Asia is home to four out of five of the world's 4.4 billion people who are not believers. Locally created and produced Christian literature helps build the church and introduce Jesus to people without hope.
MAI has provided training in India, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Philippines and Singapore.

Here's how we've helped...

• Raised more than $16,000 toward the 2,000-page Chinese Study Bible
• Trained budding writers in India, Nepal and Myanmar
• Provided strategic development consulting to publishing houses in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Hong Kong/China
• Led editorial training for Christians in Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines
• Trained children's writers in Indonesia
• Coordinated the publication of a book of author journeys featuring Christian writers in Asia, An Asian Palette
• Brought together hundreds of men and women to two LittWorld conferences in the Philippines

Of Mice and Men in India

MAI-Asia trustee and prolific children’s author George Koshy spent three years writing a children’s Bible, the first of its kind to be originated in any Indian language. When a local publisher rejected it, Koshy filed the manuscript in his cupboard.

Two years later, the same publisher decided to publish it. George opened the cupboard and discovered only shreds—mice had eaten his manuscript! For the next two years, he worked day and night to recreate the manuscript.

Last Christmas, Samaritan’s Purse distributed 58,000 copies of this Bible in Kerala, India. Recently, George learned that two Hindu children became Christians and now attend church after reading a copy. “This is a product of much pain,” Koshy says, trusting God for additional eternal results. 


-Alyssa Keysor, MAI intern

Heroes of the Faith Arise

“The writer workshop was a success and 14 eager newborn writers are writing seriously,” says author Hwee Yong Tan, who hosted MAI’s August 2010 training in Malaysia. Participants included church and lay leaders such as Sheila*, a Bible translator and pastor’s wife; Alan, a recent university graduate; and Lily, who helps pastor a church comprised of university students.

Guided by MAI Trainer Dr. Miriam Adeney, each writer selected a biblical hero of the faith to illustrate Christian living in contemporary society. Creativity and fun infused their writings. Pastor L wrote about how King David was tempted by Bathsheba because she used “Follow Me” shampoo, a popular brand in Malaysia. 

“Fourteen books are underway,” Miriam says. “Writers were teachable, well-grounded in Scripture, and eager to develop skills. 

Please pray that Christ-honoring manuscripts are published to impact Malay society.

*Names of participants changed for protection. 

Book publishing in Arabic lags behind much of the world and depends extensively on translated works from other languages, according to Director Sinan Sweis of Ophir Publishing House in Jordan.

"Middle Eastern cultures are traditionally oral," he explained. "Most people do not have much formal training in writing since the educational system favors oral communication over written." Arabic-language Christian publishing in the region also faces challenges from the surrounding religious culture.

"Without training for writers and investment in publishing, Arab literature will continue to trail behind the rest of the world," Sinan said.

A first four-day workshop in Beirut, Lebanon, will involve up to 20 invited writers from various countries in the region. The workshop will target writers with previous experience. Participants will be invited to submit an original book manuscript within 12 months of the workshop. The top three manuscripts will be selected for publication.

Read this MAI interview with Sinan Sweis.

Mongolian Writers Strengthen Nation's Young Church

Barely 20 years old, the Church in Mongolia is booming. Since 1990 the Christian population has spiraled from a handful to about 20,000. In a church this young, locally authored books and articles are essential to deepen its roots.

Timothy Byambatogtokh, manager of a local Christian radio station, told MAI, “There are very few writers and publishers in Mongolia—almost none.” Most of the Christian books are Western translations, which don’t address the nation’s largely agricultural, post-Communist society.

Timothy, along with the Mongolian Evangelical Association, hosted MAI’s first training there in June. Trainers Luis Gatmaitan (pictured right) and Ramon Rocha III of the Philippines led tracks in writing and publishing for a total of 23 men and women.

Workshop participants wrote feature articles about such issues as the problem of complacent citizens in a new democracy, benefits and threats of globalization, women in leadership, and preserving traditional ‘ger’ houses.

Writing for children, a specialty of trainer and children’s author Gatmaitan, resonated with many. “They saw the crucial need of shaping the bendable hearts and minds of Mongolian children to help build a healthy Church in the future,” wrote Rocha, chair of MAI-Asia.

A country of deserts and mountains landlocked between China and Russia, Mongolia has battled economic difficulties since Soviet support ended in 1990. In the last two decades, family life has deteriorated while alcoholism, promiscuity and the numbers of street children have increased.

Many writers left the workshop eager to tackle new projects to enefit Church and society. Three radio broadcasters from the group hoped to compile a book on parenting and youth issues. Gatmaitan encouraged pastors to publish their sermons.

During the workshop, participants formed the Mongolian Christian Writer Fellowship, aiming to meet quarterly for mutual encouragement.

The June workshop marked the first in a three-year training program as MAI assists local leaders exploring the possibility of launching a new Christian publishing house in Mongolia.

—MAI intern Christine Kindberg

Singapore bustles with nearly five million people, a melting pot of Asians from China, Malaysia and India, but Christian writers in Singapore are few.

MAI partnered with host Armour Publishing to hold a three-day workshop for beginning and published writers in Singapore in August. Thirty-six writers came for training, encouragement, and the opportunity to present their ideas to other writers and publishers.

Armour Publishing has been closely connected with MAI since its founding in 1991 by Christina Lim and Bernice Lee, who met at a writer’s workshop. Armour Publishing holds a high reputation both in Christian and secular circles for producing quality books in content and appearance.

At the beginning of the workshop, MAI president John Maust asked the attendees who their favorite authors were. Thirty-three different authors were named, but only three were Asian. Someone wondered aloud, “Why aren’t there more Asian authors?” John replied, “That’s why you’re here.”

During the workshop, each writer outlined a book proposal, learned how to submit it to a publisher, and wrote one personal experience and one devotional magazine article for possible future publication. One woman said, "I found new courage during the workshop because of the encouraging testimonies I heard about Christian writers and publishers in different parts of the world, using their gift of writing to make a difference in God's kingdom work."

Aspiring writers left the workshop feeling equipped and encouraged. The writers continue to stay in touch with one another for prayer and encouragement through email, Facebook and blogs.

One woman responded to the idea of a writer’s club, "It would be a fantastic way to encourage, support, share, and pray with each other.  Until then, I leave us all with a verse I've been holding close during this 'roller coaster' of a writing journey, 'For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.'(Isaiah 41:13)"

Read the article "Aspiring Authors Gain Skills in Singapore Workshop" in the right column of Words for the World newsletter.

Read more from one pastor’s blog reflections on the workshop.

"That was my very first [writer workshop], and it went a long way to encouraging my aspirations of putting things in print. The workshop actually sparked an idea I've never seriously thought about - re-conceptualizing Bible stories for a secular readership."  -Seng

"I have so many new ideas swarming around in my heart and head now... a book proposal WILL be birthed by the end of this year, in Jesus name! For, 
'Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.' (Hebrews 11:1)" -Ali

"The book-writing process has been a challenge and a rather lonely road (especially since I'm new at this!) but being able to meet like-minded Christian writers like you has encouraged me to press on, and to keep writing for the glory of God." -Jiamin

"For the lessons learnt
For the ideas planted
For the dreams awakened
For the purposes intended

We commit these to you God
The author and perfecter of our life."
-Linda