“When I saw the small ventilation windows at ground level in your chapel, I thought it would come in handy if the police suddenly raided and I had to flee,” she says, half-smiling but serious.
Her (alias) name is Yukiko, and she comes from one of Japan’s neighboring countries. She is one of countless people in the underground church there, who live in constant fear and uncertainty because the authorities can strike at any moment, persecuting or even killing her and her fellow Christians.
We were privileged to listen to her testimony while she was visiting our seminary (Kobe Reformed Theological Seminary = KRTS). Yukiko’s daughter, Akiko (alias), is now a part-time student with us.
Photo: KRTS Chapel from the outside on a cold winter’s morning, with the ventilation window
Feel free to read her testimony about how she ended up here and her experience with her studies.
Global Church in Focus
Photo at the top: FKRTS class on Pastoral Care with Korean students
In Japan, the benefits of a group-oriented society are clear: harmony, productivity, mutual respect, and much more. However, there are also drawbacks: pressure to conform, loneliness, and the constant fear of failure. This effect (both positive and negative) of a society that places more value on the group than the individual also naturally influences Christians here. They are part of faith communities (churches) in Japan that face these realities. In South Korea, there are similar challenges, yet also quite a few differences. This was clear in the class I recently taught, which included five visiting students from Korea. They are our official partners from Koshin Presbyterian Seminary in Cheonan.
The interaction was a deep reminder of the wonder of forgiveness and reconciliation, between two (historical) enemies now sharing one mission and vision for the sake of God’s kingdom. It was a privilege to witness the mutual respect and love in action, along with the humor and passion at the table tennis table and on the soccer field! The current mission partnerships between the RCJ and various Korean churches are by no means something to be taken for granted. It is nothing short of a miracle, given the history of hostility between Japan and Korea, that about 10% of the RCJ’s pastors today are of Korean descent.
Quick fact: In 1990, South Korean churches sent out about 550 missionaries. In the two decades that followed, that number grew to 25,000 (!) missionaries, working in at least 176 different countries. The number is still growing!
(Kirsteen Kim, Changes and trends in world Christianity. Transformation 30(4): 257-266)
Reading on Missiology @ KRTS
On January 7, in snow-covered Kobe, I had the privilege of giving the opening lecture (in Japanese) at the start of our new semester.
The theme was: The Importance of Missiology in Japan, in light of current trends in global missions. I am grateful that it went well and that there was a lot of constructive feedback from Japan and South Africa regarding the content.
Prayer requests
- Kita Kobe and Niihama congregations, where we and the De Wets work, especially for people who are seeking in terms of faith and who are coming into contact with the church, the Bible, and the Triune God for the first time.
- Kobe’s Seminary, where I am involved in the training of church leaders, especially for the six new (candidate) theology students who will soon begin their studies, God willing.
- On Friday (31 Jan.), we had our annual day of solitude and prayer at our seminary. Please pray with us that it will be an opportunity for everyone’s call to be reaffirmed, and that it will reorient us towards the work that God has prepared for each of us this year.
- For preparations for the upcoming visit (mid-March) of four of Mission Japan’s leaders from South Africa, and for discussions about the way forward regarding our cooperation in West Japan (including Shikoku), especially the possible recruitment of new missionary candidates.
- Annlie (our eldest daughter) for her matric year, as well as for clarity on her future plans regarding further studies and career.
- Stephan’s parents in Humansdorp. My father’s health is under pressure, and my mother is full-time caring for him, which requires much strength
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 15:13)
Peace and joy,
Stéphan, Carina and family
Photos: of our co-workers (Pastor) Tobie and Annalie de Wet after their Christmas service; of Annlie, who is now an assistant ‘coach’ for younger children in her ballet group; and then two of our fun in the snow.
