just capture that moment and talk about how to take care of our heart. It’s just one minute.”
Through bite-sized videos on Facebook, Instagram, and now TikTok, she is reaching a staggering 200,000 followers with bite-sized messages of hope and truth.
“Everything is so simple,” she shares. “If in the morning you have coffee, capture the coffee and keep the content awake to that video.”
Susan is a media missionary, using her skills to creatively impact hearts. When asked what she would say to encourage other believers, she replied:
“Everyone has their cell phone. They just need to give themselves a chance to learn how simple social media can be.”
We are commited to teaching media missionaries across Asia Pacific to use the accessible tools right in their hands to bring the light of Christ into difficult places. And we are seeing young people like Susan take it even further. As she encourages, “This is something anyone can do” to build the Kingdom—one social media post at a time.
In Indonesia, a digital revolution is changing the face of church outreach. Gatut, a church leader, shares how media ministry is becoming indispensable for reaching the next generation and bridging cultural divides.
Q: Can you describe the current state of media and its impact on the church in Indonesia?**
Gatut: In Indonesia, media is growing rapidly, especially among young people. Most Indonesians use cell phones, but youth want to go further. Older pastors are slow to respond, but younger ones see media ministry’s potential to reach the next generation.
Q: How has the recent media ministry training been received?
Gatut: We had over 120 district leaders attend the Vision Casting seminar. Most have realized that media ministry is indispensable for reaching young people. This message is burning in their hearts.
Q: How is the Assemblies of God in Indonesia incorporating media ministry at the leadership level?
Gatut: We’re planning to include Media as one of four main divisions under the General Council, alongside Pastoral, Mission, and Education. This unprecedented move shows how seriously we’re taking media ministry.
Q: How have media resources been used in outreach?
Gatut: These resources have been effective in reaching out to the majority Muslim culture non-offensively. They’ve opened conversations and even led to conversions in some cases.
Q: What’s your strategy for implementing new media ministry models in Indonesia?
Gatut: My strategy is to “run with the runners”—working with experienced churches like Betlehem Assembly of God in Bogor. We’ll use their expertise to inspire and help those who haven’t started yet.
“The most lethal thing for the Myanmar people is that they are losing hope ... in religions; they have no peace. They are searching for real peace,” explained Akin, a digital missionary based in Yangon.
In a country grappling with “a surge in crimes, suicides, kidnappings, assassinations, and mental health challenges,” Akin and his team at Media for Hope are leveraging social media to spread a message of hope.
When Doors Closed, the Message Continued
What started as a small initiative has blossomed into a thriving digital media community. Despite ongoing crises, this network of local content creators is not just surviving—it’s flourishing. They’re producing a diverse range of content, such as evangelistic messages, sermon videos, Scripture-based content, and worship songs.
“They are watching all over the world, not only in Myanmar,” Akin revealed. The content reaches Myanmar people in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, the US, and even Austria. This global audience is a testament to the power of digital missions.
In the Right Place at the Right Time
“We believe this is a crucial time to share an evangelistic message,” Akin emphasized. In a predominantly Buddhist country, Media for Hope fills a critical gap. “There are not many Christian broadcasting [channels] using social media,” making their work even more vital. The impact transcends religious boundaries. Akin shared, “Some Buddhist friends ... have to be thinking more about the light, more about being good.” Meanwhile, Christians find the content “very encouraging [for] their daily life.”
Hope Amidst Chaos
“We believe the peace is Jesus Christ,” Akin stated firmly. In a time when many are losing faith in traditional institutions, Media for Hope offers an alternative narrative of peace and restoration.
As Myanmar continues to face challenges, this growing community of digital missionaries stands as a beacon of hope. Their work proves that even in the darkest times, the light of the gospel can shine brightly through screens and hearts alike.
TOGETHER WE'VE DONE SO MUCH GOOD!
As an APMedia partner, you play a critical role in helping Multiply His Message in the Asia Pacific region and surrounding islands, encompassing more than 30 nations— where millions live who are unreached.
THANKS TO YOUR FAITHFULNESS, HERE ARE JUST A FEW WAYS WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN 2024!
Across Asia Pacific Region, we guide thousands of churches through our Media and Ministry Forum, helping them expand their community outreach via social media. With over 7,200 members, our forum fosters weekly idea exchanges and monthly webinars to enhance skills.
In Myanmar, our media team provides ongoing support with equipment needs, training, and content ideas for local leaders who are producing impactful short messages, music videos, and testimonies viewed globally amid political unrest.
In Vietnam, we train young workers and pastors in digital ministry, leveraging online platforms to gather youth, disciple believers, and share the Message of Hope through short messages and services, with significant impact reported globally.
In Indonesia, our enduring partnership with church leaders yields positive outcomes as media workers are trained nationwide, including at a prominent Bible school. We support leaders in their vision to make “Jesus go viral” across the nation.
In the Philippines, APMedia has produced gospel-centered movies for young adults which are now available on multiple streaming platforms worldwide. Movies initially directed to a Filipino audience have been subtitled or voicedubbed into different languages. Films like THE MESSENGER (Ang Sugo) and REBOUND, as well as our Family Talk series (Usapang Pamilya), are vehicles for sharing eternal hope in Jesus.
Join us to help spread the Message of Hope across Asia Pacific, so all may hear! For news, testimonies, and partnership opportunities, visit apmedia.org and follow Asia Pacific Media on Facebook.
You can become a part of the media revolution transforming lives across Asia Pacific through digital media! As we train one, we reach countless others who take up the call to see His Message, Multiplied, across the region and around the world!
_______ I would like to invest in training media workers across Asia Pacific _____one time or _____ monthly reoccuring gift of $120 x _____ number of workers = $_______ (44)
