This is almost like comparing apples and pears. Something might look the same, but fundamentally, it is radically different. I’m talking about South Africa and Japan. Two extremes in countless ways.
One example: in South Africa’s so-called Christian society, the seed of the gospel, which began being sown 360 years ago, has already borne abundant fruit. In Japan, since the seed of the “good news” was first spread 463 years ago, literally 99.2% of it has dried up between the stones. There are many reasons for this.
Therefore, I often struggle deeply with how to meaningfully share something about being a Christian from one context to another. Because the same gospel takes root in Japan in a completely different way than it does in South Africa. The RCJ (Reformed Church in Japan) group of seven pastors also experienced this firsthand during their recent visit to South Africa.
Christians in Japan face unique challenges. And I always try to keep this in mind when leading conversations, preaching, teaching classes, etc. But even within Japan itself, there are radical differences. I experienced this again in the past month during two events. One is in the largest city in the world, Tokyo, and the other is in Shimizu, a coastal village on Shikoku Island.
In Tokyo, I had the privilege of speaking to about 140 women from 37 different RCJ congregations from the surrounding area about the vital role of women as bearers of hope and meaning in this materialistic society (see photos below). In Shimizu, I was able to share with a handful of church leaders and members from Shikoku Island in a very special event at the local RCJ church. They had been waiting for a pastor for (literally) 36 years for their mission post… but in faith, they persevered… read the story here.
We are experiencing that the Lord is bringing many new opportunities for His ministry here. We invite you to thank the Lord with us for this and to continue standing with us through faithful prayer and financial support. Without this, we cannot be here!
The rest of the newsletter tells the story through photos, etc.
Thank you very much for being part of this!
Peace in Christ,
Stéphan, Carina, Annlie, Cornelius, Lodewyk, and Stephan (jnr.)
In the past month, we have enjoyed the warmer weather and fresh outdoor life in various ways with friends… and as a family, we have taken new steps in our trilingual homeschooling setup.
Our involvement in the church has (as mentioned above) broadened significantly, including several visits outside of Shikoku. It was very good to gain wider exposure to many members from diverse RCJ congregations.
The photos below tell the stories…
RCJ Tokushima Congregation Activities
RCJ Eastern Ring Women’s Seminar
The two-week visit of the RCJ group to South Africa was experienced as extremely meaningful and blessed.
The photos below give a small glimpse of their experiences in:
Thaba Nchu (cross plant), Bloemfontein, Swellendam, and Goudini.
A big thank you to everyone who was hospitable and compassionate during their travels!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Our prayer focus in June is specifically directed towards Karen Strydom, officially Mission Japan’s new missionary for Japan. We pray for her preparation (spiritually, culturally, practically, etc.). We pray for her program of recruiting prayer, spiritual-emotional, and financial support in Gauteng (from where she comes), the Free State, Western and Southern Cape, and other parts of our country.
We also pray for her family, friends, congregation, Ring, and Synod, who are preparing to send her to Japan by early 2016.
To read the full prayer update for June 2015, click here.
