“A pastor in Japan could never do this!” This was my thought on our last home assignment in Ireland, as the pastor of my sending church shared his plans for a sabbatical with me. He would take a month of time away from regular ministry to retreat, rest, wait on and seek the Lord. It might be possible in Ireland, but surely not in Japan!
Japan is well known for its busy, high-pressure work culture. Hours are long and time off is rare. Many workers only have one day off each week, and taking extended leave for a vacation is extremely difficult. This work culture extends beyond the corporate world; even pastors can find it difficult to take vacation time and church leadership may not be very understanding of its importance.
I am grateful that OMF encourages us to guard our sabbath rest, take vacation time and even plan for several days of retreat each year. These are measures put in place to help us to have a healthy work-life balance. OMF ensures we take time to rest, time for our families and friends, and extended time to wait on the Lord.
But even as I understand how important this is, it can be difficult to take vacation knowing our Japanese co-labourers cannot. It can be difficult to set healthy boundaries when those we minister to do not have that luxury.
When we returned from our home assignment, my wife and I met the pastor of the church we would attend in our new term. We were surprised to find him preparing for time away from his church. From the very next day this Japanese pastor would begin a month-long sabbatical break from his regular ministry. Noticing our surprise, the pastor explained that he had been encouraged to take a sabbatical by a missionary he’d previously worked with. He and his church found it so beneficial they encouraged him to take another.
I am thankful that we are part of an organisation that understands the value of rest and time away from ministry and work. But I am also encouraged that we can be an example and encouragement to our Japanese brothers and sisters too.
A pastor in Japan can take a sabbatical! Pray that many more will follow.
By John, an OMF missionary
