“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20
As the Olympics are taking place in Tokyo this month, I am reminded of what our church planned to do in May 2020 to visit, encourage, and help some partnering churches in Tokyo in spreading the Gospel of Jesus. A lot has changed since our initial Mission Trip Interest meeting that took place on November 24, 2019. Yet, one thing, more than ever, remains constant and that is the churches in Japan need our prayers as they minister and evangelize to the multitudes in Japan with the salvation and hope that only Jesus Christ can bring.
Our church was planning to partner with some churches in Tokyo to help proclaim Jesus through different cultural activities where we could bridge the Good News of Jesus and support the evangelistic efforts of the churches in Japan. We were hoping to host luaus at the park in hopes of meeting families and adding contacts for our local believers to follow-up and invite them to church. We also were planning to use our skilled musicians to teach Japanese folks some Christian praise songs to be played on ukuleles. Despite all of these plans falling through because of COVID, we are not sad because we know God is still at work in reaching the lives of people in Japan and throughout the world.
As you are watching the Olympics and cheering on your USA hopefuls in all the different events that the Olympic Games offer, will you remember to pray for Pastor Seima, Pastor Joey, and the many other church leaders who are faithfully proclaiming the Good News of Jesus every week from the pulpit? As you watch the medal ceremony for your favorite sport, will you pray for the unbelievers in Tokyo? Pray that they would hear the Gospel message, and that God would change their hearts to receive Jesus into their lives. Pray that they would look forward to the crown of righteousness that will be awarded to them because of what Jesus did for us (2 Timothy 4:8).
We have no idea when we will be able to go on a mission trip to Japan, but that shouldn’t stop us from praying for the Gospel to change people’s lives of the millions in Tokyo who haven’t received Jesus into their lives yet. Will you continue to pray for the churches in Japan as they live out the Great Commission and as God brings many to faith in Jesus Christ?