Tell people that you are a missionary in India or Africa and they probably won't act surprised. Tell them you work in Japan and they tend to ask why!
Japan after all is a wealthy and powerful country, and doesn't meet the image of a traditional mission field.
But the needs of Japan, a country that influences the world, and of the Japanese people, should challenge us. Few of those living there have ever heard of Jesus as a Saviour. Yet legally there is no restriction on you going there and telling people. You can even get a visa for this purpose.
The lifestyle and values of Japanese are changing and traditional bonds are a little looser.
Money is considered important. But some are beginning to be more conscious that money can't buy everything. They know that they need something more.
WEC In Japan
Anywhere you go in Japan there is a need for church planting and evangelism. WEC's main focus continues to be local evangelism and church planting in rural and suburban areas where few other agencies are working. Through our church planting teams we aim to establish local, self- (& Christ!) sufficient, indigenous Churches. In addition to evangelism and church planting, we are working to encourage the development of church based youth and children's ministries etc and to give training to Japanese to develop lay ministries and enable some to come into full time ministry. Much of this we do in partnership with the Japanese-led "SFDD" Church association of WEC planted Churches.
Through our teaching and short-term overseas projects, we as a mission are increasingly looking to help Japanese Christians and churches be "World Mission Minded."
A Brief History
WEC first entered Japan in 1950. Early work majored on evangelism. Gladly, we were soon able to add to this baptising, discipling and establishing of congregations! The next step involved training Japanese Pastors and establishing them in leadership over the Churches. There are currently fifteen WEC related churches.
WEC missionaries in Japan currently number twenty-four from seven countries. We are praying for others to join with us as, we work with Japanese Christians to see God�s Kingdom come here in Japan.
