Japan (MNN) — Asian Access has officially passed the baton of ministry in Japan to the Japanese leadership.

Robert Adair explains. “For a good decade or so most of our deployment of missionaries and the overall vision has been led by our Japanese partners. But we’ve actually taken this step of sliding our shukyo hojin, or religious status, and fully bringing that under the control of our Japanese expression of Asian access in Japan.

“Now, both on a vision side and legally, everything is led by Japanese Christians.”

Asian Access has worked in Japan since 1967.

Bigger vision

From 1986 to 2020, they had the vision to plant 1,000 reproducing churches across the country.

In 2022, Adair says the ministry has achieved the spirit of this goal, even if they have not reached those numbers yet. And the work continues. “It’s not just a vision of Asian Access sending out 1000 Church multiplication teams. It’s partnering with the entire Church in Japan, and helping the Japanese Church try to pursue 2% of the population following Christ. We want as many churches in Japan as we have convenience stores, which would be around 50,000 churches.”

Unity

Many Christians in Japan began to work more closely together after the triple disaster on March 11, 2011. An earthquake caused a massive tsunami which in turn overwhelmed a nuclear reactor, causing it to melt down.

Adair says, “It tore down a lot of the divides between both denominations within Japan, and honestly, between missions organizations. The need was so significant.”

Pray that the good news of Jesus would spread to many people across Japan. Ask God to strengthen the A2 Japan leadership. Pray that they would be a unifying voice in the Japanese Church, crossing divides between groups that haven’t worked together before.

 

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 2:46)

Direct Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jun07-2022.mp3

 

More Information

• This story by Kevin Zeller was originally published on 07-Jun-2022 by Mission Network News:
  https://www.mnnonline.org/news/asian-access-passes-baton-to-japanese-leadership/
• Download the audio file: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jun07-2022.mp3
• Header image courtesy of Asian Access.

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Mission Network News exists to inform multitudes about stories that matter and empowers them to take action that changes lives. Join over 1 million radio and internet users each day. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world – and how you can be involved. Each MNN broadcast includes pray, give, or go opportunities that help you find your place in the story. Sign up at mnnonline.org to receive daily news in your inbox. Or check out MNN on social media and share them with others. MNN is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.

 

June 5, 2022 is the International Day for the Unreached

A third of the world still lacks access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are no local churches, no Bible in their own language, and no local believers.

On Pentecost Sunday, June 5, 2022, join Christians around the world for the International Day for the Unreached. The day will include live streaming events hosted by the Alliance for the Unreached and ways to spread awareness and rally as many people as possible to join the cause.

A THIRD OF HUMANITY IS STILL IN THE DARK WITH NO CHANCE TO HEAR THE NAME OF JESUS.

But you can help change that.

• DRAW the symbol somewhere visible. Post on social media with #athirdofus
• Look for opportunities to TALK about it.
• PRAY about it.
• DO something.

A third of the world is still denied access to the Gospel. Do you want to help give everyone a chance to know Jesus? Take step one today. Draw the symbol somewhere visible and then talk about it! (Photo, caption courtesy of A Third of Us)

 

OVERVIEW VIDEO

 

WATCH AND PRAY WITH US ON JUNE 5TH

 

More Information

• Download the Prayer Guide.
• Learn more and download the free action guide, church kit, and family guide at athirdofus.com.
• Find more resources at Alliance for the Unreached.
• go2japan through Asian Access is a partner with Alliance for the Unreached as a champion member.

 

 

Christianity is about the power of the Gospel to transform our lives.

I want to share with you a real-life story of two sworn enemies – Fuchida, a Japanese commander and DeShazer, an American pilot. The setting is in World War II.

Mitsuo Fuchida commanded one of the most successful aerial attacks in history. On December 7, 1941, Fuchida’s squadron bombed Pearl Harbor.

Fuchida instantly became a hero in Japan. And obviously, he also became one of the most hated Japanese enemies by the American forces.

That hatred burned in Jacob DeShazer, a young bomber pilot who angrily swore,

“Japan will pay for this!”

That opportunity came when DeShazer was selected to be a part of the squadron in the first bombing raids over Japan. He was pumped. It’s pay-back time.

Unfortunately, after dropping his bombs on the city of Nagoya, DeShazer’s plane crashed in enemy territory. He was taken as a prisoner-of-war.

For almost two years, DeShazer suffered harsh treatment, including the pain of watching three of his fellow prisoners executed by the firing squad. In the midst of this suffering, his hatred of the Japanese deepened.

Then, in 1944, someone passed DeShazer a Bible. He began at Genesis and read on and on. There were some things in the Bible that he couldn’t understand. But the things that he did understand brought him a sublime comfort and a growing enlightenment.

And by the time he had come to the Book of Romans, DeShazer had opened his heart to the truth of the Gospel and surrendered his life to Jesus, as his Savior and Lord.

Immediately Matthew 5:44 challenged him,

“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Despite his deep inner struggle, DeShazer chose to obey the Lord’s command. Because of it, his attitude toward his Japanese captors began to change. As he prayed for them, his hatred subsided. And each morning he greeted them warmly despite his pitiful condition.

Slowly, their attitude towards him also changed. A few of them even brought him extra food and supplies.

Finally, the war was over and DeShazer was released.

DeShazer returned home a changed man. He studied for the ministry at Asbury Theological Seminary. Upon graduation, DeShazer decided to return to Japan, not as a tourist, but as a missionary!

Returning to Nagoya, the very city he had bombed, DeShazer started a church there.

And to witness to the Japanese people, he wrote and distributed a pamphlet - with the captivating title, “I Was A Prisoner of the Japanese”.

It wasn’t long before many came to hear DeShazer speak. They witnessed an ex-prisoner-of-war who could forgive and love his enemies - because of the transforming power of the Gospel!

On the other hand, things didn’t go well for the Japanese commander, Mitsuo Fuchida.

He had come out of the war a very disillusioned man. And because of his wartime commission, he was often called to Tokyo to testify at war-crime trials.

On one of these trips to Tokyo, Fuchida was handed the very pamphlet that DeShazer had written!

He was intrigued by the title “I Was A Prisoner Of The Japanese”. Curious as to what it had to say, Fuchida read and re-read it. He couldn’t believe that DeShazer could forgive his tormentors.

After reading the pamphlet, Fuchida decided to buy a Japanese Bible to read.

In reading the Scriptures, Fuchida was especially affected by the prayer of Christ on the cross:

“Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:24).

It struck a deep chord in this wartime Japanese commander.“Why then”, Fuchida thought to himself, “Jesus had prayed for me to be forgiven!”

That night, alone in his farmhouse, Mitsuo Fuchida asked God to forgive him and became a Christian himself.

Subsequently, Fuchida wrote a book titled ‘From Pearl Harbor to Calvary’. It’s the inspiring story of his conversion to Christianity, and his call to the ministry.

Transformed by the power of the Gospel, Fuchida became a great evangelist for Jesus, in Japan and beyond!

And the best part is, Fuchida eventually met DeShazer. And these two men, who were once sworn enemies, became the best of friends, brothers in Christ, and co-labourers in the Kingdom of God!

Yes, Christianity is about the power of the Gospel to transform lives. Hallelujah!

Pastor Edmund Chan
Asian Access Faculty

---

This was an inspiring WhatsApp message that my friend sent, and I wanted to bless you by posting it here with Edmund's permission.

Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President, Asian Access

jhandley@asianaccess.org
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

   

More Information

• Related story: Mitsuo Fuchida: from Pearl Harbor attacker to Christian evangelist
• Image credits:
  • header image courtesy Our American Stories and JacobDeShazer.com
  • photo of Mitsuo Fuchida courtesy Wikimedia
  • photo of Jacob DeShazer courtesy Wikipedia
  • photo of Fuchida and DeShazer courtesy Bible Literature International and JacobDeShazer.com
• Books by Mitsuo Fuchida
  1. FOR THAT ONE DAY – The Memoirs of Mitsuo Fuchida : Commander of the Attack on Pearl Harbor
  2. MIDWAY – The Battle that Doomed Japan: the Japanese Navy's Story
  3. From Pearl Harbor To Calvary
• More about Jacob DeShazer
  • www.jacobdeshazer.com
  • Return of the Raider: A Doolittle Raider's Story of War & Forgiveness by David M. Goldstein & Carol Aiko DeShazer Dixon
  • Jacob DeShazer: Member of Doolittle Raid
  • Audio recording of Jacob DeShazer's personal testimony, Asbury Theological Seminary

 

In Japan, Fukushima Prefecture is arguably the region most impacted by the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. In addition to the earthquake damage up and down its seacoast, three reactors in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant experienced meltdown when tsunami waters disabled their cooling systems.

During the days immediately following, radioactive materials were released into the atmosphere and carried across the region. While the physical recovery and Christian response has been in encouraging in Miyagi, Iwate, and other prefectures to the north, the Fukushima area has struggled to gain momentum.

Listening & Praying in Fukushima

In late November 2021, I had the privilege of spending three days with nine people from four organizations traveling around Fukushima praying, listening to the stories of local pastors, and trying to understand the local situation. As we drove from church to church, I am ashamed to say my reaction was somewhat negative. We met amazing men and women who are serving Jesus amid the anxiety and unknowns related to the nuclear disaster. As I heard their stories, I was still scared, skeptical, and unsure if now was the time. How can we send missionaries into this environment? How do we respond to the needs of the various churches and not force our own agenda?

I believe we should respond in Fukushima, yet I questioned whether it’s currently possible.

But then...

On the last morning of the prayer drive, we visited Taibou Church in Aizuwakamatsu City. It was fairly early, and I was distracted thinking about the rest of the day's schedule. My eyes bulged, however, as I heard Pastor Fujii share the church's history.

Taibou Church was planted in 1941 by a team of Japanese Christians. This was during World War II when Shinto was the state religion, and the emperor was viewed as divine. It's difficult to imagine a more challenging environment for church planting in Japan since the mid-1800s. While the war was turning in the Allies' favor and people were fleeing the fire bombings and destruction throughout the country, remarkably, a church was planted. Hearing Pastor Fujii recount the history of his church, I was once again convicted of how quick I am to view things through the lens of what I think is realistic instead of discerning what God is already doing. 

I am reminded of Matthew 16:18, where Jesus said,

"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

Joining, Not Judging

It is not my role to judge a situation as too difficult for Christ to build his church. My role is to join him in what he is already doing. I pray that Jesus will continue to build his Church in Japan and that we will be faithful in our role in his process. Just as Taibou Church was planted during the chaos of World War II, I hope many churches will be planted in Fukushima following the chaos of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Robert Adair

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Robert Adair serves in Miyagi Prefecture through a partnership with Shiogama Bible Baptist Church and as the Missionary Director for Asian Access in Japan. Robert & Roberta have four energetic boys and enjoy spending time in the mountains.

 

More Information

• Other stories from Fukushima and about the Japan Disaster
• Robert Adair's staff profile page...

 

"walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
– Ephesians 4:1

The last few months I’ve been gripped by a profound podcast Christianity Today showcased: The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s well worth listening to because it highlights something that Asian Access has focused on for years: the importance of Christ-like character.

Beth Moore said it’s "an important listen for any Christian leader or leader in the making."

Collin Hansen from The Gospel Coalition called the podcast "the most revolutionary thing in Christian media in the last eleven years."

The podcast is insightful and troubling because it points to the problems inherent in the modern church today, especially the popularity of celebrity pastors and leaders. It also reminds me of one of Asian Access' core outcomes: Growing in Christ-like Character.

Fortunately, God’s church is resilient. Jesus says, “Upon this Rock, I wlll build my church and the gates of Hell will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). It’s imperative for us as servants of Jesus to have integrity and walk in humility. As the passage in Ephesians reminds us, “we are to walk in a manner worthy of the calling…”

As we depend on Christ and abide in Him, we will grow as Christ-like leaders and our character will be formed. The more our influence grows, the more we need of him and the more we need to be mindful of the problems highlighted in this powerful podcast series.

Pray for us at Asian Access as we invest in servants of His Church around the world. May we be more and more like Jesus and less and less like the world. May we and our alumni exhibit these Christ-like character traits displayed in Ephesians and avoid the pitfalls highlighted in this podcast series.

What wisdom do you have for us in this? I’d love to hear any insights you want to share.

Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President, Asian Access

jhandley@asianaccess.org
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

   

More Information

• Articles related to Christlikeness
• Articles related to character

How one Japanese congregation responded to the COVID-19 pandemic 

WHEN I TALKED TO PASTOR YOSHIYA (JOSHUA) HARI, THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR FOR ASIAN ACCESS JAPAN, his church had already been dealing with its own crisis before the coronavirus came. After over 20 years in the same location, in 2019 the congregation of Saikyo Hope Chapel was told they had to vacate the building they were leasing because it would be demolished. Finding a similar facility for the same price proved to be extremely difficult, so from February 2, 2020, they found themselves alternately renting one of two local community centers for services each Sunday.

Loss of control over their environment 

They struggled with the unfamiliar challenges of a mobile congregation—preparing the room and setting up audio and video equipment every Sunday. Internet speed was a recurring problem. Each week they were broadcasting their service through Facebook Live, but now it was with an unreliable cell network Wi-Fi connection. Periodically they lost the signal and Pastor Hari had to pause and restart his message.

At the same time, the coronavirus was spreading. A growing number of church members were staying home to watch the livestream. By the end of March, the church couldn’t even rent a community center. 

Recognition of congregational needs

They had lost the opportunity to meet physically, but Pastor Hari knew the members of the congregation needed a way to share their difficulties and pray for one another. So when they moved totally online on March 29, they switched to the Zoom video conferencing platform. Now people could meet from home, see each other’s faces, and talk to each other.

Multiplication of gatherings

The Zoom meeting was opened from 10 a.m. before the service for informal conversation, but they soon found that a large Zoom gathering was not good for chatting. So the youth decided to have their own meeting at 10 a.m. Online ministry for children was scheduled from 9:20 a.m. A church member aerobics instructor initiated a separate online exercise class from 10 a.m. Their church planting team for a new daughter church began a pre-service prayer meeting.

Development of leaders

When they started the fully online 11:00 a.m service, at first the church used YouTube videos for the music. But then Pastor Hari thought, “We can use this unique time for training leaders.” Previously, they had two main skilled worship leaders. But now people weren’t so concerned about everything being perfect. Pastor Hari began passing leadership of the musical worship time around, telling members they could lead in any way they wanted. They could use a YouTube video, play guitar or piano, or just sing.

Delivery of content

Because of their struggles with the Wi-Fi signal in the community centers, Pastor Hari decided to record his message each Friday. He realized he could do that anywhere. He told me,

“Before the coronavirus, the message had to be in the church building. But if you think about the Sermon on the Mount, it’s obviously outside. Jesus said, ‘Look at the birds . . .’ ”

So he decided to record the message in a setting that would fit the topic. He ended each message with discussion questions, uploaded it to YouTube, and asked congregation members to watch it on Saturday or Sunday before the 11:00 a.m. service.

Growth together

At the time in the service most congregations start listening to a message, Pastor Hari repeats the discussion questions he asked in the prerecorded video. Attendees are divided into groups of three to five people and everyone is sent into Zoom breakout rooms for 35 minutes. There they discuss practical applications, share their current struggles, and pray for each other. Pastor Hari also joins a group as a participant. He says that’s challenging because it requires transparency:

“I have to share myself—my burdens, my failings, my marriage . . . where I have to change!”

One of our fellow missionaries, who is involved in the daughter church planting team, adds that this season has forced the church to ask “Why is it important for us to gather?” He continues, “It’s not to listen to someone give a presentation . . . it’s learning to interact on a deeper level.”

Looking to the future

Pastor Hari would be the first to admit he doesn’t have all the answers. Our conversation ended with him saying, “This is an experiment. Talk to me again in a few months!”

We love working as co-laborers in partnership with visionary Japanese leaders!

Gary Bauman
Strategic Resource Development
Tokorozawa, Japan

Original PDF article: Gary Bauman, “Sunday ‘Zoom Church’—with no morning message! How one Japanese congregation responded to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Japan Update, Autumn 2020, Number 79, 2–3, https://jeanet.org/japan_update. 

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Gary & Barbara Bauman have been missionaries to Japan with Asian Access since 1988. Gary is the former editor of Japan Harvest magazine and focuses his time now developing strategic print and digital ministry resources that enhance Kingdom advance. Barbara leads and trains mothers to lead parenting classes. Visit their staff profile here and their website https://garyandbarbara.com for more info.

 

More Information

• This article was also published here: https://www.garyandbarbara.com/how-one-church-in-japan-is-dealing-with-the-coronavirus/
  
• Related story: Home church: the new norm in Japan?
• Photos courtesy Yoshiya Hari

 

Japan (MNN) — In January 2020, a group of believers in Japan lost their church building. Little did they know, God would use their “temporary solution” as a growth point when the pandemic turned the world upside-down.

“Before other churches in Japan needed to go to an online format, we were forced into that kind of a style. A lot of creative ideas came out of it,” Jeffery Sonnenberg of Asian Access says.

“There are some interesting new ministries we wouldn’t have dreamed of starting without being forced into an online format.”

Planted more than 20 years ago, Saikyo Hope Chapel, now pastored by Rev. Yoshiya Hari, brought believers together for discipleship and fellowship on the north side of Tokyo. “Weeks before the beginning of the pandemic, we lost our (physical) space and started meeting in rented facilities,” Sonnenberg says.

“Then suddenly, the pandemic happened, and we couldn’t access community centers. We had to switch to an online format very quickly, and that [transformed] our thinking about what ‘church’ looks like.”

Instead of following the order of a traditional service, believers became more intentional with their fellowship time when they transitioned online.

“We moved to this format where the message gets sent to you ahead of time as a video you watch online. During the service, time normally used for preaching was [allocated to] small group discussions run through Zoom,” Sonnenberg says.

Believers who didn’t know how to use their spiritual gifts in the church found new ways to flourish. In one small group, young moms longed for a way to teach their children about the sanctity of life and biblical sexuality. A Christian nurse, who teaches these principles in her profession but never saw an opportunity in the church, offered to help.

“It (the idea) turned into a series of online seminars, and people from across the country, Christians and non-Christians, ended up participating,” Sonnenberg says.

“We’ve also seen God moving. New people have come to faith, and we’ve had online baptismal services. It’s changing and transforming the way we do church and how we can use technology.”

Pray for Saikyo Hope Chapel leaders as they decide how to proceed in the new year. A few days ago, believers signed rental paperwork for a small meeting place to hold in-person activities.

“There’s still the importance of face-to-face meetings,” Sonnenberg says.

“I don’t know that we’re going to see everything going online only. But there’s been a shift towards a hybrid model.”

 

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 2:47)

Direct Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jan20-2022.mp3

 

More Information

• This story by Katey Hearth was originally published on 20-Jan-2022 by Mission Network News:
  https://www.mnnonline.org/news/home-church-the-new-norm-in-japan/
• Download the audio file: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jan20-2022.mp3
• Image credits:
  • Cover photo by DLKR from Pexels
  • The inset photo shows Asian Access senior leaders meet on Zoom in March 2020. (Photo courtesy of Asian Access).

---

Mission Network News exists to inform multitudes about stories that matter and empowers them to take action that changes lives. Join over 1 million radio and internet users each day. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world – and how you can be involved. Each MNN broadcast includes pray, give, or go opportunities that help you find your place in the story. Sign up at mnnonline.org to receive daily news in your inbox. Or check out MNN on social media and share them with others. MNN is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.

 

Recently I was interviewed by Evangeline Hsiao for her podcast, Care Package for Japan...

The purpose of this podcast is to showcase how much God loves Japan through different stories of people. It is like God sending a care package to the ones He loves in Japan!

From Care Package for Japan:

Today, we will be talking with our special guest, Joseph Handley. Joe is the president of Asian Access and has a huge heart for missions in Japan and beyond. He is passionate about raising missional leaders that abide deeply in Christ because it is from abiding in Christ where Jesus gives us our identity!

Evangeline reminds everyone:

Let's all continue to pray and praise God for the beautiful country of Japan. #prayforjapan

Listen to my interview below... 

Direct links:

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s1e11-raising-up-leaders-who-are-abiding-in-christ/id1592801872?i=1000547361493
• https://anchor.fm/evangeline-hsiao/episodes/S1E11-Raising-Up-Leaders-who-are-Abiding-in-Christ-with-Joe-Handley-e1cihlk/a-a76n948 

I hope this encourages you. 

In Christ, 

Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President, Asian Access

jhandley@asianaccess.org
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

 

More Information

• Image credit: photo of Musashinonomori Park (Tokyo 2020) by Takashi Miyazaki on Unsplash

 

Happy New Year, Dear Friends!

This post is a little later than I had hoped because our family was hit with the coronavirus variant over the holidays. We are deeply grateful for your prayers and appreciate you for the way we journey together in life and mission.

Yearning to Develop More Leaders & Shepherds

2021 began with an interesting call from a Lausanne and WEA friend challenging many of us to focus on raising up and training millions of new Christ-like leaders in the coming decades. As the team requested my engagement in this new venture, I was led to share from Matthew 9:36 where Jesus saw the crowds harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

At the end of 2021, my reflections were in the book of Zechariah chapter 10:2. In that passage, the prophet critiques the false gods who have led people astray causing many to wander because they lack a shepherd.

The idols speak deceitfully,
diviners see visions that lie;
they tell dreams that are false,
they give comfort in vain.
Therefore the people wander like sheep
oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
— Zechariah 10:2

The same day that I was reflecting on Zechariah 10, a report came from one of our national directors describing the growing intolerance happening his country. And then another message received the night prior from another country director reflected on a different, integrated approach to developing shepherds for the future.

Yearning for Blessing for our Community

Along with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and the conflicts and upheavals springing up all around us, our mission has tried to share the burden faced by a brother’s family as they live the nightmare of personal fallout from violence and persecution in their country. Our friend and faculty member’s family have faced ongoing struggles with their daughter’s worsening health challenges. Another national director couple has dealt with her wife’s ongoing health crisis. We grieve the sad reality of a national director facing ALS and cancer. And now, news that another national director’s family is fighting a covid outbreak in their midst.

Calling to Pray for God to Move

2022 begins with promise, and I’m encouraged that my home church is opening with a Daniel Fast call to prayer. As Jesus challenges in that passage, we must pray to the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers.

So, this is my word for 2022:

A call to be led by the Good Shepherd, to become like him as a shepherd for this world and to raise up a new generation of shepherds who will follow Jesus and serve the masses who are so desperately looking for help.

Looking to the future, we aspire to be “a vibrant community accelerating Christ-centered movements around the world… who equip and unify visionary Christ-centered leaders to influence Spirit-led change.”

As we lean into 2022 and strive to be and accelerate new shepherds for a weary world, I am heartened by former A2 board member Ray Ortlund’s grandson’s wisdom:

Not abiding in Christ darkens all of life.
Even the bright spots are dimmed.
Abiding in Christ brightens all of life.
Even the dark spots are lightened.
All of life takes on a different hue.
~ Dane Ortlund

My friends, as we abide in Christ this year, the Lord will raise up a new generation of shepherds to serve His Church and His Kingdom.

I’m eager to see what the Lord unfolds for us. Join me in expectation.

With expectancy, 

Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President, Asian Access

jhandley@asianaccess.org
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

 

More Information

• Top Stories from 2021

 

In Patience

When I decided to leave behind my career to pursue a mission overseas, I knew it would not be smooth sailing. Ahead would be support raising, language learning, transitioning to a foreign culture, and unpredictable—or even a lack of—income. Little did I know, there’s much more to it.

My visa application for my originally intended mission field was rejected, I had to restart the discernment process for a new location, and then came the global pandemic. Sounds discouraging, doesn’t it? Thankfully, this was not the end of the story. Through each unexpected turn of events, I came to realize that my journey is not so much about where I am going, but who I am with.

Waiting is rarely easy, but what if waiting is an important part of the journey? What if we experience the Lord in a deeper way because we can do nothing but lean on Him? Our circumstances change, but Jesus’ promise to us remains unchanged. And that makes all the difference.

“I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (ESV)

In Service

In a season of prolonged waiting, God can turn our disappointment into His appointment. One night I was asking the Lord how I could serve Him in the time leading to my departure for the mission field. He gradually allowed me to encounter the people He had in His heart for me.

Two were Kay and Jane*, twin sisters who had been physically disabled for many years due to injuries from long-term abuse. They longed for new friends and visitors. When we first met, Kay asked if I could hold her hand while we chatted. From that day, we met every week to catch up with each other, read Bible stories, and pray. We moved to phone calls when Toronto went into lockdown. Unfortunately, the pandemic took a toll on Kay and she opted for assisted suicide. Three months later, Jane also took her own life on Thanksgiving Day.

In the midst of the many sleepless nights, tears of lament, and prayers that occupied my thoughts following this loss, the Lord broke His silence and told me, "I love them enough to have died for them."

Yes, the depth of the suffering they experienced is beyond my comprehension, but the depth of the love of our Saviour is even greater. It was not a coincidence that we crossed paths—I met these sisters shortly after I found that my mission trip was delayed; and then, two days after Jane's funeral, I got an email with my departure date. In the midst of God’s mysterious working, His grace is sufficient.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

In Faith

During the same waiting season in 2019, I got into an accident that totaled my car. I had quit my job six months earlier, with no foreseeable departure for a mission field. Desperate to recover from the loss and find a new car, I started contemplating finding a job to pay for these expenses.

Though I did not share my struggle with anyone, a friend living abroad sent me a cash e-transfer along with a message: “Please accept it as I cannot ignore God’s voice. He told me to help you and when I asked how, I was given the verse in Acts 4:32.”

Shortly after that, another friend offered me a car that she was hoping to let go. She said finding a taker for this car was an answer to her prayer—and the car happened to be the same make and colour as the car I had destroyed. We both felt this accident did not happen by accident, but was a way for God to grow our faith and to bless us. Praise be to the Lord, for He is always faithful even when I’m not.

Who can turn my problems into praises? Only Jesus! (Top) scene of the accident: in the midst of the spinning car with deployed airbags, we were protected. (Bottom) Shortly after the crash, the Lord provided a replacement car through a friend which happened to be the exact color and model. His grace is enough!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)

In Peace

By God’s grace, I was sent to Japan in the middle of a worldwide pandemic in December 2020. Two weeks after my arrival, Japan closed its borders to the world again. I am certainly affirmed of His calling for such a time as this—that nothing is impossible in Christ, especially when difficulties strike.

During my period of waiting, the Lord reminded me of the story of Joseph in Genesis 39—to trust without fully understanding all that is happening. Thanks be to God, we can rest in peace, not because we understand what is happening, but because He is with us and is in perfect control. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)

 

Cindy

 

More Information

Read in more detail about Kay and Jane at https://simnow.sim.ca/stories/his-deep-love-transcends-unimaginable-hurts

 

Hello Everyone!

We want to thank you for your participation and support for our work in Japan.

As you probably know, all the work with the Olympics that we tried to do didn't happen. However, the last few weeks, God has done some amazing things, and that's still ongoing. People are praying. We're signing up people for a million hours of prayer! Can you believe that?

It's exciting, and the next few weeks, we're continuing with the Paralympics.

Thank You for Your Prayers and Support

And we just want to say how grateful we are for your support and your prayers. Arigato gozaimasu. Thank you very much!

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON OR THIS LINK TO WATCH NOW...

God bless you,

Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President, Asian Access

jhandley@asianaccess.org
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

 

More Information

• Image credit: photo of Musashinonomori Park (Tokyo 2020) by Takashi Miyazaki on Unsplash

 

Japan (MNN) — The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are officially underway following today’s Opening Ceremony. Delayed by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the Games will run through August 8th. See a full schedule here. The Tokyo Paralympics begin August 24th.

Athletes and fans aren’t the only ones affected by Japan’s attendance regulations.

“We were planning to send tons of teams to the Olympic Games, and we had the vision to impact a lot of people. Because of the coronavirus and the ongoing changes with the restrictions, we’ve had to modify those approaches. Many groups, like ourselves, decided to pivot to a digital approach to ministry,” Joe Handley with Asian Access says.

“We have a number of people interested in Japan, simply by doing mission via digital experiences.”

Believers may have changed their methods for Olympics outreach, but their vision remains the same. By 2024, they hope to see 10 million Christians in Japan and 10,000 churches.

“For the Olympics, the vision was to reach a million people as the initial catalyst. If you can get a million followers of Christ, then you have momentum that can grow exponentially,” Handley says.

The “10-10-10 vision” traces back to 2014 and a young Japanese leader. “He had this sense (in 2014) that, in the next ten years, Japan would reach 10 million followers of Christ,” Handley says.

“We serve a God who loves the word ‘impossible’.”

It’s an audacious goal if you know anything about Japan. Learn why here.

“[Japanese are] the second largest unreached people; less than one percent of the population attends church,” Handley says.

“This could be the moment where things begin to shift in Japan.”

Committed prayer holds the key to change. Join the million-hour “prayer force” here.

“This would take an enormous growth initiative, but we serve a God who loves the word ‘impossible.’ We’re praying that a million hours of prayer will be the catalyst to see a mighty move of God,” Handley says.

Asian Access’s aspirations are part of a broader movement sweeping Japan’s tiny church community. “With conditions being such they cannot get ‘boots on the ground,’ so to speak, churches have completely changed their approaches to the Olympic Games,” Handley says.

“They pointed to the fact that real revival often births through prayer movements. So, their latest vision is to mobilize a million hours of prayer during the Olympic Games. It’s an initiative that is not just Asian Access; it’s all-encompassing of the mission and Church family in Japan.”

 

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 1:32)

Direct Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jul23-2021.mp3

 

More Information

• This story by Katey Hearth was originally published on 23-Jul-2021 by Mission Network News:
  https://www.mnnonline.org/news/tokyo-olympics-the-catalyst-to-change-in-japan/
• Download the audio file: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jul23-2021.mp3
• Image credits:
  • Header image courtesy of Dick Thomas Johnson/Wikimedia Commons.
  • Inset image is a stock photo courtesy of Alex Smith/Unsplash.

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Mission Network News exists to inform multitudes about stories that matter and empowers them to take action that changes lives. Join over 1 million radio and internet users each day. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world – and how you can be involved. Each MNN broadcast includes pray, give, or go opportunities that help you find your place in the story. Sign up at mnnonline.org to receive daily news in your inbox. Or check out MNN on social media and share them with others. MNN is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.

 

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."
— Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

In our hearts, we were confident that God was calling us to serve him in Japan. But we couldn’t do it without a significant team of supporters behind us with faithful prayers and financial gifts. It was hard to imagine how he would do it. It was 2016. Josh and I hoped to be in Japan within a year, but God had other plans.

Our journey of finding that team was a wild ride across the US, with challenges and unexpected encounters, meeting people who would be significant in our preparation. God was stretching our faith, growing our dependence on him, and showing us that he would do it his way and in his time. We were thrilled to finally arrive in Japan in March of 2018.

Josh and I began serving alongside a local church in Kumamoto, an area in southern Japan that was still recovering after a 7.0 earthquake in 2016. We felt privileged to be with them in this season of rebuilding, and our presence seemed to bring encouragement to the pastor and church members. We were also involved in the surrounding areas where there was no church presence. Together we saw the start of firstfruits—a new church plant. These first two years went fast. It was a great start for our life and ministry in Japan, but just as the assignment was coming to a close, the Coronavirus hit. We had to urgently speed up our timeline to return to the States before travel became impossible.

Now back in the States, it’s early 2020 and our original sense of call to serve in Japan was as strong as ever. We wanted to make a longer commitment, which would require a larger team of supporters. Surely it would be easier this time. We were older with real-life experience in Japan. We were making progress in learning Japanese and could report on fruitful ministry in just a short time. But Covid changed everything. We were not able to physically meet with people, travel was limited, and churches were closed. Meanwhile we were experiencing reverse culture shock along with all the confusion and complexity that a global pandemic brought.

God is our Source

Through all this, we were reminded that God is the source for all we need, and he had the means to get us fully funded to return to Japan again, in his timing and in his way. Our plan was to be in the US for nine months, but as month nine rolled around, we only had about 60% of funds needed. We started to wonder, how was this going to work? We had a hard deadline to return to Japan because our visas were due to expire, so we “virtually” gathered all our friends to pray with us. On Facebook I started the “35 Days of Prayer.” Each day I would post an update on where we were financially and how our friends and family could be praying for us.

This was an eye-opening experience that showed us how many people were behind us praying for the work in Japan, and it also showed us definite markers of God’s provision in this urgent time of need. Within 35 days we needed to raise over $2600 in monthly support! We did not always see a change from day to day, but those final days were breathtaking. On Day 32, I posted that we still needed $1600 in monthly support. The following day that number dropped to $550, then $375. I got phone calls and emails from people asking how they could make sure we got to Japan in time. Then on the last day, I had the great pleasure to post this:

Just in Time

We made it back to Japan at just the right time! We not only had all the funding needed, but God had also provided a beautiful house to live in, a wonderful church to partner with, and one extra day after our two-week quarantine to get to immigration and renew our visas, just before they expired. Gratefully we were approved for a 5-year visa. Following that, we found the right Japanese language school where we could focus on improving our skills. We were set and God had done it all!

Waiting when things look impossible can be really hard. That’s the best time to pray and remember the One who oversees it all. We cannot rush God’s timeline, but we can rejoice in his perfect timing. Josh and I look forward to serving wherever and however God grants the opportunity as we seek to make Christ known in Japan. 

 

Jessica Kidwell

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Joshua & Jessica Kidwell have served with Asian Access since 2017 as Missional Partners in Japan and are enjoying the adventures that mission life brings. They met during their time at college and later got married in 2014. After realizing that they both had a heart for Japan, it was hard not to imagine working together to see the people of Japan come to Christ.

 

More Information

• Jessica’s bio: https://asianaccess.org/kidwell 
• Mid-Term: Missional Partner Associates program
• Long-Term: Missional Partners program

 

Hello Friends,

What a year you and I have been through and our entire planet. This COVID-19 has just slammed us, as the world has faced this crisis. And for those of us in the U.S., it's getting a little easier and we praise God for that.

But our friends in Asia, they're at the peak of the crisis right now. It's just horrific. Daily I'm hearing stories of the impact. Our friends in India, over 2000 pastors have died from this crisis alone. It's just gut-wrenching. And then many other nations, not only are people dying, but the economic impact is just devastating.

Fortunately, through your help, we're able to come alongside to help develop and equip pastors and leaders that are facing this crisis. They're able to serve their communities better because Asian Access serves them, to help equip them, and develop them in what they do.

One of our pastors recently had to risk his own life and run to one of his friends—one of his church members—who was right on the brink of death. And he raced him around town and finally got him help.

Well, this is the kind of thing people are facing on a daily basis, and they need your help. They need our help. And right now, we have a matching challenge grant that will help develop them. Every dollar you give will be matched. In other words, if you give $1, it's equal to $2 to help come alongside and equip these leaders to better serve their communities.

Thank You for Your Prayers and Support

I want to thank you for your prayers. I want to thank you for your support and please consider matching your dollars to help us better serve and equip leaders. They're doing their best to serve on the front lines in the midst of this pandemic.

CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON OR THIS LINK TO WATCH NOW...

 God bless you and thank you for helping out.

Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President, Asian Access

jhandley@asianaccess.org
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

 

More Information

Read more about this project:

• You can do something about the loss of pastors in India

 

Japan (MNN) — Will there be any fans in the stands at next month’s Tokyo Olympics? Event organizers could announce their decision as early as today.

“Society continues to debate the overall situation, but it sounds like the government’s pretty committed to moving forward. They’ve invested a lot of money to see this happen; it will just be very different,” Joe Handley of Asian Access says.

Japan’s Prime Minister and other Olympics organizers want to allow up to 10,000 local fans into the stadiums. On Friday, Japan’s top COVID-19 adviser said holding the Games without spectators is the most effective way of reducing risk.“

No foreign visitors will be attending. It sounds like they may [only] have the athletes come; the venues will be sparsely attended,” Handley says.

Authorities announced last week they’ll lift the state of emergency in nine areas. But “quasi-emergency” measures will be in place in seven of them – including Tokyo – until July 11th.

Pray for wisdom as believers in Japan navigate the constant change.  “They’re doing the best they can to reach out and be the hands and feet of Jesus, as well as share the Good News with their neighbors,” Handley says.

“No matter which way [officials] go with the Olympics, they (believers) intend to be witnesses for Christ’s kingdom.”

Support their efforts here through Asian Access.

“Asian Access has received a $1 million matching gift to help equip these leaders to advance the Gospel, as people are witnesses amid this pandemic. They have a big new vision in Japan to plant 50,000 churches over the next decade or so,” Handley says.

“Pray about this matching opportunity, and should the Lord touch your heart to give, it would be an enormous help.”

 

Listen to the broadcast (top story)

Direct Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jun21-2021.mp3

 

More Information

• This story by Katey Hearth was originally published on 21-Jun-2021 by Mission Network News:
  https://www.mnnonline.org/news/japan-lifts-state-of-emergency-debates-olympics-attendance/
• Download the audio file: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Jun21-2021.mp3
• Image credit: header image is a stock photo courtesy of Alex Smith/Unsplash.

---

Mission Network News exists to inform multitudes about stories that matter and empowers them to take action that changes lives. Join over 1 million radio and internet users each day. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world – and how you can be involved. Each MNN broadcast includes pray, give, or go opportunities that help you find your place in the story. Sign up at mnnonline.org to receive daily news in your inbox. Or check out MNN on social media and share them with others. MNN is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.

 

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” — Matthew 13:31-32

Small is Big. Less is More.

Small is Big. That is one of our underlying themes within Asian Access.

We’ve seen mighty moves of God through investing in just a few leaders at a time. Just like Jesus spent much of his time with just 12 disciples, we come alongside a few at a time and see mighty harvests develop over time. Sure, Jesus also spoke to the thousands periodically so we believe in a both/and approach but it is surprising how often something small, like the mustard seed, can become mighty.

Even on a personal level, my wife is tiny, but she has a lot of influence. Or, even my colleague Kareena, she is even tinier but she’s a force to be reckoned with!

Digi-Church

Most recently I was asked to share about a revolution happening via digi-churches and the formation and expansion of micro-churches is astounding. Check out my article on these movements at Global Missiology...

• Digi-Learning: Accelerating Theological Training and Leader Development during COVID-19

As Silk and I were preparing to move back to the U.S., we thought to best lead Asian Access, we should be practitioners of what God is doing worldwide. Given how God is moving in micro-churches, we thought perhaps this is something the U.S. could use too. As increasingly younger people are disinterested in church, we approached our home church, a larger regional church in the South Bay of L.A., about experimenting in synergy with them and they have blessed us in this effort.

Launch Time

So, this summer Silk and I will be leading a, or several, micro-churches as part of our night jobs. Don’t worry, Asian Access remains our primary engagement but on the side, we’ll be leading micro-churches to see if God might be doing something new for the U.S. while we watch these movements flourish globally.

Pray for us and pray for the Church worldwide as these fresh expressions of church life keep growing. Perhaps we’ll see what we’ve been hearing about from China and the Philippines. May we see a revival of his church across Asia, into the farthest reaches of our planet and even here in the United States!

Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President, Asian Access

jhandley@asianaccess.org
@jwhandley
@jwhandley

 

More Information

• Related article: Digi-Learning: Accelerating Theological Training and Leader Development during COVID-19
• Fresh expressions of the church: ekklesia
• Articles related to "Small is Big" concept

 

Dear go2japan readers, 

Just a quick blog post to let you know of an upcoming change. As a result of Feedburner's email delivery service shutting down, go2japan is switching our email digest service to follow.it effective immediately.

You should not get emails of go2japan posts from Feedburner anymore, but starting with this message, you will receive them from follow.it...

Fortunately, follow.it does offer more features than Feedburner. For example, you can now select to receive updates by email, but other delivery options and channels, as well (see https://follow.it/go2japan?action=followPub&filter). You can even filter your emails with keywords/tags. That said, we believe the default "Newspaper" method is the option most people will prefer.

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More Information

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• Cover photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

Japan (MNN) — Playbooks released yesterday introduce new COVID-19 restrictions and requirements ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The guidelines limit participants’ movement and require more testing.

Japan’s government declared the third state of emergency last week due to rising COVID-19 infections. The decision comes as Tokyo locals prepare to host the 32nd Olympic Games in three short months.

“The government would like to quickly eliminate the rapid increase [of new cases] with new strands of viruses. While Japanese [are] getting ready for vaccinations of the people, we are quite behind,” Takeshi Takazawa of Asian Access says.

“We didn’t come up with vaccines of our own, so we depend on U.S. production. Different simulations have been done, and we probably will not be able to finish vaccinating people over 65 before the Olympics are supposed to start.”

Local opinions about this global event fall into thirds. “We have several different polls among general citizens about the Tokyo Olympics. One-third of Japanese people are thinking, ‘Let’s postpone one more year until we have some control over this pandemic,’” Takazawa says.

“Another one-third is saying, ‘Let’s cancel; this is not going to work. We can’t control this.’ Another one-third is [saying], ‘Let’s go. We have already postponed one year, and the situation’s slightly better. We know what we’re dealing with’,” he continues.

“Those are the three splits, and each group has good evidence or proof.”

Gospel impact

Before the pandemic, Asian Access had massive outreach plans for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. More about that here. They’re adjusting those plans to each new development, but their mission remains the same.

“Let’s pour love on people who God has placed in front of us,” Takazawa says.

“[It’s] not so much ‘If they do the Olympics we can share the Gospel.’ No, regardless of the decision, how can we do this? This is an opportunity to [find] new ways to come alongside and share love.”

July 23, the start date of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, moves a little closer every day. Takazawa requests prayer in these three areas:

• Opportunity – Pray believers will find Gospel opportunities in places they haven’t looked before. Ask God to present opportunities so believers can share about Christ.
• Words – Pray Japanese Christians will have the words they need to express their faith clearly. Ask the Lord to remove fear so it won’t hinder their message.
• Boldness – Pray believers will be “strong and courageous” to share Christ’s hope and love with people who do not know Him.

 

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 1:40)

Direct Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Apr29-2021.mp3

 

More Information

• This story by Katey Hearth was originally published on 29-Apr-2021 by Mission Network News:
  https://www.mnnonline.org/news/playbooks-outline-new-restrictions-requirements-for-2020-tokyo-olympics/
• Download the audio file: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Apr29-2021.mp3
• Image credits:
  • Header image is a graphic obtained from Wikimedia Commons.
  • Poster from Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

---

Mission Network News exists to inform multitudes about stories that matter and empowers them to take action that changes lives. Join over 1 million radio and internet users each day. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world – and how you can be involved. Each MNN broadcast includes pray, give, or go opportunities that help you find your place in the story. Sign up at mnnonline.org to receive daily news in your inbox. Or check out MNN on social media and share them with others. MNN is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.

 

Japan (MNN) — As cherry blossoms bloom across Japan, the country has barred international spectators from the rescheduled 2021 Summer Olympics due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. 600,000 people bought tickets to watch the games in-person.

Asian Access had planned to send ministry teams into this massive crowd. Joe Handley says,

“We’ve completely shifted the approach to virtual, short-term mission trips. The ongoing preparation since September has been focused on these kinds of virtual experiences. You get to know the country, and you get to see what’s happening on the ground. We connect you with people that can advise culturally. And then you get to engage.”

You can learn more about these trips and register here.

A new season for the Church

These trips reflect a pivot in Japan towards virtual churches during the pandemic. Believers have made good use of digital technology to stay connected.

Handley says Japanese Christians see the Olympics as a springboard for what God will do next through the Church there.

“I think that this whole pandemic has given new realities to the life of the global Church, and how we’re going to do ministry in the future. Fascinatingly enough, it comes in this cherry blossom season, when new life can be birthed.”

Pray the Japanese church can fulfill its incredible vision of planting 50 thousand churches in the country. Handley says, “I think it’s gonna take an entrepreneurial spirit, that new wineskin approach to life and ministry.”

Listen to the broadcast (story starts at 1:42)

Direct Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Mar24-2021.mp3

 

More Information

• This story by Kevin Zeller was originally published on 24-Mar-2021 by Mission Network News:
  https://www.mnnonline.org/news/japan-prohibits-international-spectators-for-olympics/
• Download the audio file: https://s3.amazonaws.com/a2-media/audio/4-5min-Mar24-2021.mp3
• Image credits:
  • The header photo shows cherry blossoms in Japan. (Photo courtesy of Kanenori on Pixabay)
  • Photo of Mt. Fuji volcano is courtesy of Kanenori on Pixabay.

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Mission Network News exists to inform multitudes about stories that matter and empowers them to take action that changes lives. Join over 1 million radio and internet users each day. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world – and how you can be involved. Each MNN broadcast includes pray, give, or go opportunities that help you find your place in the story. Sign up at mnnonline.org to receive daily news in your inbox. Or check out MNN on social media and share them with others. MNN is a ministry of OneWay Ministries.

 

Reflecting on the Ten Years since Japan's Triple Disaster

By Sue Plumb Takamoto

PART 2

In Part 1: "Looking Back on Ten Years: Finding Beauty in Brokenness", I highlighted the unimaginable damage and challenging aftermath from Japan’s March 11, 2011 Triple Disaster—a 9.0 earthquake that triggered a tsunami and caused a nuclear power plant meltdown.

Picking Up the Pieces

Japan has spent a decade rebuilding, corporately and individually. I have been struck by the gifts of resilience, creativity, and worldwide collaboration that have made a difference here. And thanks to the invitation for me and our family to be part of the lives of our Ishinomaki neighbors and friends, I have learned so much. 

A year and a half after the disaster, we launched a micro-enterprise business called Nozomi Project (or “Hope” Project) to help provide a way for women to rebuilding a livelihood for their families. We gathered local women and learned together how to cut and grind pottery shards, broken from the disaster, and form those pieces into new stunning pieces of jewelry that could be sold. Not only did the sales lift their economic situation, the process of making beauty in brokenness lifted their souls.

While our specific market niche (jewelry) is based on a unique raw material (broken pottery left by a tsunami!) set in unusual circumstances (need presented by a disaster), we have learned valuable lessons that may also be particularly helpful during this worldwide pandemic.

Six Lessons Learned Along the Way

Here are a few of the lessons that I have learned in running a small international business.

1. Need is the perfect time for creativity to blossom.
   
   Or as my grandmother used to say, necessity is the mother of invention. So many good and beautiful things have been birthed during times of dire need. When our family moved here, Ishinomaki was a place in great despair; women were desperate for community and hope. That tremendous need created a deep longing in me to try and make a difference, even if we might fail. Starting a business…making jewelry… these things were far beyond my comfort level, but the risk was worth it. And as we recognized the need for business, we discovered a beautiful “natural” resource headed for trash– broken pottery that was littered everywhere.
   
   
2. Do the right next thing.
   
   

   "Do the next right thing."

   During our first few months of setting up Nozomi Project, I read whatever I could find on social enterprises. I forgot nearly everything except for one phrase that became my mantra: Do the right next thing. Starting a new unknown business in a city that has been devastated was at times incredibly overwhelming. I would come back to our temporary home and get our four kids to bed and wonder: where do I even start? Do the right next thing. I can’t do everything on my list tonight, but I can prioritize and take the step that makes the most sense for right now. This simple principle got me through those few months, and still remains a helpful beacon when life feels overwhelming.
   
   
3. Synergy allows us to do what we could never do on our own.
   
   I had no business experience and had never made jewelry in my life! Networking and great teamwork allowed us to create something much greater than the sum of our individual parts. Volunteers visiting connected us with awesome jewelry designers, who ended up coming to Ishinomaki. Their ten-day sacrifice and ongoing partnership after that facilitated the birth of Nozomi. Another volunteer with web design launched us online; our teammate with amazing computer skills created our internet interface. Networking creates synergy.
   
   
4. Diverse partnerships allow us to go further and deeper.
   
   During our first few years of business, I was frequently asked, “when are you planning to turn the business over to Japanese?” I didn’t have an answer for that. But as time went on and we were more intentional with our business model, I began to realize that perhaps our goal never really was about turning everything over to Japanese.
   
   Rather, that is our “secret sauce”—the wonderful combination of Japanese and North Americans working together. My Japanese teammates brought with them the most important gifts of artistry, precision and creating systems. Our North American teammates perhaps brought the fun, the ability to keep things from getting too stiff, and the connections, which have brought continued to give new life to Nozomi at necessary points.
   
   Quite honestly, shared ownership of a vision with people of different cultures is hard work. We have certainly had to go slower because of our cross-cultural differences and language challenges. Yet I’m convinced that these very differences have grown me as a leader and strengthened us as an organization.
   
   
5. The best business model is one that chooses generosity.
   
   We have chosen “blessing” as one of our three core values. We have benefited greatly from the collaboration of volunteers and friends around the world who helped us launch and move forward.
   
   And we intentionally choose to be generous. We give over 20% of any annual profit each year to other organizations and places around the world with greater need. We have a Nozomi Holding Hope necklace in which we donate portions of each sale to stop human trafficking. We have taken several Nozomi teams to Cambodia where we are helping vulnerable women there get a social enterprise started. By making generosity a key factor in our decision-making, we are modeling to our team and our customers a way of life that may feel counter-cultural but provides purpose and fulfillment.
   
   
6. Collaboration creates momentum.
   
   The very start of Nozomi was all about collaboration from people who were drawn to Ishinomaki because they wanted to help. We’ve had teams come from around the world who have brought their expertise to help us get off the ground. And we have loved partnering with shops in places like Tokyo, London, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Hong Kong who are now selling Nozomi products. Through word of mouth and people who have sponsored us and shared the Nozomi story, we have sent over 60,000 pieces of hope to over 45 different countries. An original Nozomi jewelry set was created to be worn at H&M Foundation’s Global Change Award ceremony in Stockholm this past year. We are honored, and grateful for the collaboration and partnership of people like this.
   
   

The tragedy that struck here ten years ago will always remind me of the fragility of life. But I am humbled and remain thankful for the beautiful responses of the people here, and friends from around the world who have enabled me to lead and to learn in ways I would have never imagined a decade ago.

Sue Plumb Takamoto

Photo credits: Images courtesy of Nozomi Project

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sue and Eric Takamoto and their four children are living in Ishinomaki, Japan, part of a church planting network called Be One. They first met at Fuller Seminary, where Sue was starting her PhD in leadership and intercultural studies. Sue owns more pieces of Nozomi jewelry than she would care to admit!

staff profile
setakamoto@asianaccess.org

 

More Information

• See Part 1: "Looking Back on Ten Years: Finding Beauty in Brokenness"
• See other staff members' reflections on the 10-year remembrance of Japan's Triple Disaster:
  
  • Joe Handley: Kintsugi and the Gospel
  • Eric Takamoto: Transformation Through Tragedy
  • Dan & Casi Brown: Remembering 3.11 and the Gospel of Hope
  • Kent Muhling: Learning to Be Good News
  • Rev. Yoshiya Hari: Groundbreaking shifts resulting from Japan's Triple Disaster
• Reflections during the first year following the 3.11 Disaster: asianaccess.org/reflections
• Related posts about Japan's Triple Disaster: asianaccess.org/japan-disaster
• Video clips on the Triple Disaster...