Article from INVISION: A bi-monthly e-newsletter of Mission to the World

Opening the Doors for the Gospel in Japan

Following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, MTW church-planting teams and partner churches in the Tokyo and Nagoya areas responded quickly to help the people affected by the tsunami. The teams were led by MTW missionaries Dan Iverson, Wayne Newsome, and Japanese pastors Makoto Fukuda and Seima Aoyagi. The stricken area, the Tohoku east coast, is an area of small, coastal fishing villages and small cities. Churches from the Tokyo and Nagoya areas have sent over 100 individual truckloads of relief supplies and volunteer teams, helping stabilize the area. Though government relief efforts have been relatively swift and effective, there are still many people who are homeless or living in temporary shelters. And, as a result of the deaths of approximately 25,000 people, there are now many shattered families and orphaned children. However, there seems to be a new spiritual openness among the Japanese, particularly those directly affected by the tsunami. This openness presents an unprecedented opportunity for MTW missionaries and partners to work in cities virtually untouched by the gospel. Relief efforts have noticeably changed from carrying supplies to carrying love—serving hot meals, performing concerts, playing with children, and simply listening. And as Japanese Church members and missionaries listen, they are making friends and opening doors for long-term relationships. “We have been warmly welcomed by the residents of the region and anticipate an ongoing and lengthy effort to help,” said Bob Drews, assistant team leader of the Chiba team. Only about 0.22 percent of Japanese are evangelical Christians. Most Japanese do not know a Christian and have no knowledge of the Bible, much less of a sovereign and loving God. Moreover, Tohoku is the least-churched area in all of Japan. Currently, there are no Presbyterian Church in Japan (PCJ) works in Tohoku, though MTW is actively working with evangelical churches in the area. The ministry dreams of renting a facility, or purchasing land or a building, establishing a permanent facility for church-planting teams. The facility will provide opportunities to work with children, elderly, and families. The ministry also hopes to jump-start future business ventures. “Having a physical footprint in a community is vital to a long-term relationship that can bring the gospel transformation to individuals and communities,” said Drews.