TOKYO, JAPAN - Some 600 Chinese Christians in Tokyo have revived their faith as the world-renowned evangelist Rev. Stephen Tong preached for a four-day evangelistic gathering.
On April 20-23, the "Chinese in Japan Evangelistic Gathering 2006" was held at the Wesleyan Holiness Yodobashi Church, which is the largest Protestant Church in Tokyo. In its long-standing history of 101 years, it has been a mission-orientated church. With the theme "Who is Jesus," Tong has preached three messages about salvation through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, namely "Jesus’ proclamation - He is the way, the truth and the life," "Christ is sinless," and "The Death of Christ - for the Redemption of Sins of all Mankind."The number of attendants has grown day by day, starting from 265 and 320 on the first and second day, rising up to 520 and 600 in the last two days. After the very last message on April 23, the work of the Holy Spirit overflows and so many souls were harvested. Around 50 people have accepted Christ as their Lord and 16 of them have dedicated their lives for God’s work. Indeed, it is not an easy task to engage in full-time ministries in Japan, but the Holy Spirit has fully revived the hearts of Christians this time and people are filled with passion for His will once again.
The trip to Japan has been very meaningful as it is truly a country that needs the Gospel very much. In the past, Tong has visited Tokyo for at least two times, in 1978 and in 1984. Just as one of the other South-east Asian countries where non-Christian faith dominate, Japan is under the influence of many religions.
"Rev. Stephen Tong’s evangelistic ministry goes all around the world to reach out to all nations. We go to wherever that needs to hear the Gospel, from South America, Europe, South Asia and all to way to East Asia," said Jahja Ling, vice-chairman of the Stephen Tong Evangelistic Ministries International (STEMI) North America branch.
Ling is also an internationally renowned conductor and the Music Director of the San Diego Symphony. He was the worship leader for Japan’s evangelistic gathering this time.Most of the Chinese Christians in Tokyo are either overseas students or professionals. Though the number may be small, they have a great longing to listen to the word of God. In the recent years, more students have come from Mainland China to Japan for further studies; therefore the future of Chinese ministries in Japan is expected to be flourishing.
