This week's Nation at our Doorstep: JAPAN
As we head towards our 10 Year Anniversary celebration at the ISMNZ conference in Rotorua, we also lift our eyes outward towards the nation of Japan. God has brought so many Japanese students to our doorsteps, and in fact several of those students have been a part of the ISMNZ Ministry internship programme over the years.
With over 127 million people living in Japan, and out of that only 1.76-2 million reportedly claiming Christianity as their religion, it is important that we turn our hearts upward in prayer to seek God for His salvation in that nation.
Many Japanese have gone to other nations to study and become followers of Jesus overseas, or grown in their Christian walk whilst in other countries. In March 2009 there was a conference held in Japan called the "All Nations Returnee Conference". One of those in attendance, Kenji Okuaki, said this:
"...it is said that more than 1 million Japanese live in different countries around the world. It is a good opportunity for those who live overseas away from daily life in Japan to know the presence of God and be saved. The Japanese fellowships in Indonesia and New Zealand - where we stayed - are also sending back many faithful returnees to Japan. They were enflamed with the faith that they were given overseas, and wish to deliver the Word of God in Japan as well. Recently, we began to see many foreigners in Japan. We have a lot of opportunities to sow good seed in them without going overseas. Whether we are overseas or in Japan, it can be said that the entire world is becoming a place for the ministry of the Word of God.
I feel that a new wave of missionary work started when the first returnee conference was held. I would like to have another such conference, as it is so spiritually moving. With the hope of revival of Japan, I pray that the good seed that can give dreams and hopes to young people is sowed."
“And afterward, I will pour out my Sprit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28 – 29)
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:36-38)
May we be encouraged that God is the Lord of the harvest, and through the movement of His people around the world, He continues to bless the nations.
Looking forward to celebrating His Kingdom of many nations together soon! Keep those registrations coming! office@ism.org.nz
