One in a Hundred

Only one percent of Japan is nominally "Christian." That's why it was a huge surprise when our homestay girl Shoko emailed after she returned to Japan to say her mum had become a Christian. Even weirder, her church had connections with our missionary friend Grahame Smith, who was doing university evangelism in Kobe with KGK through CMS. Last night we had a great dinner with Kayoko's church friends Kazu and Yoko Iumi and their daughter Nozumi, a beaut Christian family. (Picture -Yoko and Nozumi with Shoko) Kazu was converted when studying in Hawaii; Yoko met him there and was soon converted too. Their three daughters are all keen Christians, and his mum and her mum and dad are now Christians too - after some resistance at first! It's a great story, and great to see a fine family of daughters who have all the bearing and grace of delightful Christian women. All this while surrounded by the sort of idolatry that Paul wept over in Acts 17. And we think it's tough for us! Nozumi translated the sermon for us at church this morning; the style of church was much like ours, with a small band, and faithful bible teaching. Around 70 people attended including loads of young adults; they completed their 3 story building last year at a cost of (as best as I could understand with all the extra zeroes floating around) just under a million dollars. It's a great facility, and one that indicates they're serious about being here for the long haul. Yoko told me that their contemporary style shocks some of the more traditional ministers in their denomination - but it's one of the reasons the church is alive and well. Or conversely, because the church is alive and well, they're adapting to the new generation, while many of the other churches in the 110 strong denomination are fading away. In summary, the gospel seems alive and well - Shoko's mum is testimony to that - but the church is facing the same struggles we have at home.