There’s nothing unusual about the Adventist Church being involved in mission. Mission has always been our focus. But there is something very unusual about a new mission movement taking off in Tokyo.
There’s nothing unusual about the Adventist Church being involved in mission. Mission has always been our focus. But there is something very unusual about a new mission movement taking off in Tokyo.
The church in Japan has a burden for the millions of unreached people living in their capital city. They know that without new mission methods, these people will remain unreached. So they invited the General Conference and the Northern Asia-Pacific Division to partner with them to create Mission Unusual—a massive church planting and disciple making movement.
Key to the development of Mission Unusual are the Global Mission Centers, which focus on creating resources to share the gospel with unreached people groups.
“Today, I’m in Tokyo, one of the world’s largest cities. With a population of 40 million, the challenge is great before us. But guess what, our God is greater. He has given us this mandate in Revelation 14:6 and other places in Scripture to go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.”
“So, how are we doing? Well, we’re not home yet, and that’s where we as an Adventist family worldwide can focus on reaching the unreached people groups of the city.”
There’s growing diversity in Japan, and the people embrace a variety of lifestyles and subcultures. This includes young people like Sunny Bunny, who use fashion as a form of self-expression.
“I saw Takeshita Dori street for the first time and I saw a lot of Lolita fashion, and a lot of colorful fashion, and I was like, Wow, amazing! And then, you know, I became like this.”
“When I don’t have my makeup on . . . I’m like this [hides face]. But when I wear this, I’m like, ‘Look at me! Everyone, look at me! Wow!’. Like this, yeah.”
A team of church planting missionaries is already on the ground, learning the language and how best to share Jesus with the Japanese. In time, they’ll start new groups of believers who will in turn disciple others. Eventually, they’ll be supported by the ministry of Global Mission pioneers, Urban Centers of Influence, volunteers, and tentmakers in a concerted effort to reach the entire city for Jesus!
Helping to lead this team, is Pastor Nozomu Obara, the president of the East Japan Conference. For years, he’s had a passion for church planting, and he and his wife, Sachiko, are actively engaged in a disciple making ministry for children. Pastor Obara will be transitioning from his position as president to become the associate director for Mission Unusual Tokyo.
“Greater Tokyo Area is a big area with over 40 million people. But in the heart of Tokyo City there’s about 10 million people – and only 10 Adventist churches with about 900 worship attendees every week. So, one Adventist needs to reach more than 10,000 people. Tokyo is a big challenge.”
To confront the challenge, Japanese pastors and missionaries will use a wholistic approach to mission. Mission Unusual will plant the seeds of mission over the next five years. But the mission won’t stop there--these efforts will continue to grow and impact people’s lives for years to come.
“Our focus is not just on events and programs. Building relationships and getting involved with people is our focus. Finding out people’s needs and meeting people’s needs. In other words, implementing Christ’s method here in Mission Unusual Tokyo.”
We’ll keep you updated as God leads this movement and uses it for His glory. In the meantime, you too can support Mission Unusual Tokyo.
“Will you join me in praying for this project as it continues to unfold over the next five years to uplift Jesus in this city?”
