COVERING THE WHOLE COUNTRY IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY

Persistent financial woes, while casting a pall over the nation's economy, are favourable opportunities to preach Christ. The recent collapse of stalwart financial institutions might herald an economic slump for the nation, but could open its people to the gospel - if Christians rise to the occasion. Evangelicals, comprising less than one percent of the population, struggle under the shadow of the Shinto and Buddhist majorities. Though not directly affected by the economic crisis, OM's husband-and-wife team of Nobuya and Emerita Sakai nevertheless faces constraints of a different kind: the cramped spare room in their house cannot function properly as an office. Though offered free land, a shortage of volunteers and materials has hindered construction and thus expansion.

Despite this, plans are still afoot to present OM ministries to churches in the 48 prefectures here. If OM visits one prefecture (an administrative district headed by a governor) a month, it would take four years to accomplish the task. First, however, a proper team must be formed. Pray for wisdom in recruiting administrative and outreach team members. Remember the Sakais as they present OM to the churches in Tokyo while participating in the election of a Board of Directors for the Filipino Ministry (Dec 6th-7th).

OM’s role in the Church is to mobilise people to share the knowledge of Jesus and His love with every generation in every nation. OM pioneers and leads initiatives to redeem lives, rebuild communities and restore hope in over 110 countries.