Greg and Shireen, with children James, Timothy and Eleanor, have been living and serving mostly in the North of Japan for a number of years (Greg since 1998). We love Japan and her people and feel privileged to be involved in Japanese outreach work. During our time in Japan we became aware of how often Japanese people were first influenced towards Christianity by an experience that they had while overseas. Indeed it is a fact that more Japanese currently are coming to Christ outside of Japan than within! In our home city of Melbourne there are many thousands of Japanese residents with their children, over 90% of whom will eventually return to Japan. Literally a mission field on our doorstep! However challenges await: Even if a Japanese person comes to Christ while in Australia, he or she will likely face unique pressures when returning to Japan; such as the absence of Christian colleagues and friends, pressures from family, work pressures and the challenge of other religions. There is a need therefore for intentional discipleship and preparation of new believers before they go back, as well as the need to liaise with Returnee Workers in Japan to ensure that the new Christians keep walking with the Lord. We pray that by God’s grace we may be able to see Japanese coming to Christ while in Australia, and returning to become effective evangelists to their own communities in Japan.

Pray for Greg & Shireen