(ASIA) 2026 Asia Directors Conference in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, a Flourishing Ministry
- by ubfhq
- Jan 29, 2026
- 540 reads
By John Kim, Jacob Lee
The 2026 Asia Directors’ Conference was held from January 15-17, 2026, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. A total of 69 attendees participated: 12 from the United States, 8 from Korea, and 49 from 13 Asian countries. It was hosted by American missionaries, Dr. Steve Haga and Dr. Allison Haga, who were sent out by Washington UBF in February 2007.
Dr. Steve Haga accepted Christ through the invitation of the late Missionary Elijah Ku while he was a young engineering student at the University of Maryland. Although Missionary Elijah Ku passed away at a young age, the seed of the gospel planted in Steve’s heart did not die. Instead, it grew and bore abundant fruit. Responding to God’s calling and obeying the Great Commission, Dr. Haga left a comfortable life in America and went to Taiwan as a self-supporting lay missionary. Today, that small seed has grown into a flourishing ministry in Kaohsiung. Through faithful Bible study, both he and his wife have been raising disciples and sending out pioneers, including to the Tainan chapter (Mandy and Naomi) and the Taichung chapter (Yawen). This ministry stands as a model of the Antioch Church, showing how God blesses those who obey His command to make disciples.
The main message during the Asia Directors Conference was delivered by Pastor Ron Ward on “Love One Another” (John 13), and John Shin preached on “Pray Always and Not Give Up” (Luke 18:1-17). Through these messages, the missionaries and local leaders were encouraged to love one another as Jesus loved us and to commit themselves to prayer without losing heart. Missionary Banseok Lee powerfully shared his message on Matthew 16:15-19, “The Gates of Hades Will Not Overcome It,” and Missionary Steve Haga closed the conference with his message on 1 Timothy 2:3-5, “I Want Men Everywhere to Lift Up Holy Hands in Prayer.” Pastor Moses Kim and Abraham Lincoln conducted special lectures in Korean or English. Missionary Deborah Lee and Vincent Lee presented on the issues and solutions related to Asian missions.
After the conference, Zachary (Taiwan) and Yuliya (Kazakhstan) celebrated a beautiful wedding. This wedding also reflected the fruit of Dr. Steve and Dr. Allison’s labor of love. Pastor Ron Ward delivered the wedding message, and Paul Sambuco officiated the ceremony. The day was full of joyful celebration, including a special dance prepared by the Kaohsiung UBF sisters.
The Asia Directors Conference was a great blessing to all participants as the local leaders from six centers worked together in unity and dedication. Next year, the Asia Shepherds Conference is scheduled for January 7-9, 2027 in Indonesia. We pray that in the new year, the ministry leaders and missionaries in Asia will continue to love one another and diligently pray, leading to the flourishing work of the Gospel in each country.
