“So you’ll need our prayers and support even more then.” This was what one of our home church pastors said when we told him we had been asked to take on a leadership role within OMF Japan. His generosity and the depth of his understanding of our situation impressed us.

OMF Japan’s vision is to see, by God’s grace, a vibrant church impacting every community. Our field leadership team’s desire is to see our members joyfully and effectively working towards that vision.

One key element is to help ensure that our members are well supported and that takes many forms. Firstly, we want to foster an environment where OMF Japan missionaries help and support each other. When my husband was in hospital I was very touched to receive frozen meals from friends and colleagues. That, along with their kind messages and fervent prayers, made such a difference in that difficult time.

We provide support to those in the early years of learning the Japanese language and culture. We also provide assistance with medical advice from an OMF doctor, help for families facing education decisions, counselling help, or pastoral care. By helping ensure that our members are well cared for and supported, we hope that they can thrive on the field long-term.

One of my favourite examples of support in the Bible is the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur in Exodus 17. Joshua led the Israelites out to fight with Amalek, an enemy nation. During the battle Moses stood on the hill with the staff of God in his hand. Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. However Moses’ hands grew weary, and when he lowered them Amalek prevailed.

Moses was not on his own on the hill. Aaron and Hur had gone with him. When they saw that Moses was tiring, they got a stone for him to sit on. Then each of them took one of his hands and held them steady until the sun set. And so Joshua was able to defeat Amalek.

The support of Aaron and Hur was a key part of the victory that Joshua won. In the same way, we trust that the help and advice offered by those involved in support ministries in OMF Japan are some of things that God uses to see his kingdom advance in this nation.

By Lorna, an OMF missionary

Will you pray for OMF Japan?

• That we will have the support staff that we need.
• For discernment about how to best support our missionaries.
• That those working in support ministries will remember the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur, and know their ministries are important to the spread of the gospel in Japan.