University Presbyterian Church

Japan is one of the richest nations on earth. It is the world's fourth largest exporter and fourth largest importer. You are probably driving at least one Japanese-engineered car and using electronics and appliances made (partially or entirely) in Japan.

But that's only half the story. In Japan there is a suicide every 15 minutes. Last year, 34,000 Japanese people took their own lives. Most of them were teenagers and college students. Furthermore, Japan is only .22% Christian (that's less than one-half of one percent of the population). Japan is the second-largest people group unreached by the gospel. If you were traveling on a train in Japan with 400 people on it, you would be the only follower of Jesus. And of course the need was exacerbated by the recent earthquake and tsunami.

Got your attention?

I am going to Japan November 4-13 along with a team from UPC. I'd like you to consider going with us. Let me elaborate...

Twenty years ago, Dr. Steve Childers of Reformed Theological Seminary here in Orlando started the Japan Church Planting Institute (JCPI). Its purpose is to help equip pastors, church planters, and missionaries in Japan with the tools and encouragement they need to reach this dark nation.  Every other year JCPI is held near Mt. Fuji at a convention center for four days. The event consists of worship, training, and teaching sessions. The men and women leave renewed and refreshed.  This year over 700 pastors and missionaries from over 40 different denominations are expected to attend - a diverse group representing many cultures.

It takes a team of 70 adults and teens to run this conference for the missionaries. The team provides everything from administrative and technical help, set up, and tear down, to a program for children and youth. The team is primarily made up of people from PCA churches in Florida, but other churches participate as well. UPC has been tasked with providing the children's program for this conference. We will be using the same material we used with our own kids this summer at Vacation Bible School. We need at least 30 people - adults and teens - who enjoy hanging out with kids and are not afraid of long hours. We will basically be with these children and run a program for them from 8:00 in the morning to 9:00 or 10:00 at night, with breaks for lunch and dinner. It's hard work, but an AMAZING opportunity to love and teach these missionary kids who will then go back to their schools and communities and reach others for Christ.

The trip looks like this...we arrive on Saturday, Nov. 5, in Tokyo and spend Sunday visiting Japanese churches. Monday we travel to the convention center and start setting up. From Tuesday to Friday is the conference. On Saturday we tour Tokyo and on Sunday, Nov. 13, we fly home. There may be an opportunity to help distribute supplies for tsunami relief on Saturday, but the details are unclear at present.

I did this same trip two years ago and it was a life-changing experience. I quickly grew to love the Japanese, learned a lot about the world, and ... enjoyed some spectacular food! It also helped me see why UPC supports two missionary families in Japan.

For more information about the Japan Church Planting Institute, check out these links:

• www.japancpi.com - This is the US team website. It has videos from past trips, application forms, etc.
• www.jcpi.net - This is the official website for the conference.

Please share this information with friends and family members you think may be interested in joining us. You do not have to attend our church in order to participate on the team. We are throwing out a wide net!

The cost of going is $1400 plus airfare. Support letters will be needed, and we'll provide you with help and resources. If God wants you to go to Japan with us, he will provide.

Pray about it. Consider going to Japan with us. I would appreciate hearing from you right away if you're interested or have questions.