Lessons from the Road: Asia

Over the past six weeks, Janine and I traveled through New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan. In this blog, we’re focusing on the Asia leg of that journey. This trip stretched us, surprised us, and gave us fresh perspective on what God is doing around the world—and what He’s inviting us into next.

Listen to the podcast here: Heaveninbusiness.com/podcasts/heaven-in-business-podcast/episodes/2149013832

WHAT WE DID

1. Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur

Our first stop in Asia was Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Within a short time of arriving, we got stuck in a personal glass elevator—with four adults and a 3-year-old—for over an hour! That set the tone: stretching, surprising, and ultimately… joyful.

We met with local friends, experienced diverse cuisines (Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, Asian-fusion...), and visited Kingdom City Church—an inspiring church that’s grown from 100 to over 50,000 people in the last decade across multiple nations. We were privileged to be part of their very first prayer gathering in their new building.

2. Singapore

Next, we flew to Singapore for a 2.5-hour lunch with 35 business and church leaders from around the city. It was quick but powerful. People lingered long after we “officially” ended—evidence of hunger for deeper connection.

3. Japan – Tokyo

Finally, we traveled to Tokyo, Japan—a nation of over 120 million people, but less than 1% identify as Christian. We explored Tokyo, visited a small but passionate church called Awakening Asia, and spent time with a Japanese-Chinese businessman navigating faith and work. We also experienced Tokyo’s vastness, politeness, cleanliness, and crowding—all in one breath.

From sushi at a four-table, back-alley eatery (run by a husband and wife team who spoke no English) to standing alone on a crowded intersection that transacts 3 million people daily—our eyes were opened and our hearts stirred.

WHAT WE OBSERVED

Incredible hunger for connection: Across nations, cultures, and languages, we found people yearning for authentic relationship. Real discipleship is happening—not through events, but through intentional community.

Unreached people groups are right in front of us: We stood in places where less than 1% of the population knows Jesus. These are not statistics; they are people who’ve never heard the gospel. That hit hard.

Leadership matters more than ever: In a nation like Malaysia, where political shifts could change everything, we saw the vital need for leaders who carry Kingdom culture into every sphere—from government to education to business.

Cultural contrast affects everything: From the aggressive, win-at-all-costs approach of some Chinese business circles to the politeness and structure of Japan… there is no one-size-fits-all. We must listen, learn, and adapt without compromising truth.

Nations built on Judeo-Christian values have a distinct fruit for freedom and prosperity of all people: There is a measurable difference in freedom, prosperity, and opportunity in nations with these foundations. You can look it up: Global Prosperity Index.

WHAT WE LEARNED

1. God is doing more than you think

He is moving in places the news ignores. The underground church is thriving. The Holy Spirit is awakening businesspeople in Japan. And Kingdom is growing in ways that don’t make headlines.

2. The unreached must become a personal priority

This isn’t a missions department issue—it’s a Kingdom one. We need to ask, pray, and invest in ways to equip leaders in unreached areas, especially the marketplace.

3. Connection is both the method and the mission

Programs don’t transform nations—people do. Relationships are the soil where seeds of the Kingdom grow. Even in Tokyo, where English is rare, people reached out to connect with us. The desire is there.

4. We all carry biases—but we can ask God to expand our hearts

As a New Zealander with family history tied to WWII, being in Asia confronted some things in me. But God was gentle. “Expand my heart” became my prayer. I invite you to pray it too.

ACTION STEPS FOR YOU

✅ Ask Holy Spirit: Where have I grown comfortable while others remain unreached?
✅ Pray daily: “God, expand my heart for people different to me.”
✅ Engage locally: Who around you is from a different culture, faith, or language? Invite them to coffee. Start a relationship.
✅ Give intentionally: Consider how your resources (time, finances, influence) can help equip leaders in unreached nations.
✅ Follow curiosity: What’s one nation or culture God is stirring your heart toward? Learn about it. Pray for it. Ask God what your role might be.

We’re back in Nashville now, setting up a new home, new office, and new rhythms. But our hearts are still buzzing with the people we met and the questions that remain.

Let’s keep asking:

God, how do I engage with Your story beyond my comfort zone?

Thanks for journeying with us.

— Andy Mason
Heaven in Business