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The Christian Reformed Church has answered God's call and the Reformed Church in Japan's (RCJ, website in Japanese), invitation to preach the Gospel and plant churches in this very modern but extremely under-evangelized nation. CRCNA missionaries focus their efforts on the greater Tokyo (one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world), working with their Japanese partners to impact this very resistant Buddhist/Shinto/Secularist country. Japan is still less than 1% Christian and represents one of the world’s most strategic challenges to the church.
The focus of World Missions in Japan is increasing capacity for mission through leadership development. CRWM is also involved in a multiple partnership with other agencies, especially CRWRC, to carry out ministries in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011.
- Michael and Kim Essenburg: Michael and Kim both teach at the Christian Academy in Japan. Michael is also spearheading "Close the Gap Now," a leader coaching service. For more info, visit http://messenburg.org.
- Jeong and Misook Gho: Jeong is a church planter and leadership trainer. With his many contacts in East Asia, Jeong is instrumental in creating reconciliation and networking opportunities among Christians in this part of the world. Jeong and Misook are both certified instructors for the Evangelical Training Association and are qualified as leader trainers for the Coffee Break program and Timothy Leadership Training International.
- Ken and Jeannie Lee: Ken, a youth discipleship specialist who pioneered the Summer Mission Program in Japan, helps churches develop vital evangelistic, worship, and educational ministries for young adults.
- Larry and Ruth Spalink: Larry is a church planter and the Japan mission team's leader and business manager. Larry is helping a cluster of churches strengthen their worship and evangelism ministries. Ruth is Christian Academy in Japan's Health Center staff person and Student Support Team coordinator.
- George and Ruth Young: George works with a cluster of churches, helping churches expand by equipping members for personal evangelism.
- Brian and Bette Vander Haak: The Vander Haaks are partner missionaries serving at Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ) Brian is CAJ's headmaster; Bette is the art teacher (view their website).
- Doreen Deelstra: Doreen is a partner missionary serving at Hokkaido International School.
Learn more about CRWM projects in Japan. Not from Canada or the US? Click on either country.
The Reformed Church in Japan (RCJ) began in 1946 by Japanese believers who had remained faithful to their creed and Lord even while experiencing great persecution during the Pacific War. Though small in numbers, the RCJ is a strong and mature church. However, because the unfinished work of reaching the multitudes of those who don’t yet know Jesus Christ is so immense, the RCJ regularly requests that the CRCNA to continue to partner with them in this great task. Christian Reformed World Missions (CRWM) staff work hand in hand with RCJ evangelists. Though barriers to the Gospel are daunting, CRWM has planted almost 50 new congregations and contributed to the founding of two RCJ presbyteries (regional groups of churches) since entering Japan in 1951.
- Population: 126.5 million
- Language: Japanese
- Major religions: Shintoism, Buddhism, Secularism
- Date entered by World Missions: 1951
- Number of World Missions workers: 5 (12 including spouses and partner missionaries)
- Ministry emphasis: Leadership development to promote church planting
- Location of work: Greater Tokyo
- Partners: Reformed Church in Japan, Back to God Ministries International, Christian Academy in Japan. Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
Visit the World Factbook for more information on Japan.
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