I'm so glad you stopped by our blog! I hope that you'll be encouraged by our ministry and spurred on to a greater love for missions and our local church, Grace Community Church.
For those of you who just stopped by via a random link, but don't really know what this is... we've got some answers for you! Enjoy!
For those of you who just stopped by via a random link, but don't really know what this is... we've got some answers for you! Enjoy!
What is "STM"?
We are a Short-Term Ministries (STM) team sent out by Grace Community Church. We aren't missionaries to Japan, but we are eager to serve and encourage our church's missionaries in the hard work that they do. We partner with Hamadera Bible Church in Osaka, Japan and the missionaries that pastor there.
So... What do you do?
According to the Joshua Project, only 0.58% of the people in Japan are Evangelical Christians. A "mega-church" in Japan would be about 150-200 people - that's about the size of Grace on Campus!
There is a huge need for the Gospel in Japan. Hamadera Bible Church's vision is for our teams to assist them in reaching out to the college students and connecting them with the church. The majority of these students have never heard of the Bible, have never been to church, and have no idea who Jesus is.
As a team, we simply want to serve the church as faithfully and selflessly as we can, in whatever ministry they choose to use us.
There is a huge need for the Gospel in Japan. Hamadera Bible Church's vision is for our teams to assist them in reaching out to the college students and connecting them with the church. The majority of these students have never heard of the Bible, have never been to church, and have no idea who Jesus is.
As a team, we simply want to serve the church as faithfully and selflessly as we can, in whatever ministry they choose to use us.
That sounds great! There must be much fruit, right?
Well, yes and no.
In terms of opportunities to share the Gospel and build relationships, there has been much fruit. God has blessed us in years past with many new friendships and chances to share the Gospel to so many different people.
But, in God's perfect wisdom, the hearts of many students are still cold to the Truth.
Ministry in Japan is hard. Really hard. But, we continue to trust the Lord and we know that each year we go could be the year that God softens their hearts and provides an amazing harvest.
We have hope, because we have a great God.
Here's a quote from Daisuke Okada, a missionary:
In terms of opportunities to share the Gospel and build relationships, there has been much fruit. God has blessed us in years past with many new friendships and chances to share the Gospel to so many different people.
But, in God's perfect wisdom, the hearts of many students are still cold to the Truth.
Ministry in Japan is hard. Really hard. But, we continue to trust the Lord and we know that each year we go could be the year that God softens their hearts and provides an amazing harvest.
We have hope, because we have a great God.
Here's a quote from Daisuke Okada, a missionary:
It is my greatest joy and honor to let you know that one of the college students we have been ministering to the past few years has come to know the Lord as his own Savior and Lord. He really is the first-fruit of our college ministry with Short Term Mission Team from Grace Community Church. We have visited so many schools, and we have talked with so many students. We have spent countless hours praying for God’s internal work on students’ hearts. It was so good to see him praying with me, acknowledging his sinfulness, repenting, and accepting Christ’s atoning work on his behalf. There is no greater joy than to see a sinner saved. Past STM team members, thank you so much for your ministry. All that you have done has paved the way. Thank you also to those who supported them and prayed for this ministry over that past 10 years. Your prayers have definitely been answered. We praise God for His grace and mercy.
How can we help?
There are lots of ways you can help!
1. PRAY PRAY PRAY
We need to plead with our gracious God to soften the students' hearts, a work that only God can do. So join us in our ministry by praying for the church, our team and the students.
2. Support us financially
In order for us to go overseas and participate on this trip, each team member needs to raise $2600. The money goes towards the ministry and travel costs. Please help us and donate byclicking here and selecting our Japan 1 2014 team members. Or you can send a check made out to Grace Community Church and include Japan 1 STM in the memo line.
3. Get to know us!
Get excited for our ministry by talking with us and encouraging us! If you're praying for us, please let us know. We get so excited when someone lets us know they're praying or supporting us.
4. Plan to go!
Although the team is already filled for this year, you can start planning ahead to go next year! Keep following the blog, read up on previous years, and just talk with us. As we go on our trip, we'll update the blog so you know who we're ministering to and pray for them
1. PRAY PRAY PRAY
We need to plead with our gracious God to soften the students' hearts, a work that only God can do. So join us in our ministry by praying for the church, our team and the students.
2. Support us financially
In order for us to go overseas and participate on this trip, each team member needs to raise $2600. The money goes towards the ministry and travel costs. Please help us and donate byclicking here and selecting our Japan 1 2014 team members. Or you can send a check made out to Grace Community Church and include Japan 1 STM in the memo line.
3. Get to know us!
Get excited for our ministry by talking with us and encouraging us! If you're praying for us, please let us know. We get so excited when someone lets us know they're praying or supporting us.
4. Plan to go!
Although the team is already filled for this year, you can start planning ahead to go next year! Keep following the blog, read up on previous years, and just talk with us. As we go on our trip, we'll update the blog so you know who we're ministering to and pray for them