At 18, I followed Jesus at my hometown, Aichi Prefecture of Japan. When later settling down in Tokyo, I joined Nerima church of JCMN. Not only did I come across “Three Major Prayers” as a missional statement of my church but I also connected with different churches. There are many ways we can do together and make contribution to God’s Kingdom, such as winning over souls in Japan or reaching out to the unreached in the world.
Back then, I was taught that Jesus is coming soon and it is about the restoration of Israel. When Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami took place in 11 March 2011, JCMN and CCMN sent teams composing local and international helpers to one of the disastrous zones, Iwate Prefecture, for relief. In the beginning, I just had the revival of Tohoku in mind. But for a deeper thought, I turned to look at the revival of Japan as a whole, an echo of my church’s vision. What new things would God bring about for changes?
Why would I have such a thought? Among those helpers in Iwate, there were Christians from around the world to support us. It inspired me to think that the world has given us many blessings so that we could go through the miserable and tough times. Now we, Japanese, are able to give rather than receive. We can set off to the world and make contributions.
At the first step, we, Japanese, learn to love and serve one another; further, we care about the needs among nations. This is a global mission to show the unity of the Body of Christ. In recent years, either participating in short-term missions (STM) or hosting STM teams, Japanese teams are making ourselves ready to go and contribute to the world.
It is the mission that we, Japanese, could play a part in the Body of Christ. It is the heart of God that we should take up the Great Commission. It is my call that beyond reaching out in Japan, I am willing to be a missionary and play a part in the world mission.
Why do I choose the Middle East (ME) for long-term mission?
After the eye-opening trip to Bangladesh and Southern Thailand for STM, I realized the ME is a patriarchal society where men dominate women. Since the ME team lacks male members, I could be the one for them. I hope to go and offer help too. After a few talks with the team, I am welcomed to join them and be a helping hand. I believe that the missional experience in Tohoku over the past few years will be of some help to this young team in New City.
The Bible said: John 12: 26-27
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
John 15: 16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Isaiah 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.