This week we have a guest post from one of our vestry members, Alli Evans, who got to visit the GAFCON church-plant in Japan with whom we are developing a missional relationship: OMSA.
Last week while on a trip to Japan, I had the privilege of spending Sunday afternoon with the Missionary Order of Saint Augustine (OMSA), an Anglican missionary outreach in Tokyo that has recently begun forming a relationship with All Saints. Father Mark asked me to share a little about my time there, and I am so grateful and encouraged to see how the Lord is at work in this city and nation.
When I arrived to OMSA, I was greeted by name and invited to share a bit about our church. They are praying for us, and I want to encourage All Saints to pray for them as well. As part of All Saints’ vision to build ‘Aina Moana relationships with churches across the Pacific Rim and partner together in Gospel work, it’s exciting to see this relationship beginning to take shape.
It was beautiful to see the common ground of OMSA and All Saints, regarding the liturgy and Sunday gathering. There was a sense of familiarity and comfort (despite some minor lingual differences). This reminded me that when we come to the Table in Honolulu, we are communing with the same God as those gathering in Japan and throughout the whole world. The Lord’s Table extends beyond borders and cultures.
After the service, we shared a meal and had a time of fellowship. It reminded me a little bit of potluck at All Saints - kids running around, rich conversation, and good food. There was a blend of brothers and sisters from OMSA and Mitaka Evangelical Church. It was refreshing to hear stories of how God is working in their parish and city.
One of the values at All Saints is mission—to see all tribes, tongues, and peoples gathered at the Lord’s Table. Worshipping alongside our brothers and sisters in Japan reminded me of that. There is something so special about singing to the Lord in multiple languages, knowing that we are united in Christ. How much more glorious will the day be—to stand before the Lord with believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue in worship. Until then, we continue to pray for His name to be made known to the ends of the earth, for prodigals to come home to feast at His Table. He is worthy, and He delights in this.
When we think of places that do not know the Gospel, Japan is probably not the first place to come to mind. It’s a beautiful country known for its food, culture, gardens, tea, and much more (trip fueled by matcha and 7/11). Surprisingly, most sources estimate Japan to be around 99 percent unreached. As I walked through several of the many temples, watching people bow and light candles to their gods, the spiritual darkness felt very real and heavy. There is a deep need for Hope found only in the death and resurrection of King Jesus.
During my trip, I was able to visit another church and witness two baptisms—such a beautiful reminder that God is on the move in Japan.
At this church, I sat by a university student who shared that she is not a Christian but goes to a Christian school. Through school, she has heard a little bit about the Bible and has lots of questions. That was her first time stepping foot in a church. Throughout the service she took pictures of all the Scripture and lyrics posted on the screen. The harvest is plentiful! Praise God for how He is drawing her to Himself. Pray for her salvation and for community to surround her as she grows in her knowledge and love of our Savior.
Some ways to pray:
Pray that the light of Christ would shine brightly across Japan and that many would come to know Him
Pray that the Lord would raise up laborers to serve and to carry the Light of Christ to dark places
Pray for our brothers and sisters in Japan—that they would be strengthened and encouraged, knowing they are not alone. The Lord is near and we are praying with them and for them
Pray for the cross of Christ to be magnified among all peoples and in all places