| Japan Update | | Print | |
| Coordinator Blogs & Articles - Asia | |||
| Thursday, 22 January 2009 03:57 | |||
 Right now, we are in Tokyo, Japan's capital city. We have been staying with HeartCry missionary Luis, his wife Nicola, their son Rohan, and Luis' mother Teresa. Our time here has been filled with contrasts. We are in a country that has been blessed by the common grace of God. It has one of the best economies in the world, it is clean, and is filled with many of the comforts of a technological society. The people have a work ethic unrivaled by any other people in the world and they are courteous and gentle. Yet, it is one of the most spiritually numb places I have ever been. Missionaries labor among the Japanese for years and see very little response or openness. The Japanese are considered to be some of the least responsive people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and planting a healthy Biblical church can seem like an impossible task.The lies of Satan are very evident, as well. Although mothers often do an exemplary job at caring for their children and taking care of the home, men idolize the workplace and are aloof and irresponsible in the family. A typical Japanese man rarely interacts with his wife or children. Most of his non-working hours are spent selfishly in a bar or indulging the lusts of the flesh. Japan also has the highest suicide rate of any country in the world. More than 100 people commit suicide everyday; a couple of years ago the best-selling novel was a book about the various different ways to kill one's self. Although Japan's society looks good from the outside, its looks are only cosmetic. It is rotten to the core. It is a demonic stronghold that will only be penetrated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed from the lips of men and women imbued with the power of the Holy Spirit. Luis moved to Tokyo in 2003 with only $60 in hand. He met his wife Nicola, a native Brit, and they were married in 2004. Their life since has been a clear demonstration of God's faithfulness and kindness to provide for His children. They initially were serving the Lord in a local church in Ome, working with the large Latin population who have immigrated in order find work. However, in 2007 they left the church due to differences in doctrine and methodology. In God's kind providence, though, they moved to the section of Tokyo that has the largest Latin population and began working with this group of people to plant a Spanish speaking church through Kanto Plains Baptist Church. At this church they have also been given the opportunity to minister to more Japanese. Kanto Plains' pastor seems to be a godly man who shares many of HeartCry's core doctrinal convictions. Luis and Nicola's journey to their present place in life is a clear demonstration of how God honors those who stand upon His word. They are truly a bright light in the midst of much darkness. Their genuine, sincere, godly lives are a great contrast to the superficial, cosmetic Japanese culture. Please pray for them.
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