Well, the team just got on the bus to go to the airport, kicking off what is sure to be a very, very long day for all of them. In the mean time, I’m still here in Japan, just starting off a week of vacation that I’ve been looking forward to for awhile. I suppose I could also classify it as “encouraging a missionary” as I’ll be hanging out with my brother Jon, who’s been here with SEND International for the last 6 months. Our good friend Quentin arrived last night, and tomorrow my mom and sister will get here to spend some time with us as well.
The Jesus Film Team was successful on all accounts. We distributed over 16,000 CDs with a team of 12 people over 10 days. The analogy of the sower comes to mind, although in the past Japan has proven to be very hard ground. However there always seems to be at least a few people who take the CD, listen to it, and show up at church to learn more, and of those few some will also come to receive Christ. I met a young man at church who began coming after recieving one of the CDs the team handed out two years ago,and he will hopefull be baptized soon.To understand the significance of this, you need to understand a little of how Japanese Christians typically come to Christ. It is a long process.
The problem is generally getting new people to even consider Christianity. Here in Japan it is often viewed as some sort of western religion which isn’t compatible with the Japanese mindset. Often they view Christianity much the same way we view Buddhism in the states. How often have you looked at what Buddhists believe? How often do you go to a Buddhist temple? How often to do you consider converting to Buddhism? The comparison isn’t exactly equal, given that Christians have the Holy Spirit to guide them, and confirm the truth of the Gospel, and thus I think that all true Christians are less willing to give up their faith (more specifically, I believe they can’t, but that’s another topic) than follower’s of Buddha. However it at least gives you an idea.
Usually a person hears the gospel, and is then invited to Church. If they do show up they will encounter the body of Christ for perhaps the first time in their life. If their curiosity is piqued they may begin attending church on a regular basis to learn more about this strange sounding religion. At this point these people are called “seekers.” This is sort of a transitionary period where they learn much about the gospel, often meeting one on one with the Pastor to have question’s answered. One of the biggest obstacles is the issue of syncretism.
Traditionally, the Japanese have no problem practicing a number of conflicting religions simultaneously. As a culture, Japan is both Buddhist and Shinto. The two belief systems have verry different worldviews and teachings about the after life, and conflict on many other important points. However this does not stop most Japanese from identifying with both Buddhism and Shinto. It is thus tempting for many to simply add Christianity to the list, and thus avoid any conflict with family, friends and culture, all of which exert a strong grip on the hearts and minds of the Japanese people. To leave the traditional religions is often viewed as abandoning one’s family and heritage.
The time spent as a “seeker” is one in which the person carefully considers all the ramifications of accepting Christ, and comes to understand that that will mean the renouncing of Buddhism and Shinto. It is not a choice that is made lightly. Often it will take two years before a person decides to become a Christian. If that happens, they are then baptized, and become a full member of the church.
Thus to see Tanaka-san baptized will be an incredible thing. It has taken him two years from the time he received a CD from one of our previous team members, came to church and began learning about Jesus Christ. Looking forward I wonder how God will use the 16,000 plus CDs that were distributed this year. Perhaps that one small spark of light in the midst of all the darkness and hopelessness that surrounds these people each day will result in a few more coming to find the forgiveness, peace, joy and hope that can only come through Christ.