Hello everyone! Thank you so much for keeping up with God’s mission in Japan and all of your fervent and effectual prayers! I want to take this time to check in with everyone and let you know how I’ve been doing thus far!
My initial thoughts and feelings towards Japan is that it is a beautiful country filled with very hardworking and respectable people. It’s also a society where convenience is valued, order is followed and everything is easily accessed. Despite these facts, there are many prevalent needs here and a lifetime of work that still needs to be accomplished for the Kingdom. Widespread homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, poverty and many, many women enslaved in the sex industry are the largely overlooked and somewhat ignored needs of this country. There are also many spiritual forces to contend with here. There are churches/organizations that support a “one world” religion (meaning all religions are practiced and welcome in one church). Additionally, many Buddhist and Shinto shrines/places of worship can be found everywhere; from inside restaurants to dedicated, large buildings. Furthermore, fortune telling and palm reading pop-up stations can be found on every floor of a local mall and reiki services can be found walking down many streets. All of these behaviors are wreaking spiritual havoc and isolating people from the knowledge of God, Holy Spirit and Jesus.
Then there is the church. Christianity may be tolerated in Japan, however, Christian churches are as not welcome. I was told by Pastor Yasutaka-san that when a new Christian church is planted in Japan many communities often complain about their presence. Churches apparently “disrupt” communities by playing worship music too loudly and also because they are doing it in the name of Jesus. Therefore, Christian churches are far and few in between, with very small congregations of 10-30 people in each.
Although I look around and feel saddened by these circumstances, at the same time, I am joyful that the fields are ripe for harvest! People are looking for help, comfort and peace here. There are many problems, and God is the only solution. Jesus is their answer, the ONLY answer, for all of us. I pray to be a blessing to those around me and to continue to share the gospel and Jesus’ love everywhere I go. Please pray for Japan! 🇯🇵 Amen!
Lifted Vision Ministry 