Asia: Japan

Ministry in Japan At a Glance

The Christian Reformed Church has answered the call of God and the invitation of the Reformed Church in Japan (RCJ, website in Japanese), to preach the Gospel and plant churches in this very modern but extremely under-evangelized nation. With several exceptions in central Japan (greater Nagoya) and northern Japan (Sapporo City and Aomori Prefecture), CRCNA missionaries have focused efforts on the Kanto Plains area of greater Tokyo, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, to work with our 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.

Facets of Ministry in Japan

As a reconstructionist right wing attempts to "rewrite" history, it is important to convey a correct understanding of the past and to seek reconciliation with neighboring countries affected by Japanese aggressive actions in the early 20th Century. CRWM contributes to this by a program of "vision tours" to build bridges between Japanese Christians and their brothers and sisters in other parts of Asia. This activity also leads us to facilitate the deployment of missionaries from neighboring countries, especially South Korea. Currently Serving in Japan:

The RCJ is a denomination that was founded in 1946 by Japanese believers who had remained faithful to their creed and Lord during the dark years of the Pacific War when they had experienced great persecution. 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 pleads with the CRCNA to continue to partner with them in this great task. CRWM staff work hand in hand with evangelists of the RCJ in most of our ministries. Though the barriers to the Gospel are daunting, since 1951 when our first missionaries were deployed here, CRWM has planted almost 50 new congregations and contributed to the founding of two new presbyteries (regional groups of churches) of the RCJ.

CRWM is active in church planting (starting new congregations which will join the RCJ when they organize) as well as various ministries to contribute to the continuing development of the RCJ. These include youth evangelism and discipleship, training church school teachers, special evangelistic services, teaching in seminary and continuing education settings for pastors and lay persons, and consultation for development of vision and programs in everything from worship to foreign missions. As staff members (especially volunteers) are available, CRWM also works to strengthen the evangelistic programs of already organized but weaker congregations of the RCJ. CRWM also cooperates with the Back to God Ministries International in their Japanese language media outreach.  For more info, email info@jesus-web.org (in Japanese).

Since the CRCNA is gifted in the area of Christian education, we also contribute staff and expertise to the Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ), a K-12 school founded to provide education for the children of evangelical missionaries, and we foster the deployment of teachers, administrators and other staff as partner missionaries to CAJ and other educational institutions as well.

Prayer & Support

The most important gift you can give missionaries is a daily prayer for their lives and work. At any given time Christian Reformed World Missions supports over 200 long-term and short-term missionaries located in over 20 countries around the world. Through partnerships, our work extends to over 30 countries. These people have been called, commissioned, and sent by Christian Reformed churches to represent our devotion to Jesus Christ, and to urge others to accept His offer of salvation.

Currently Serving in Japan

Michael and Kim Essenburg (Caitlin, Anneke) Both teachers, Michael and Kim are deployed at the Christian Academy in Japan. Michael is also spearheading the development of the new "Close the Gap Now" leader coaching service. For more info, check out http://messenburg.org.

Jeong and MiSook Gho (Julia) 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.

Ken and Jeannie Lee (Mona) Ken is a youth discipleship specialist who pioneered the Summer Mission Program in Japan, now working to help develop vital evangelistic, worship and educational ministries to the young adult age level.

Larry and Ruth Spalink Larry is a church planter and serves also as the Japan field director and business manager. Larry also works to facilitate worship renewal efforts. Ruth is the Health Center staff person and Student Support Team coordinator for CAJ.

George and Ruth Young George is a church planter and evangelist working in several locations to facilitate the growth and development of a number of new churches.

Current Ministry Partners in Japan

Doreen Deelstra, Partner Teacher, Hokkaido International School
Brian and Bette Vander Haak (Emily, Christopher, David) Partner Teachers (Administration and Art), CAJ 
Christian Academy of Japan
Hokkaido International School
Reformed Church in Japan