japan: light in the darkness
Japan is a prosperous nation with one of the world's leading economies and a population of 127.2 million (UN, 2009). It is known for its strong work ethic and traditional society.
Christians in Japan today are a small minority and face massive pressures from their families and society to follow cultural traditions and participate in ancestral worship. Because they are so few in number, Christians struggle to have any impact on society. KGK (the IFES movement in Japan) is present on only 25% of the campuses of Japan and Christian students are a minority within a minority, an estimated 0.1% of the total student population.
Professor R teaches sciences at a university and has been involved with KGK as a student and now as an alumni. He tells us more about his context:
'One of the greatest obstacles may be the indifference towards all religions, including Christianity. In public institutions, such as public school and universities, religious conversations with students and colleagues are forbidden. It is actually possible but there is an atmosphere to refuse to talk at least in my context, in reaction to the strong activities of heretical groups in universities of Japan. It is not easy for people to trust us.
'The passage in Luke 8:16 has helped me much as I face these challenges – "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light." I think that we have to live in Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit in order that our colleagues would trust us and open their hearts to him.
'As a professor at university, I want all students to have fulfilling lives. In this context, I instruct them with my knowledge in my field and I encourage them. But I also continue to challenge them with this question: "What are you living for?"
Professor R asks, 'Please pray that I would love all of my students and colleagues and show them my life with Jesus as an example of how to live a Christian life.' Pray with us for all Christian professors and teachers that their lives would shine brightly for God, causing students to ask them to give an answer for the hope that they have (I Peter 3:15). Pray for Christian students and teachers to be keen to demonstrate the integration of their faith with their academic disciplines. Give thanks for all Christian students and professors who live in countries where they are a minority within a minority, and ask God to encourage and strengthen.
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