A Guide for Volunteers Serving in Japan
Introduction
We are thankful that you are coming to Japan to join us and Japanese believers sharing the Gospel of Christ. From the time your plane takes off for Japan until it touches down on your return you will be investing your life with each person you meet in Japan as well as with those returning to the place you call home.
Your servant’s heart is of great value to us as we minister together and pray for a Church Planting Movement (CPM) among the people of Japan. It is our desire for God to uniquely bless and use your life while on mission here. Above all, our IMB personnel and Japanese Christians desire volunteers who are spiritually strong and totally committed to serving Jesus Christ. Nothing will have greater influence on the lives of the unsaved than your personal walk with God. Paul stated it plainly when he told the Ephesians, “We are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Your personal relationship with God must be your first priority.
Your work will not be a typical 8 to 5 experience. Rather it will reflect Christ’s ministry, it will involve 24-hour interaction of living, working, and sharing your faith with all kinds of people. Christ said of himself, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many”(Mark 10:45). Maintaining this attitude will mean a consistent effort on your part to work cooperatively and creatively with missionaries, Japanese pastors, believers and others. You will have numerous opportunities to apply the simple, clear commands of Scripture, “In everything give thanks…”
Your work will be complementary and supportive of those who have gone before you and for those who remain to make Christ known and to glorify the Father.