Missionary Prayer and Spiritual Warfare

“Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.” - Romans 15:30-32

The apostle Paul firmly believed in the necessity of the prayers of the saints to help in the course of his missionary work. His exact needs were stated. A certain degree of accountability existed. When Paul stated his concerns he likely expected a certain degree of believing prayer to be delivered up to God by the saints. The necessity of being connected with a group of believers in which we can share our vital concerns is necessary not only for ministry, but also for daily needs. Can we share our vital concerns with others? Paul knew that prayer made a difference and that he could share his vital concerns. Do we really know that in our own life, or are we guilty of “going through the motions” with safe prayer requests? Personally, on separate occasions I could readily tell the difference of having solid prayer support as opposed to not having solid prayer support. Just last summer in Missoula while witnessing to people we were able to have a lot of solid conversations with what I believe happened because of pre-planned church prayer support. The second time while witnessing we had almost no conversations because of hastily-prepared prayer support! This can also reflect on missionaries as well as ministers who are busy with so many tasks without specific prayers backing them or even mentioned. Prayer is our most important weapon for spiritual warfare. Our enemy does not want us to organize our prayers, let alone have them be effective! When observing prayer requests from others keep in mind the hidden unmentioned needs that each person has or the potential fear employed by keeping topics at a surface level. Spiritual warfare is real. (Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 10:4) Do you have a small group of trusted people with which you can pray with? If those that you are close to cannot pray for your needs, then who can? Paul recognized the reality of spiritual warfare and was certainly not an “island to himself”.

10 Months in Japan

With what seems like the blink of an eye ten months are complete. In a short period of time we will be flying back home to get married, rest, and continue on to visit many churches. No doubt many lessons were learned, lives impacted, and changes made during the time spent here.

Ten months ago the decision was made after prayer and consideration to quit my career, go into the ‘formal’ ministry, and to essentially start over in a new country as a student of a difficult language as well as culture. I did not expect anything glorious or particularly difficult in doing this. I came here because I trusted that God wanted me to do ministry in this country, to see and experience life here first hand. Doing ministry is not easy or glorious work no matter where it is practiced, for it requires a different set of tools as well as ability. I am thankful to God for the spiritual trials over the years, growth and learning, and working in the American Criminal Justice system for five years before coming here. Without these factors I can say that I probably would have quit quite easily, but God knew that. Yet, I am also very much aware that I need much experience here, this being only the beginning. Ministry in Japan is challenging, but God is faithful to guide when we trust Him no matter what life brings.

What was learned? I wish to speak honestly from my observations as well as experiences.

As Americans in Japan because of our cultural differences and background we have found that certain elements of ministry really work as many Asians are very open to the gospel message. Namely, one-on-one counseling, one-on-one evangelism, and one-on-one teaching/discipleship. Though this is a communal society, people really seems to feel open talking to Americans in a personal way because Japanese people judge each other in a strict manner due to cultural expectations. Americans do not do this because we are unaware of the cultural norms for the most part. If we could spend all of our days just doing counseling, evangelism, and teaching/discipleship we would be constantly busy for there are many needs here. (Which will only increase as I learn to speak Japanese.) However, Japanese people have different ideas for how ministry ought to be performed. The Japanese appear to be more of a task-oriented people of the ‘Martha’ variety moreso than the ‘Mary’ variety. (Luke 10:38-42) Though I firmly believe that a missionary ought to be able and willing to do anything that is required, I pray that we can learn to accept and work alongside each other with accepting differences rather than trying to force each other to be like the other. This is a great challenge, and is likely why most missionaries in Japan have their own ministries rather than working alongside a Japanese ministry. Foreign missionaries need to work together with Japanese because our strengths and weaknesses can really complement one another. Fortunately, Japan as a society is changing so we may be more tolerated as time goes on. God is in control ultimately.

In the realm of cultural expectations comes the expectation of work. In American culture there are certain boundaries expected for work, sleep, leisure, and church/family time. We are very insistent upon having the freedoms to generally choose our time allotments. In Japan however there are no real boundaries. The minimum expectation is to work hard, and if you do not you are considered lazy. Whatever you do, whether it be work or school, is expected to rule your life over family and God. For this reason many Japanese are constantly exhausted, have mental issues, or are in the hospital for health issues. If you cannot live up to the high expectations you are considered to be weak and cast aside. In some regards this mentality has advantages in that the country is generally prosperous, not lazy, and has lower crime (people are too busy working hard to try to exist). It is interesting to note that the older generations were satisfied with hard work for the sake of hard work as well as for prosperity, whereas the younger generation does not really care about working insane hours for prosperity. I tend to think that Japan’s strong cultural work norm was considered an acceptable strong sense of pride that the people had left after World War Two, and with it they fully devoted their selves to seeking economic might with the result of becoming the world’s second largest economy for many decades. Now many of the people are burned out with no real reason to work hard other than to work hard, which is why the new generations battle is a spiritual one for the soul of the nation. I am convinced that the church needs to be a place of healing rather than a place of adding extra burdens on to the people. If the church is operating from a position of exhaustion bound by cultural expectations, then it will continue to be a place of task orientation. I pray these people find their rest in God.

Thank you for your prayers over the past 10 months, and for reading this blog. I will try to keep up with some occasional posts on our status as we are planning on staying in the USA for one year.

East meets West: Japanese Cultural Differences

The familiar Psalm 103:12 reads, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Through poetic use for comparative purposes this Psalm serves to remind us of  the great power of God’s cleansing ability. A minor point that may be gathered from this Psalm to  create such a powerful illustration to the reader is the thought of just how far “East” and “West” are  from each other. Not only the physical distances come to immediate thought, but also for the modern reader the thought of the vast differences between the “Far East” Culture as opposed to what is  considered in our mind as “Western Culture”. (Let us not forget that the Bible was written in what  we would consider an Eastern Cultural setting!)

The readers of this blog are probably interested to know just how different Japan is from Western Civilization. (On a lighter note most everything in daily life in Japan is the direct opposite of the west:from how the sink is turned from on to off by pushing down on the lever instead of pulling up,  to how walking down the street or driving is on the opposite side of the road than what we are used  to in America.)  For the “Westerner” coming to Japan not only does the challenge of  the system of writing, grammar, and speaking prevail, but perhaps more significant are the cultural differences.  Eastern Culture is based upon an understanding of “Shame versus Honor” in a communal system as 
opposed to Western Culture which is often based upon “Right versus Wrong” in an individualized  system. Here are some of the main examples as described by the book Honor and Shame in Cross-Cultural Relationships by Werner Mischke:

Western Culture                                Eastern Culture 

Equality                                               Hierarchy

Direct Communication                        Indirect Communication

Individual Orientation                         Group Orientation

Task Orientation                                  Relationship Orientation

High Risk Decision Making                Cautious Decision Making

As you can see these concepts are the direct opposites in every way. Though not all Americans or  Japanese fall under these categories exactly, it should be noted that a majority of each culture tend to easily
identify with these categories in one way or another. Now, let’s look at each category closely with these 
examples from the above mentioned book comparing Americans with Japanese.

The first category is Equality versus Hierarchy. Americans tend to be self-directed, have flexibility in roles in the workplace, have freedom to challenge leadership, bend rules  if necessary, and treat men and women in similar fashion. Japanese tend to take direction from those above 
them in authority, have strong limitations about appropriate behavior for roles, respect those in authority 
because of their status/position, enforce rules/guidelines, and expect men/women to behave or be treated differently.

The second category is Direct versus Indirect communication. Americans tend to be direct in  speaking with less concern about how something is said, openly communicate issues or difficulties,  engage in conflict when necessary, express views/opinions in a frank manner, and say things very  clearly. Japanese tend to focus on now what is said but how it is said, avoid difficult or contentious  issues, express concerns tactfully, avoid conflict if possible, express views diplomatically, and count on the
 listener to interpret meaning. This is a strong point for the communication of the gospel in areas such as preaching/counseling/instructing/evangelism where Westerners can give a clear  presentation with ease.

The third category is Individual versus Group orientation. Americans tend to take individual  initiative, use personal guidelines in personal situations, focus on themselves, judge people based on
 individual traits, make decisions individually, put individuals before team, are nonconformist when  necessary, and move in and out of groups as needed or desired. Japanese tend to act cooperatively and 
establish group goals, standardize guidelines, make loyalty to friends a high priority, determine  their identity through group affiliation, make decisions as a group, put team or group ahead before individual, conform to social norms, and keep group membership for life. 

The fourth category is Task orientation versus Relationship Orientation. Task Oriented people tend to define people based on what they do, move straight to business and focus on relationships later, keep relationships with coworkers impersonal, sacrifice leisure time and time with family in favor of  work, get to know 
co-workers and colleagues quickly but superficially, use largely impersonal  selection criteria in hiring (resumes/scores, etc.), and allow work to overlap with personal time.  Relation Oriented people tend to define people based on who they are, establish comfortable  relationships before doing business, have personal relationships with co-workers, sacrifice work in  favor of leisure time and time with family, get to know co-workers and colleagues slowly and in  depth, use largely personal selection criteria (family connections) when hiring, and not allow work to impinge on personal life. I will say that this category is quite mixed with Japanese people as many of them tend to be heavily task oriented with a mix of some relation orientation concepts. For example  Japanese tend be mostly Relation Oriented with the exception of  sacrificing leisure time and time  with family in favor of work as well as allowing work to impinge on personal life. Interestingly  enough though Japanese display many aspects of Relation orientation, they are very quiet in public  and will rarely talk to each other unless they know each other.

The fifth category is Risk in decision making versus Caution in decision making. Americans tend to make 
decisions quickly with little information, focus on present and future, be less cautious, change  quickly without fear of risks, try new and innovative ways of doing things, use new methods for  solving problems, have fewer rules/regulations/guidelines, and be comfortable changing plans at the last
 minute. Japanese tend to collect considerable information before making a decision, focus on the past, be 
more cautious, change slowly and avoid risks, want more rules/regulations/guidelines, refer  to past precedents of what works and what does not, stick to proven methods for solving problems,  and not change plans at the last minute. This can be hard for the Westerner as new ideas can be  stalled, rejected, or changed dramatically after going through a lengthy process of consideration.

As you can see from reading these examples the differences in culture are dramatic, yet not entirely  impossible to work with. It also follows that the way of doing ministry as well as understanding  biblical passages are viewed in an entirely different manner. These cultural differences should not be viewed
 in the manner as a “great gulf in which one cannot pass from one side to the other” (Luke 16:26), but rather as differences such as what we experience in every day life such as: male and female,  introvert and extrovert,  and love and justice. It is interesting to note that most Christianity in Japan  has come from Western Sources whether it be from Germany, Italy, the United Kingdoms, Australia, 
Canada, or the United States despite vast differences in cultural understanding. I wonder if  missionaries from Eastern oriented cultures such as India, China, or South Korea would have  different effect upon Japan. But, until then, it appears that Western Countries (with the exception of South
 Korea) send the most missionaries to Japan. After all we are not to rely upon our own human  reasoning for the spreading of the gospel, but upon God’s direction. ( 1 Corinthians 1:17-31)

Reality of Japan

Now after living in Tokyo for a period of time I can start to see the reality of what the general belief-system and lifestyle here entails for the average person. Although outwardly portrayed as a technology-advanced utopia with an excellent standard of living and a seemingly peaceful people; the dark underbelly of Japan remains, even growing at an unsustainable rate. How can this be so? Many of you have seen links on my Facebook page concerning the reality of Japan. Here again are the links that show the reality of Japan:

 Japan is Literally Working itself to death
 Where did all the Japanese Fathers go?
 Japan's Disposable Workers 
Japan's Birthrate Decline

At what cost comes success in Japan? Or for that matter at what cost does it take just to raise a family in an increasingly competitive Japanese society in which human value is measured mostly by usefulness much in an entirely utilitarian sense. Can you sense the distress a little more clearer now? Can you see why a “First World” country needs Christ just as much as any other country. I hope so, because the people here are literally dying physically as well as spiritually.

In Tokyo when human beings are reduced to only the belief in the physical existence without regard to the truths of the scriptures, their only hope can be found in an increasingly dehumanizing system of “survival of the fittest” by somehow coming out on top in the Japanese societal structure. Only for many it comes at the cost of their bodies breaking down, death, suicide, or other various addictions. But, if this is how you are taught to believe reality is, then how do you escape? The term "Shikata ga nai" comes to mind, which means "it cannot be helped".  This is the reality of doing ministry in the urban landscape of Japan. Many people here know that there is an issue, that something is not right, that there is more to life than the physical existence; many often just continue in their existence thinking that this is the extent of their life. Many Japanese people that we meet have interest in Christianity, and would become Christians if someone had the time to sit down with them an explain the scriptures in detail. This has happened with the few people that we have been able to devote appropriate time to.

This is where the Japanese church as a whole comes in. But, if the church is comprised of many mentally sick, weary, spiritually-oppressed, elderly, new-in faith, and over-worked people, then how can it be expected to complete the task of the gospel? (For most men work very long salary-man hours to support their family and do not have much time for spiritual matters, as they are just trying to survive.) The church needs help. It needs prayer support, God-called missionaries, and humble servants in the church to prayerfully combat in spiritual warfare. The church needs Japanese servant-leaders who will come along side the people to help them (rather than command them) throughout this country, for the potential is great. Will you pray for this?

The Outsiders

In Tokyo exist many members of various people groups from around the planet. Just as in most major American cities, these various people groups exist in small pockets throughout the city. Of major notable areas are Yokohama Chinatown and Shin-Okubo.

Chinese and Koreans are the largest people groups residing in Japan. In much smaller regards live many various peoples from Asia, Europe, and North America. In our time here in Tokyo we have noted that the common language seems to be English, as it is known to be the language of business worldwide. Though many Asian nations do not appear to be as free in regard to practice of religion as in Japan and South Korea, it should be noted that missionaries have great access to people groups from these more “hostile” countries from right inside Tokyo. In Japan there are nearly 700,000 Chinese people, but I wonder how many missionaries are working with them? Especially when it is much easier for a Westerner to come to Japan and work as opposed to China!

But, of more interest has been our experiences in our very own language school learning Japanese. Katie and I have been able to speak with many different people from around Asia studying at this school, with a notable percent who have never heard anything about Christianity. For instance many Malaysian students speak English very well, have interest in Christianity, but have had little access to Christians as their country is relatively closed. In more recent times Katie has been ministering to Malaysian, Japanese, Chinese, and American people with interest in the gospel. Whereas I have been ministering with a Chinese and Malaysian man. All this is possible with our common bond of speaking the English language. Please pray for these people.

Now consider your own city. How many different people groups exist in your home area? I recall in Missoula that the University had hundreds of people from all around the world. This was where I met my first two Japanese friends a few years ago as part of an international friendship program. For many international students meeting an American family who is Christian will be their very first exposure to Christianity. Seriously consider taking the time to look into your area for resources for contacting foreign visitors, it may be life changing.

Church Experience in Japan

Now having lived in Japan for close to five months I am sure many would like to know what exactly church is like here based upon personal observation. (From the prospective of an American who has been associated with Baptist-oriented churches for his entire adulthood.) The purpose of this post is informative, not to be used for unwise comparison.

The church that I have been attending recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.  This church was apparently founded by Baptist Missionaries from American in 1957 who after a period of time turned the church over to a Japanese national pastor. This era in which the church was founded was still in a time of great pioneer missions in Japan after World War 2 where missionaries were encouraged to come to this country and found new churches. That generation of much-needed pioneer missionaries are now long gone. Today some pioneer missionaries exist in unreached areas of Japan, however most modern missionaries in Japan appear to be working together in already existing para-church organizations or with established churches. A few years before I came here the previous pastor retired, and a new pastor named Elisha started to pastor the church after receiving a seminary education in the United States. (Even after retiring the previous pastor is still preaching at another local church temporarily. The average Japanese pastor age is something around 60 years old.) Now with a regular attendance of anywhere from 200 to 300 people each Sunday this church is apparently a rare exception to the average Japanese church which is said to have about 30 people. So, what is it like here?

Immediately upon coming here it can be noticed that many people are busy doing many tasks at the church. From my observations the Japanese people appear to be very task-oriented whether in church or out of church. (Japanese are known to be an industrious people.) Many are involved in teaching, disciple making, church maintenance, and other various functions. Men who are active in the church often work “salary man” hours during the week (7am to 10pm Monday through Friday), then come in and do church activities until late evening on Sunday. (Not every man is like this, however many are.) From what I have seen these men do this not because they have to, but because they are passionate about their church. To them, this is normal life. Sunday consists of three services (9am, 10:45am, and 1:30pm) with a Sunday school for children (9am) downstairs as well as a teen service (10:30am) downstairs. At 12:00pm lunch is prepared every Sunday after the teen service downstairs by volunteers and is partly subsidized by the church. It costs each person about $2.00 with first time guests eating free. Different groups are assigned to clean up after lunch each week. The teenagers actually clean once a month! Everything appears to transition quite quickly as well as smoothly as everyone knows what is expected of them without having to be told what to do. No one has to come and check to see if the cleaning job was completed or not completed.

After lunch the third service (1:30pm) occurs for those who have not attended either of the other two previous services. This third service is geared toward new-comers. For the rest of the people who have already attended one of the previous services groups by division of age and gender gather together for a period of bible study. Some that are not involved in groups are involved in one-on-one discipleship. Mostly new believers are discipled for a long period of time (4-6 months) so that they can understand Christianity thoroughly before becoming Baptized and later joining the church. Apparently in this land in the past people who got baptized believed that their duty to church was done, and decided to leave, so the 4-6 month education period was placed to prevent this from occurring. Though the church has three floors with various rooms one would think that there would be plenty of space to do the activities, however each room is claimed for long periods of time by various groups. This church makes excellent use of the building as well as the rooms on Sunday as well as the entire week! During the week various groups meet for discipleship, staff meetings/tasks, prayer, and an English program called ‘Kids Brown’. I am sure many other events take place at the church of which I am unaware of due to my time at language school during the weekdays. Also, on Wednesday each week at 8:00pm some church members get together for a short devotional and prayer meeting. Given the lack of space the church has purchased property next door and plans on building a second building for the purpose of more rooms for church related teaching, discipleship, and various ministries. Given that Japan’s population is rapidly aging, this church has decided also to build a dedicated area for taking care of senior citizens as a ministry. On another blog I will speak more of Japanese church! Feel free to comment below or email me a question about church in Japan. Blessings!

Ancient Japanese Judeo-Christian Influences

Many people would be interested to know that an ancient Judeo-Christian heritage existed in places such as India, China, and Afghanistan as well as other countries in Asia. With some research you can find out about these topics in greater detail. I would recommend looking into this as it may change some of your preconceived ideas about the beliefs of these areas. However, today I would like to focus specifically on Japan’s ancient Judeo-Christian influences. On a previous blog I indicated that I would speak more about the connection with Judeo-Christian heritage in Ancient Japan. Many of you know about the history of Christianity in Japan, however there are other areas in which you may not be familiar with.  Here are some links to interesting articles:

Nestorian Christianity in Japan

CBN Article

Japan Times Article


Research about Ancient Israelite influence on Japanese Culture

Israelite Link

Here is a personal picture that I took at a train station in Tokyo. As noted in the above article these ‘God boxes’ were similar to the ark of the covenant in many ways. As empires come and go throughout history it is interesting to find artifacts that seem to show Judeo-Christian influences in Japan. Here are some links to a Japanese Documentary about these influences in Japan:

God's Fingerprints in Japan 1

God's Fingerprints in Japan 2

I hope that these resources help to see Japan in a different light. Tell me what you think!