My first Sunday service in Japan was certainly blessed! It was a privilege to be back and see my Japanese church family after almost three years! Each week, I will be attending the 2nd service at church, then after, with Pastor’s Yasutaka Sensei and Junko Sensei, will be driving to another location to serve in their children’s ministry during their 3rd service. I get the privilege of being able teach young children between the ages of 3-7 years old about the Bible and the things of God each Sunday! These children showed great interest and engagement in both the activities and the prayer time! I feel blessed to be able to pour into their lives and raise up the next generation of Japanese believers! May God continue to bless them abundantly with His love and truth!
Some observations about Christian churches in Japan! Churches are much smaller, with a large congregation being about 50 people or so. The style is much more traditional than the, “modern and technology-driven” church of America. The congregation is quiet, respectful and attentive to the Pastor speaking at all times. The worship is simple, but powerful; instruments such as guitar and piano are often used and the songs that are sung are translated versions of Christian classics such as, “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” and “Hosanna in the Highest.” Heavy emphasis is focused on teaching the Word and reading the Bible aloud. The Bible is explained piece by piece, from a cultural perspective of the time period. We pray together corporately, as well as separately. We took communion at church on Sunday and I could sense the Holy Spirit engaging hearts and minds while moving through the atmosphere.
One thing to note was that at the church I am serving at, it is mostly Japanese people and some of these Japanese are not yet Christians. I had the privilege of speaking with a woman who is not yet a Christian this past Sunday. It was actually only her second time attending a church service in her life and we had the opportunity to talk at length after the service.
She asked me questions regarding why I believe in God, how to hear the voice of God and how to pray. I felt the Lord use me to speak into her and I shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with her. Please pray that she would continue coming to church and be saved in the Mighty Name of Jesus! For privacy reasons, please call her A-San. Please pray for her salvation!
I look forward to serving my home church in this capacity and am working with my Pastors here to make local connections to build the church in Nishinari. My Pastors are helping me secure a place to worship in Nishinari as we speak! I’m grateful to be able to serve alongside this church and co-labor with them! I also look forward to planting a church in impoverished area of Nishinari where there is not one already!
God Bless you and thank you for reading!
Lifted Vision Ministry 