MONTHLY FOCUS

‘I’m the only Christian in my punk band. I want my lyrics to make people think.’

‘After my husband died, and then my father died soon after, this church supported me so well.’

‘I used to be in trouble with the police a lot. Now I use my time and gifts for Jesus.’

‘It’s fun being a Christian in Japan and getting to see what God is doing here!’

These are just a few things I was told by Japanese Christians when I was in Japan recently, to conduct interviews for my book on how they follow Jesus in different areas of life, including business, music and sport.

We often hear of the scandalously small Christian population of Japan (less than 1%) and the significant challenges facing the Church there, such as a desperate lack of younger church leaders. These realities are causes for concern and much prayer. But let’s not allow them to detract from the wonderful things the Lord is doing through the faith-filled, creative and outward-focussed witness of so many Japanese Christians.

During my time travelling around different regions of Japan, it was also great to talk with many non-Christian Japanese people. In one city I met a man in his twenties who was incredibly enthusiastic about the Bible, calling it ‘the best book ever’. Another young guy I met was about to move to the UK on a working holiday visa. I had lunch with him in his new adopted city in South Wales a few weeks ago and introduced him to a Christian friend living there.

Miho was in Japan not long before my visit, for OMF Returnee Focus leadership team meetings. She caught up with a number of Japanese Christians we got to know in Manchester, who’ve since returned to Japan. Several of them were trying to find a local church to settle into. It was very meaningful them to meet to discuss faith issues and pray together.

In July, Miho organised a summer festival for thirteen Japanese families with their young children, many of whom attend the weekly Japanese mothers and toddlers group in Stockport. The children came dressed in yukata (light cotton kimono for girls) and jinbei (a short jacket and trousers for boys). They loved the traditional Japanese festival games such as yo-yo fishing, goldfish scooping (with plastic goldfish!) and ring tossing. There was also an engaging Bible talk for the families.

There was also a celebration for the children ‘graduating’ from the toddler group and due to begin primary school. Each year at the graduation we present a certificate and picture Bible to the children, and a bouquet of flowers and a Japanese New Testament to the mothers. This year Miho gave these to four families.

In September there were more celebrations, with OMF UK marking the first anniversary of our Manchester office. We have so much to thank the Lord for through the past year of upheaval and relocation, from leafy Sevenoaks 3 minutes’ walk from Manchester’s China Town. According to plan, OMF UK is now at the heart of a vibrant city with multiple opportunities to serve and partner with local churches in mission to and alongside East Asian people. It’s been a joy to get to know the excellent new OMF UK staff over the year, including St Mary’s very own and very gifted Candidate Coordinator, Amelie Latham!

We have lots of encouraging connections with Japanese people in Manchester. We’re looking forward to further gospel opportunities in the coming Advent and Christmas season.

We’re very grateful for your ongoing interest, prayer and support in this ministry. It’s a real privilege to partner with you each step of the way!

Tim & Miho Walker