Remember the year 1597. That was when the Japanese government officially outlawed Christianity and burned down all the churches. Today we stand before a beacon of faith in Tokyo. This is a \u6559\u4f1a, a place where Christians gather to worship.
Japan’s relationship with Christianity has been complex. After that initial rejection Christianity persisted. Even when the country allowed free worship in the 1800s, it never fully embraced Christianity. Today evangelical Christians represent a small fraction of the population. Only about 0.5% according to Operation World.
Yet, despite these challenges, Christianity has persevered. It has found a home in the hearts of some Japanese people. This \u6559\u4f1a stands as a testament to their faith.
In the wake of the Great Tohoku earthquake in 2011, a young Tokyo church, Grace City Church Tokyo, spearheaded a relief effort. This effort gained the trust of the Japanese people and the attention of the press. Grace City Church Tokyo had started a year earlier. Pastor Makoto Fukuda transitioned from his suburban church to start Grace City.
The early months were tough. Tokyo embodies Japanese values of conformity and perfection. Few Japanese people are open to considering a different belief system. The pressure to conform coupled with rigid perfectionism poses a significant obstacle to Christianity. Fukuda and his core team continued praying and networking.
When the tsunami struck, Grace City had grown to 40 members. Despite the disaster Grace City sent truckloads of workers donations and supplies to the north. Their relief work attracted new people and non-Christians joined their efforts. In months Grace City forged trusting relationships that would normally take years. Grace City focused on outreach through events and the arts and discipleship through Bible studies.
In 2020 Tokyo Center Church became the tenth church planted in the Grace City Network in 10 years. Some thought it impossible. They said that it takes 10 years to plant one church. But those involved believed that God would make it happen. It wasn’t easy. Operation costs are very high in Tokyo and pastors experienced intense personal suffering. The COVID-19 pandemic also took its toll.
The movement continues. Connections are made with other churches planted during the same period by others’ efforts. Two more church planters are preparing to start weekly worship soon. MTW City to City Japan the Presbyterian Church in Japan and many other partners will continue to soften the soil. They will sow the seeds of the gospel until the good news of Christ breaks free in Japan.
So, let’s take a moment to appreciate the resilience of faith. This \u6559\u4f1a symbolizes the enduring spirit of Christianity in Japan. Despite historical challenges and cultural barriers, it stands as a welcoming place of worship. A testament to those practicing similar faiths.