Japan May 2008 mission team final report

Sarah Doss, guest correspondent and Japan May 2008 team member writes:

The Lord did great things in Tokyo, Japan. Throughout the week the WorldReach team was given the opportunity to build relationships on two Japanese University campuses, Keio and Oberlin.

Keio University is one of the most prestigious universities in the country of Japan, many of the nation's leaders are selected from its graduates. The influence these students currently have and will have in Japan makes them an important population to reach with the Gospel.

At Oberlin University (a campus that was founded on Christian principles, but has an extremely small Christian population) our group was able to speak in several different cultural classes about American life and our beliefs. With all of the classes combined, we were able to speak in front of over 300 Japanese students. The teacher who allowed us to come to her class is not a Christian, but she seems very open to hearing about the Word, which was very encouraging to our team.

We formed many relationships with students and others that we pray will continue to develop with our team over e-mail and with the International Mission Board journeymen and missionary staff on-site in Japan. We were blessed to spend time with these missionaries. Their dedication and persistence encouraged us greatly.

The WorldReach team visited a local Buddhist temple while a festival was happening. For many in the group it was the first time that we had seen literal idol worship. How this must sadden the Lord that His creation not only are not praising Him, but giving His praise to inanimate objects. It was horrible to see the sincerity of people seeking satisfaction and help from gods made of stone when only the Lord can give them any satisfaction. The children were especially sad to see, as their parents are teaching them lies.

Overall, the WorldReach team enjoyed experiencing the culture of Japan and meeting Japanese students. Thank you for lifting us up in your prayers. We ask that you join us in praying for the people of Japan. Many people in the country have never even heard the name of Jesus or heard of the Bible. Please pray that the Lord would make Himself known and continue to work in Japan, drawing people to Himself for His glory and Namesake.

Prayer Requests:

Pray that the Keio campuses would become more open to the Lord and that those students would use their influence to change the nation for Christ.

Pray that the teacher at Oberlin would come to know Christ and use her influence with the students.

Pray for strength and encouragement for the International Mission Board missionaries, journeymen, and summer interns in Japan, in building relationships and reaching people with Truth.

Pray that the people of Japan would understand the difference between tradition and a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that they would not persist in idolatry, but that the Lord would open their eyes to the reality of the situation and that Satan would no longer have the power to blind them.