Association of Baptists for World Evangelism
The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) launched its first team to Kyushu in 1953. That first team planted churches that are now indigenous. The mission has conducted a multifaceted approach to gospel ministry: preaching, teaching Sunday school and Bible school classes, distributing Christian resources, and participating in personal evangelism. Outreach ministries have included ministry to children, youth, and deaf people. We’ve done ministry with groups who have interests in soccer, tae kwon do, remote control cars, and motorcycles.
The team is currently working through strategic planning and prayer to sharpen their focus going forward. Here is a summary:
Recognizing the need
Because there are so few workers in Japan, the greatest need is to make biblical disciples. Many people have never heard of the one true God and his Word. The spiritual darkness that reigns without knowledge of or a relationship with Jesus has led to a nation where there is no hope.
Knowing our purpose
As ambassadors for Christ, we exist to be and make Biblical disciples, uniting believers with local churches who serve their community and light Japan and the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of God.
Objectives
- Personal spiritual growth
- Prayer
- Intentional disciple-making
- Biblical teaching/training
- Integrating into the community
- Seeking like-minded partners
ABWE has fifteen missionaries serving in Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki Prefectures. Most recently, ABWE has two missionaries in Chiba, with a plan to build a new team in the Kanto region. There are currently five missionaries who are either pre-field or waiting for a new visa.
