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MC Email Updates
Periodic updates regarding World Relief activities and announcements.
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Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. |
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Greetings!
Japan is a group of 6,852 islands. The four largest islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, which together comprise about ninety-seven percent of Japan's land area.
Japan has the world's tenth-largest population, with over 127 million people and the world's third-largest economy.
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 Japan stands out as one the largest least-reached groups of the developed world. The culture of Shintoism and Buddhism, though not necessarily often practiced, still have a strong hold on most of the Japanese people. This influence is in many different areas. For example, even if someone dies that has not practiced the Buddhist faith, the families of the deceased still feel peer pressure and perhaps a bit of fear that causes them to choose a Buddhist funeral.
The culture of conforming to the majority is strong and can drive people to excessive work hours (often seven days a week), diminishing time for family or church.
Many Japanese Christians are the only ones in their family, workplace or school, which can make especially the first few years of their Christian walk more difficult. The Tokyo and Shioda churches endeavor to present the Gospel of salvation, nurture the believer, uphold true biblical doctrine, and serve others in the love of Christ.
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A New Church Building in Shioda
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After much prayer and counsel, a new church building in Shioda is under construction. Though much work for the gospel has been accomplished in the old church, which is nearly 60 years old, we look forward to worshiping in a new building that we trust will bless young to old and be an honor to God.
A newer sound system will enable us to provide better audio services to the many members and friends who listen either online or by telephone. Please join us in praying that interest in the Word will draw people to attend, hear the Gospel, repent and know the peace and joy of the Lord.
If you desire to contribute to the building fund for the Shioda church, send your donation to the address below.
AC Mission Committee
Shioda Church Building Fund
PO Box 322
Bluffton, IN 46714
Checks should be made out to:
AC Mission Committee - Shioda Church Building
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 After the earthquake and subsequent tsunami, many missionaries went to the Tohoku region to lend aid and share the gospel. Please pray for these efforts and for the hurting hearts there.
When tragedy or difficulty strikes, people realize their weakness and look for meaning and purpose. Young and old alike need the hope of a Savior when things look hopeless due to economic pressures, bullying, illness and other pressures of life.
Also, in the area of our churches we have opportunity to serve those who are suffering from physical, emotional or mental pain. Please remember the churches in Japan in prayer as they need energy, wisdom, and grace to help these suffering people.
Jesus expresses this so well, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."Luke 4:18-19
In the Tokyo church, English classes are offered to those who attend church or Sunday school. Many have come to church and the seed has been planted through this outreach.
 We have experienced this in the past in Shioda when the kindergarten was an outreach ministry. On occasion someone will come to church through a connection with the kindergarten. Many seeds were planted in those early years. Oh, that they might bring forth fruit.
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There are many ways to serve, both long term and short term. Several brethren have come to Japan to teach English, as those jobs are fairly easy to find. As they assemble with the church, and fellowship with them on Sunday, it is a tremendous encouragement to everyone. These individuals can be even more useful as they learn the Japanese language and understand the culture.
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Tokyo Church
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The Mission Committee is exploring ways to provide support for those who are interested in serving in Japan. For more information regarding this mission opportunity, please contact your local elder.
Again we remember the words of Jesus, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
Matthew 28:19-20
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The Mission Committee sincerely appreciates your interest, sincere prayers, and your support as we strive to spiritually discern and faithfully fulfill His will. More information is available at the Apostolic Christian Mission Committee website. Sincerely,
Wayne Banwart, Chairman
Apostolic Christian Mission Committee |
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