When you think about Japan, what comes to mind? Mount Fuji or a kimono, perhaps. Maybe the cherry (Sakura) blossom, Japanese anime/manga, or their food (sushi, ramen, etc.)? But have you thought about Japanese churches and Christians? Do you know that Japan’s Christian population is generally estimated at only 0.3% to 1.1%? This makes Japan one of the least Christian-affiliated nations globally, significantly below the 51.1% world average.
At the end of March, a small group of us (Caleb & Christina Yu, Doug & Donna Stauffer, and Titus Scott) will go to Japan for a short-term missions trip. The primary purpose is to partner with a local church (Shukugawa Bible Church) in hosting a kids’ English camp. Most of the children attending—and their parents—are not believers, making this a meaningful opportunity to build relationships, demonstrate Christ’s love, and support the local church in gospel outreach. In addition, the team will have opportunities to engage with different fellowship groups and ministries in the church to share our Christian life and faith from different cultures, traditions, and histories.
Beyond serving at the camp, the team also hopes to explore potential new ministry partnerships and discern whether this effort could grow into a long-term missions opportunity for BG as we continue to think about our position and involvement in the ever-changing global missions field.
BG became aware of this ministry opportunity as Caleb and Christina have been friends for years with those in leadership at the church. Their families worshiped together while they were living in the Boston area. The Yus then invited others at BG who had expressed interest in ESL opportunities. We feel privileged and humbled to serve together as a team now.
We ask that you keep us in your prayers, specifically for safe travels, unity, fruitful connections, open hearts, and clear direction for the future. We are all very excited to serve the people there, but we are even more excited to see what God is going to do in our lives through this trip.