Romans 1:16

God’s heart for Japan continues to break our hearts.

Dear Kum Yan Family,
When I was asked to write the week’s Pastoral Heart, I saw it as an opportunity to share something of God’s heart for Japan—and something of our own hearts.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…” (Rom 1:16)

First, thank you. Thank you for praying for us and supporting us. We are deeply conscious that your prayers have upheld us throughout these eleven months in Nagoya. We never feel that we are serving alone.

God’s heart for Japan continues to break our hearts. Japan is one of the least-reached nations, with fewer than one percent of Japanese professing faith in Jesus Christ. Behind Japan’s technology, culture, kindness, and orderliness, we increasingly sense spiritual emptiness.

Many Japanese people are polite, considerate, and “good” by human standards, yet live without the hope of knowing the God who created them. They lack assurance of forgiveness and eternal purpose. Yet God sees them, loves them, and patiently pursues them.

This makes the struggle real. There is a pervasive spiritual indifference toward the Gospel. Japanese society has been shaped by Shintoism, Buddhism, and a tendency to keep religion within tradition and culture. The Gospel is rarely met with hostility; more often, it is met with polite indifference: “I’m not interested,” “I’m too busy,” or “That’s nice for you.” Breaking through this fog can feel impossible. It is exhausting and discouraging.
But we are not giving up.

We have remain because we believe that “the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Its power does not depend on our eloquence, Japanese ability, or ministry skills. Our calling is simply to be faithful—to love, listen, learn, build relationships, speak, pray, and plant seeds. Some seeds may take a long time to grow.

So, will you continue to hold the rope for us?

Please pray for perseverance, softened hearts, divine appointments, friendships, and opportunities to encounter Jesus.
Pray for us—for strength in learning the language, wisdom in navigating the culture, grace amid rejection, and courage when we are disappointed.

Most of all, pray that we will never lose sight of the One who sent us.
We are not heroes. We are your brothers and sisters sent across the sea. We need your prayers, encouragement, and partnership.
Thank you for holding the rope with us.

With love and gratitude,
Rev. James Chan
On behalf of the Nagoya Church-Planting Team