As I am nearing the end of my last term in Japan, I am going to various events for the last time. The other day I was at the Board of Directors Meeting at Soshin Gakuin. As we finished our meeting we were having dinner together S. San on one side said to me playfully, “Do you think you will be able to handle the English when you go back to the States.” I rejoined in like fashion, “I don’t know, but maybe I’ll listen to some tapes.” “You know that you won’t be able to eat yanagi (grilled eel) in the States,” she said. “Yes, I guess I will just have to come back to Japan to eat all the good things that you have here,” I responded. Sitting on the other side Rev. A asked, “Are there any possibilities that IM will send any new missionaries to Japan?” “Well, I think so,” I said trying to sound reassuring. Both people had said, “Sabishii” meaning “sad, lonely, we’ll miss you.” But as I look at the sad face of Rev. A. I also sensed it meant “We feel abandoned.”

The number of missionaries has steadily decreased in Japan over the last ten years. When I leave in April there will be only five missionaries or three mission units assigned to Japan. Although Japan is a modern economically strong country and there has been a Baptist presence for over 130 years, less than one percent of the population is Christian. Because of the culture, it is often easier for a Japanese to hear about new things from an outsider. Our brothers and sisters in Christ appreciate the support that we give and our presence here.

* Please pray for the Christian church in Japan, especially for the Japan Baptist Union.
* Pray that each Christian will be a strong witness to God’s love.
* Pray that God will call new missionaries to come to Japan and that the people of American Baptist Churches will support them.