A great vision

Today we visited another church as we are away for the weekend. It is called Obihiro Glory Church and is located in a city of some 170,000 surrounded by many smaller towns in the wider area. The present pastor moved there just over 20 years ago. The church has been built up to around 80 members (large by Japanese standards); there is a good mix of ages, including young people; and a very welcoming atmosphere. It was a joy to be there and be part of the vibrancy of a church alive with people who are worshipping and seeking to reach out to people round about. The church has a vision to plant seven (yes seven!) daughter churches in areas around Obihiro. One is already underway, meeting twice a month on Sundays in a cafe which is run there by two key members. Another area has a couple of OMF missionaries living there to help begin to make contact with people. It is wonderful to see a church with such a passion to reach out to people in the areas they are living. And it's not just the pastor's own vision - the church folks are behind it too. May there be many more churches with a similar passion to reach the unreached millions of Japan.