 JAPAN--WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF when you hear that name? A modern country technologically advanced, crowded city streets, beautiful faces with black hair and almond-shaped eyes.
Japan's official policy on religion is freedom of choice, and Christians are generally thought to be good, honest people. However, the Japanese commitment to family tradition is quite strong: “People who knock on the door of a Christian church are frequently considered traitors to their families, “ Keiko explained, an FEBC broadcaster in Japan. “Japan is a group-oriented society and if someone belongs to an [minority] group, such as Christianity, he is often cut off from familial attachments. For example, if a college-age student becomes a believer, his parents may stop sending money to support him while he is in school. And while church buildings are considered ‘romantic’ and sometimes used for weddings, they have no spiritual significance to the Japanese, who are more familiar with shrines and temples." As a result of these cultural roadblocks, FEBC-Japan developed a church/pastor visitation project 13 years ago, which involves FEBC staff visiting churches all over Japan and encouraging people who tune into their broadcasts. For those unfamiliar with the radio program, additional information is provided.  “When we visit a church, we take photos of the pastor and his worship center. We also record the service and interview people in the congregation,” Keiko said. “Then we post the photos, and broadcast the service and interview on our Web site, along with other information about FEBC.
We’ve heard that many people use our radio broadcasts or Web site broadcasts as their Sunday worship service, because they cannot attend church. They may fear ostracism, live a distance from a church, or struggle with handicaps that prevent them from attending. The broadcasts are the only way they maintain a regular worship service. “They literally sit in front of a radio or computer with their Bibles and join in the service that’s taking place.” Keiko continued. “They pray the Lord’s Prayer, sing hymns along with the congregation, and read the Bible together. This is their worship time. And when they see photos on the Internet of Japanese churches filled with people like themselves, they feel a lot more inclined to accept Christianity as a viable faith. The foreign element is removed.” The church visitation program also allows FEBC staff to encourage believers who have been long time listeners. When Keiko recently traveled to Sapporo in northern Japan, a woman ran up to her with tears in her eyes and said: "Keiko! I never dreamed I would meet you in person! You can’t know how much FEBC’s programs have comforted me. Thank you! Thank you!" She shook Keiko’s hand repeatedly and wouldn't move in spite of other people forming a line behind her. Radio is a powerful tool, reaching literally thousands of Japanese listeners unable to attend church. It has led the lost to Christ and strengthened the faithful in their walk with the Lord. And our FEBC staff in Japan go the extra mile when they move beyond the airwaves to minister to listeners “on the ground” in this island nation. |
