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EDUCATION AS A POINT OF CONTACT
by David Verwey
We are continually in search of effective ways in which to reach the Japanese people for Christ. We have found that the Japanese always want to learn something new, and we have the opportunity to teach them things that make a difference for eternity! This keen desire for education has become a very important point of contact.
Jesus taught us how important it is to have a point of contact with those we long to reach for Him. With the Samaritan woman who came to draw water at the well, He talked of the Living Water! With the fishermen He talked about fish. With those who had a physical need, He healed them. It was from this point that he often started to share the message of Truth with people.
ENGLISH EVANGELISM OUTREACH
The Lord has guided many missionaries throughout Japan to use the teaching of English conversation as a point of contact with people. Japan Mission recruits Missionary / Teachers from overseas and sends them out to teach conversational English in various evangelical churches.
Our workers are in touch with hundreds of students every week, who have a keen interest to learn English from a foreigner. We currently teach English in over 25 different churches all across the Kansai region.
Teachers always include a 10-minute Bible time. After class, during friendly conversations over a cup of tea, our workers are often afforded regular opportunities to share a word of testimony and parts of the Gospel message.
This outreach program has been instrumental in changing the lives of many. Students have come to a greater understanding of the Gospel, and many have started to participate in their local church.
One recent example of a person reached by English Evangelism Outreach is that of Mr. Mizuguchi. He became curious about Christianity. He searched the internet on his computer for a local Christian church. He found that the local church offered an English class and promptly joined. About five months later, he was baptized and now prays that the rest of his family will come to know that Lord!
It is such an encouragement when someone who used to say, I come to learn English, later say, I come to learn about Jesus!
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OUTREACH
Japan Mission has recently been heavily involved in outreach through Kansai Christian School (KCS), which is a small international school near Osaka. The primary purpose of KCS is to educate children of the missionary community, from grades 1 through 12.
KCS is governed and run by five evangelical missions. Japan Mission is one of these missions, and has had the privilege of providing the school with two principals, secretarial help and about ten teachers in recent years. (For more information on KCS, please refer to the following website: http://www5.ocn.ne.jp/~kcs/)
There have been many opportunities to share the Gospel through KCS, and much blessing that has come out of this outreach. Our staff has had the privilege of aiding many missionaries who are involved in church planting efforts. They have also been instrumental in influencing many non-Christian families for Christ. A number of parents and children have made decisions. KCS staff and families have aided in the birth of a church fellowship of almost fifty people.
Gone are the days when we considered teachers of missionary children only to be, missions support personnel! We firmly believe that they have the potential to work side-by-side with fellow missionaries and complement their work, influencing the Japanese people for Christ!
There are numerous examples of how the teachers have been instrumental in reaching people for Christ. One of the Japanese parents trusted the Lord at a camp for the school children. A little while later at a PTA gathering, she said, I have found the Lord and am a baby in Christ. Please help me and teach me about being a Christian. She now goes to church regularly and is praying that the Lord will save her husband.
Recently, an elementary student made a profession of faith. A while later his father, a professor at a local university, trusted the Lord. The entire family is also now attending a local church regularly.
We have found that Japanese people admire educators, and want the input of good educators in their children's lives. They want to hear from educators of the West. This has been our point of contact with many.
While serving as a volunteer Principal of KCS for seven years, I had many chances to influence the local Japanese community. The following are just some of the types of the speaking opportunities that were afforded to me:
* Japanese PTA meetings - Christian Child Rearing
* Gathering of principals of public schools - Christian Education
* Numerous City sponsored gatherings - Christian Education
* Served on two Ikoma City Mayors Advisory Councils for Internationalization
It is relatively difficult for a pastor or missionary in Japan to be able speak to people of public schools or government sponsored entities, because they are associated with a religion. Although a missionary, I was invited to these functions as the Principal of Kansai Christian School. It is was the title that opened the door to many of these opportunities.
We believe that reaching Japanese people through the point of contact of education has much potential! The Lord has enabled us to get in touch with numerous people with whom we would have never otherwise made contact.
Please join us in prayer as we strive to be willing to become all things to all people so that some may be saved! (1 Corinthians 9:22)