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By Steve Duhrkoop
Japan Field Leader One Mission Society
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detrimental in sharing the Gospel
Also, groups are very important in Japanese culture, and
the most important of these groups is the family. Accepting Christ takes
a great step of faith, knowing your family might disown you. Some wait, hoping
to receive the approval of their family to be baptized.
With such a small number of Christians in Japan, many have no association with
fellow Christians outside of their church family. Research indicates that less than
three percent of Japanese people have stepped foot inside a church for a worship
service ... ever. How can they hear unless we share the message of salvation with
them outside the church walls? The situation is not hopeless, however; it is filled
with opportunity and challenge.
We must present Christ in a relevant way to reach the Japanese of the 21st century. Who can best reach the Japanese in their companies, in their groups of friends,
and in their families? We believe the Japanese laypeople are best equipped for
this challenge. We need to pray earnestly as they step up to this responsibility. We
also need to train and disciple Japanese believers to evangelize, sharing their own
faith stories; to support the theological training of pastors; and to plant multiplying
churches and worshiping groups.
We also need people from around the world to join us in praying weekly for the
people of Japan and for the Japanese Christians as they share what Christ has
done in their lives. We need people to join us by coming to Japan to evangelize and
train Japanese to win other Japanese for Christ. And we need a new generation of
missionaries in Japan, those who can do personal evangelism and have a vision for
youth. We have positions open in English evangelism, youth ministries, and sports
ministry. Join us in seeing God move in Japan!
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