By Jon Konnerup
My recent trip to Japan was eye-opening. For centuries, the devil has kept a stronghold upon the hearts and minds of these people to keep them from seeing the Light of Jesus Christ. Things I had not even thought about are huge obstacles to overcome so some might receive the Redeemer and everlasting life. Consider the following:
• Historically the Japanese people have been against the intrusion of Christianity
• Current government opposition
• Continual religious opposition
• Given to idolatry
• Terrible testimony left by so-called “Christian” cults
• High cost of living — rent, vehicle, tolls, and food
• High cost for land and buildings
• The growing affluence among the people contributes to the hardening of their hearts
• The difficult language — one of the hardest in the world
With all these things considered, it is amazing what God has done. In spite of all these obstacles, BBFI missionaries went to Japan and remain with the goal of breaking through whatever is necessary to reach Japan for Christ.
Our early missionaries (Ike and Jane Foster, Lavern and Evelyn Rodgers, Olson and Lelia Hodges, and Alvin and Clara Marsden) went to this war-devastated country between 1948 and 1950. Each started a church with the objective of not only reaching people with the Good News, but also training national leaders — knowing this would be the key to any success in the country. Since those first four churches were started nearly 60 years ago, BBFI missionaries and national leaders have established 88 churches across Japan. Furthermore, these churches want to send out and fully support their own missionaries to the regions beyond. To date, they have sent out eight missionary families completely supported by the churches in Japan.
I cannot attempt to capture all the struggles and successes they’ve had through the years. Just my own recent experiences in Japan are difficult to put on one page. You really have to visit this country and spend time with the missionaries and national leadership to grasp all the barriers they must overcome and to see the miracles.
Our missionaries are putting up a strong fight. Yes, at times they can get discouraged. The weakening US dollar has placed heavy strains upon their efforts and ability to stay at task on the field. It would be easy to quit and go to a place that would seem more fruitful. However, in the face of insurmountable odds, each missionary expressed the will and desire to fight on, following what God has called them to do, even if for just a few souls. The tireless efforts of those early missionaries have resulted in strong, giving, growing, mission-minded churches that have seen young men and women surrender to the ministry to reach both their people and the unreached of the world.
We cannot neglect our part in the efforts of the BBFI to spiritually affect Japan. Our financial support is a must. In fact, it is imperative we increase our financial support to strengthen the efforts and keep our missionaries at task for our Lord. We must pray diligently, fervently, persistently, and faithfully that the power of God would be channeled through our missionaries, the presence of God would be seen in them, and Jesus would be magnified. When He is lifted up, men will be drawn to Him.
“Greater is He that is in us, than He that is in the world.” Our God is greater than the god of this world who has kept the Japanese people in darkness. May we be willing to do all we can to brighten the light by strengthening the efforts of our missionaries. It is reported that the 150 million Japanese are the largest unreached people group in the world. Every missionary pleaded with me to challenge more young people to consider coming to Japan. Yes, it will not be easy and it is expensive to live there, but with God all things are possible!
With all the hindrances considered… it is quite amazing what God has done and will continue to do in Japan.