Greetings

My family and I are planning on moving to Japan next year and are very interested in Church planting. We only know one couple who live there and are interested in getting to know and fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ. I was curious as to what parts of Japan the forum members/moderators are currently living.

Jason Hardy

Thanks for the note. Okinawa, Kansai, Kanto and Sapporo. Where are you heading? Are you coming with a mission? Business? Connected to a church here?
Peter

Hi Peter

We are not part of a mission or connected to a Church there. To be honest, we are simply praying for the Lord's direction and where He would have us go. I have been going to Japan off and on since 2001 and received the call to go to Japan in 2005 in a missionary/church planting capacity. My wife and I founded a Church in Austin, Texas where I currently Pastor. I really do not know much about the Church in Japan; so I am quite open to serve in whatever capacity is needed.

Jason

Jason,
Thanks for the reply. Glad to hear that God has been bringing you to Japan. We need more people to live the love of Christ before the Japanese people. The harvest is ripe, and we are praying for the Lord to raise up more workers from the harvest. Amen!

I will try and feed some thoughts to you. Feel free to engage on the level you wish. I will be traveling much this summer, so my responses may be delayed. And others may jump in.

My first thought is to encourage you to form a sending team. People that will support you spiritually, prayerfully, emotionally, and perhaps financially. This could be your current church, or another group, but I can't begin to emphasize the importance of this. I have been in Japan for 20 years, and ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS MINISTRY, yet is hard work and Japan has a reputation for chewing-up and spitting out missionaries. A support team will be a huge blessing. What kind of network are you building to stand with you in ministry? Really go for laying this foundation well. And if you already have one, praise the Lord.

SInce you found Asian Access, than you were looking around on the web. Or someone gave you our name. Are you considering going with an agency like us?

Speaking of Austin, I was just reading about Austin Stone Community Church on the net today. Small world...

Blessings,
Peter

Hi Peter,

Sorry for the delay I have been out of town on business (ministry). I do not have a support network layed out at this point. But I am in the works of building the foundation. The Church I Pastor now will continue to support us; although, we are looking for additional resources through individuals and other Churches.

I am considering going with Asian Access. I have spoken with Emi once and was sent a application. One of my concerns at this point is how I can best be used while in Japan. We anticipate staying for 3 to 5 years and may have another couple coming along with us.

Jason