Updates From Sapporo!
It has been one week since arriving here in Sapporo. My team and I have adjusted to the weather and people here. We thank God for being with us here. I also thank God for healing me of my sore throat and fever.
What we have done the past week:
Saturday
Kid’s club where we played and cooked lunch (BBQ) with the children
Sunday
Church service; outing with the church’s Youth group to see some sakura; prepared hainanese chicken rice and dinner with the Youth group
Monday
Fellowship with a cell group (5 ladies in their retirement years) – went to Hira Oka Park with them where we saw even more sakura and plum. After that we had a picnic lunch with them in the park.
We cooked katsu curry for dinner
Dinner and interview with KGK director, Mr Shimada. He is the sole full time worker of IFES here in Hokkaido. He shared with us the student movement here in Japan and the challenges and struggles working here. Its sad to see that the laborers are few indeed.
After dinner, we joined the KGK meeting where about 20 university students gathered for their monthly intervarsity meeting. We had a Q&A session with them where they asked us anything about the life (and being a Christian) in Singapore and the difference between the 2 countries.
Tuesday
Conducted English lesson for where we have 3 students for the morning session and 4 students in the afternoon. Some of the students are non Christians and it is their first time coming to church. English lesson is one of the main outreaches the church uses to draw non Christians.
We took the subway to the town center, Odori. The city is very unique – the buildings are
in blocks and there is a beautiful park in the middle of town. Visited the CLC bookstore. The bookstore is a form of ministry to encourage Christians to read Christian literature and to reach out. It’s sad to hear that 2 out of 5 stores had to close due to slow economy and the lack of desire of Christians to read materials. The used to have someone to go round in a car – “mobile bookshop” but it also stopped due to lack of manpower.
At night, we visited the KGK on Hokkaido University for Bible study. There was about 15 students, with 2 non-Christians. It is interesting to note that many are seeking Christ, but not ready to commit themselves to Him. Pray that God in His time will convict their hearts.
Wednesday
English lesson in the morning.
Visited the Hokkusei University KGK. Had lunch with them and a short time of sharing and prayer for one another.
Thursday
English lesson in the morning.
During our lunch break, we headed to Sapporo University to talk to a Christian professor, Mr Mitugi. He shared that the university he works in is a non-Christian university, unlike Hokusei University. Therefore anything relating to religion is not allowed. He cannot share the gospel to his students and his only way is through being a good testimony. He hopes that students will approach him when facing problems and through this way share about Jesus Christ. There are only 7 Christians there (5 staff, 2 students). The only Christian group there is made out of 2 people – himself and a student, whom we met on our first day here. He asks us to pray that there will be a spiritual desire to pray more, to pray till there is a breakthrough in Japan.
English lesson in the afternoon. We usually teach, one to one. In the hope that we will build relationship with them and to encourage them to join us for Sunday service. The last 10 minutes, all the students will gather together, where each of us will take turns to share our personal testimony (one day, one sharing). Today was my turn. I shared Jeremiah 29:11 – about how knowing God had changed my life; that God had given me this verse and it assures me that God has my future laid ahead and that I don’t have to worry about it.
After lesson, we visited the Samaritan Home, a halfway home for alcoholics. Talked to an instructor there about the program and how they help ex-alcoholics recover. It is a non-profit organization and the board of directors are all Christians. It is another form of how Christians here are reaching out to the community. Singapore also has one – the Hiding Place, which we went last December as one of the training program under MEET.
At night, we had dinner in one of the church member’s house. We fellowshipped with a Japanese lady, Ms Tomoko. She is by profession, as nurse and is serving the Lord in China, for 11 years now, under MSI (www.msips.org). She is fluent is Japanese, Chinese and English. This organization is a Christian organization. Volunteers go to third world countries as tent-makers, under reasons such as providing medical and community services, teaching vocational and English classes. Though they are not allowed to share the gospel (and many will not do so, so as not to risk themselves from being kicked out of the country), they spread the gospel by being a good testimony, in the hope that the people will ask them about the gospel. MSI is open for short-term trips. Those with skills can sign up and go. But it is pure voluntary work. No pay.
Friday
We visited the OMF office. The director gave us a lecture about OMF and its ministry and strategy in reaching out to the people. We met a Singaporean couple there. It is really encouraging as I met them during one of the OMF prayer meetings in Frankell Bethesda. During that prayer meeting, the couple and another 2 ladies shared their burden and why they felt God calling them to Japan. It’s really encouraging to see them taking the step of faith to come out here for 2 years. They are now taking the language course by OMF, to get to know the culture and language before being sent to other parts of Japan to serve.
Our schedule is not very tight. There is plenty of time to rest and just to get to know my team members better. Think I am eating a lot too! Cause my Team Leader is very picky about food and Shirlene eats very little. Only left me and Maureen to finish the food. And since we don’t want to waster food and to show our appreciation, the both of us would just eat lor! Got nickname – tong sampah (garbage bin!) Apparently I am the most cin-cai person when it comes to food. Haha, they say I can be a missionary since I can easily adapt to food.
Among the things that I am thinking about after talking to so many people and interacting with them:
- The gospel has been here for a few hundred years now, almost the same time as Korea. Korea has seen a tremendous growth in the number of people being saved. But Japan is still struggling to reach out and the percentage of Evangelical Christians is 0.7%. Why?
- The most common way used to reach out is to first build relationships with the Japanese. Conventionally, Christians use English lessons, various classes with the housewives. At the university level, they use Bible study. Many seekers join them and in fact, many know about Christ, but have yet given their lives to Him. It is really time-consuming and sometimes they do not bear results. But is this model of reaching out still relevant? It has been effective in the past, but will it still work? Japan has been undergoing many changes in their society, and should there be a more aggressive way of reaching out?
- What model should be adopted in reaching out? The OMF director shared his opinion. He also said that it is time for the church to truly differentiate what are the biblical church practices and what is not, what is cultural and not etc.
- I see that the Japanese are very hardworking people. Many will not have time to pray (for Christians) and to commit to as a Christian, such as attending church. How should the church reach out and make an impact here?Looking around, I think there is a need to pray for the outpouring of His Spirit here in Japan. The Christians here need to be filled with power from on high to continue in their faith and to be His testimony. The land needs the Holy Spirit, it needs a spiritual breakthrough. More prayer needed for Japan!
What we have done the past week:
Saturday
Kid’s club where we played and cooked lunch (BBQ) with the children
Sunday
Church service; outing with the church’s Youth group to see some sakura; prepared hainanese chicken rice and dinner with the Youth group
Monday
Fellowship with a cell group (5 ladies in their retirement years) – went to Hira Oka Park with them where we saw even more sakura and plum. After that we had a picnic lunch with them in the park.
We cooked katsu curry for dinner
Dinner and interview with KGK director, Mr Shimada. He is the sole full time worker of IFES here in Hokkaido. He shared with us the student movement here in Japan and the challenges and struggles working here. Its sad to see that the laborers are few indeed.
After dinner, we joined the KGK meeting where about 20 university students gathered for their monthly intervarsity meeting. We had a Q&A session with them where they asked us anything about the life (and being a Christian) in Singapore and the difference between the 2 countries.
Tuesday
Conducted English lesson for where we have 3 students for the morning session and 4 students in the afternoon. Some of the students are non Christians and it is their first time coming to church. English lesson is one of the main outreaches the church uses to draw non Christians.
We took the subway to the town center, Odori. The city is very unique – the buildings are
in blocks and there is a beautiful park in the middle of town. Visited the CLC bookstore. The bookstore is a form of ministry to encourage Christians to read Christian literature and to reach out. It’s sad to hear that 2 out of 5 stores had to close due to slow economy and the lack of desire of Christians to read materials. The used to have someone to go round in a car – “mobile bookshop” but it also stopped due to lack of manpower.
At night, we visited the KGK on Hokkaido University for Bible study. There was about 15 students, with 2 non-Christians. It is interesting to note that many are seeking Christ, but not ready to commit themselves to Him. Pray that God in His time will convict their hearts.
Wednesday
English lesson in the morning.
Visited the Hokkusei University KGK. Had lunch with them and a short time of sharing and prayer for one another.
Thursday
English lesson in the morning.
During our lunch break, we headed to Sapporo University to talk to a Christian professor, Mr Mitugi. He shared that the university he works in is a non-Christian university, unlike Hokusei University. Therefore anything relating to religion is not allowed. He cannot share the gospel to his students and his only way is through being a good testimony. He hopes that students will approach him when facing problems and through this way share about Jesus Christ. There are only 7 Christians there (5 staff, 2 students). The only Christian group there is made out of 2 people – himself and a student, whom we met on our first day here. He asks us to pray that there will be a spiritual desire to pray more, to pray till there is a breakthrough in Japan.
English lesson in the afternoon. We usually teach, one to one. In the hope that we will build relationship with them and to encourage them to join us for Sunday service. The last 10 minutes, all the students will gather together, where each of us will take turns to share our personal testimony (one day, one sharing). Today was my turn. I shared Jeremiah 29:11 – about how knowing God had changed my life; that God had given me this verse and it assures me that God has my future laid ahead and that I don’t have to worry about it.
After lesson, we visited the Samaritan Home, a halfway home for alcoholics. Talked to an instructor there about the program and how they help ex-alcoholics recover. It is a non-profit organization and the board of directors are all Christians. It is another form of how Christians here are reaching out to the community. Singapore also has one – the Hiding Place, which we went last December as one of the training program under MEET.
At night, we had dinner in one of the church member’s house. We fellowshipped with a Japanese lady, Ms Tomoko. She is by profession, as nurse and is serving the Lord in China, for 11 years now, under MSI (www.msips.org). She is fluent is Japanese, Chinese and English. This organization is a Christian organization. Volunteers go to third world countries as tent-makers, under reasons such as providing medical and community services, teaching vocational and English classes. Though they are not allowed to share the gospel (and many will not do so, so as not to risk themselves from being kicked out of the country), they spread the gospel by being a good testimony, in the hope that the people will ask them about the gospel. MSI is open for short-term trips. Those with skills can sign up and go. But it is pure voluntary work. No pay.
Friday
We visited the OMF office. The director gave us a lecture about OMF and its ministry and strategy in reaching out to the people. We met a Singaporean couple there. It is really encouraging as I met them during one of the OMF prayer meetings in Frankell Bethesda. During that prayer meeting, the couple and another 2 ladies shared their burden and why they felt God calling them to Japan. It’s really encouraging to see them taking the step of faith to come out here for 2 years. They are now taking the language course by OMF, to get to know the culture and language before being sent to other parts of Japan to serve.
Our schedule is not very tight. There is plenty of time to rest and just to get to know my team members better. Think I am eating a lot too! Cause my Team Leader is very picky about food and Shirlene eats very little. Only left me and Maureen to finish the food. And since we don’t want to waster food and to show our appreciation, the both of us would just eat lor! Got nickname – tong sampah (garbage bin!) Apparently I am the most cin-cai person when it comes to food. Haha, they say I can be a missionary since I can easily adapt to food.
Among the things that I am thinking about after talking to so many people and interacting with them:
- The gospel has been here for a few hundred years now, almost the same time as Korea. Korea has seen a tremendous growth in the number of people being saved. But Japan is still struggling to reach out and the percentage of Evangelical Christians is 0.7%. Why?
- The most common way used to reach out is to first build relationships with the Japanese. Conventionally, Christians use English lessons, various classes with the housewives. At the university level, they use Bible study. Many seekers join them and in fact, many know about Christ, but have yet given their lives to Him. It is really time-consuming and sometimes they do not bear results. But is this model of reaching out still relevant? It has been effective in the past, but will it still work? Japan has been undergoing many changes in their society, and should there be a more aggressive way of reaching out?
- What model should be adopted in reaching out? The OMF director shared his opinion. He also said that it is time for the church to truly differentiate what are the biblical church practices and what is not, what is cultural and not etc.
- I see that the Japanese are very hardworking people. Many will not have time to pray (for Christians) and to commit to as a Christian, such as attending church. How should the church reach out and make an impact here?Looking around, I think there is a need to pray for the outpouring of His Spirit here in Japan. The Christians here need to be filled with power from on high to continue in their faith and to be His testimony. The land needs the Holy Spirit, it needs a spiritual breakthrough. More prayer needed for Japan!
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