There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the need for the gospel around the world is great. After all, Jesus said “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19). The nations need to know who Christ is.

     And so you might ask, why are we in Japan instead of somewhere else? There are many reasons. We feel called here.  God takes many of us to different places, and this is where he has chosen to bring us.

     Part of what God has laid on our hearts is the immense need for the gospel here.  Japan is a country of approximately 127,000,000 people.  Of those people, less than 1% claim Christianity. There is 1 church for every 16,222 people in Japan, with each church on average having an attendance of 36 people.  Japan is, in a way, overly religious; incorporating many religions into one. It is often said that one is born Shinto, has a Christian style or Shinto wedding, and is buried in the Buddhist tradition. Yet, often if you speak to these people, they will say that they are “non-religious”. Most only visit the temples or shrines once a year over the New Year festival time.

     Furthermore, Japan struggles greatly with many issues within itself. Every year 32,000 people commit suicide. Another 5,000 die every year from “karoshi” (death from overwork). And still yet, approximately 1.6 million people suffer from “hikikomori” (acute social withdrawal).

     Japan is a country in need of the gospel. They need to know the love of Christ in their lives. That is why we are here.