Pre-field Ministry: Churches

“You are leaving for the weekend again? When are you returning to Japan?” Sometimes it is difficult to explain why we are traveling around the surrounding states rather than living in Japan. Over time, we have realized some of the benefits. There are negatives to the missions system, aspects that churches and individuals need to think through, but that is a topic for another day. Instead, we would rather discuss what to focus on in the current system.

Encouraging Churches - It is exciting to hear about how God is working in the world! Sometimes we focus on our little area and forget how big our God truly is. Seeing what God is doing in another part of the world reminds people what God is doing and can do in their town. It is also wonderful when God orchestrates a missionary’s message with what the Pastor has been teaching or what God has been doing in an individual’s life. Seeing broken heart filled with hope, despite never meeting them before, is a blessing.

Recruiting - People rarely choose to serve in a ministry they know little about. Ever since our first time in Japan, we were the only Baptist Mid-Missions missionaries heading to Japan. To make matters worse, the seven missionaries who work in Japan are nearing retirement age. We knew we must recruit. As we travel to churches, we seek people who are interested in Japan.  We recently heard that a couple we connected with has decided to join BMM and will be co-workers in Japan. We praise God for solid teammates, yet we continue to ask for more.

Learning - We know we have much to learn. As we travel around to different churches, we are able to experience different ministries and expand our understanding of local churches. We have seen churches who meet with mixed language and nationality. We have seen churches who structure services differently for emphasis on Scripture or prayer. As we travel we further learn about our weaknesses and strengths. We learn to trust God and serve others rather than ourselves. While many of these could also be learned in Japan, we know that so far God has designed our learning to happen in America.

Support - Ministry is not designed to be done alone. Churches consist of a variety of people grouped together so that they can use their skills for God’s glory. Not everyone can preach, sing, or cook meals, yet a church is able to accomplish a lot through working together. One struggle with a church planting ministry is that there are few (if any) Christians in the area to help.

• Prayer support - With few people, the ministries require prayer support from outside of the ministry. It is wonderful to know that a number of American Christians are praying for the work in Japan.
• Emotional Support - Fighting against “overwhelming odds” is draining. When there are few Christians around, it becomes even worse. We are thankful for friends that we have made who provide emotional support through emails, notes, gifts, or other creative ways.
• Financial Support - Time is extremely valuable, because in the beginning, the missionaries are the only ones who can teach and disciple. Financial support from the states prevents precious time and energy from being spent elsewhere. 

At the end of the day, life comes down to being faithful to what God has called you to do and learning more about Him along the way. Our job is not to control our lives, but to submit and flourish where God has us.