Pray for the Joy of Japan! |
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This September, Christians from across Japan will gather in Nagoya for a special conference on church revitalization hosted by Christ Bible Institute’s Joy of Japan Center for Church Planting and Development. Will you join us in a season of focused prayer for the conference, its participants, and all the planning and preparation still underway?
The Joy of Japan Center’s name is a tribute to the Pals family. Ten years ago, Jamison and Kathryne Pals and their three beautiful children were preparing to join the CBI team. On July 31, 2016, their entire family was killed in a car accident on the way to their final missionary training. |
Jamison and Kathryne’s blog, Joy of Japan, tells the story of a family who loved the Japanese and longed to share their joy in Jesus Christ with the people of Japan. CBI’s Joy of Japan Center seeks to honor the Pals family and steward their story well, bearing witness to how God can bring beauty and renewal out of even the greatest of tragedies.
In Japan, most denominations are experiencing dire circumstances such as declining membership, aging pastors, and even pastorless churches, leading many Christians to seek the revitalization of local churches. But what should church revitalization in Japan look like, and what does it require? Participants in the upcoming conference will explore how the renewal of each individual’s faith through the gospel leads to the revitalization of the entire church and, further, how church revitalization ignites and nurtures the faith of each individual.
In honor of the Pals family and in preparation for the conference, please join us in praying for the revitalization of the church throughout Japan, asking God to use the conference in his work of renewal!
Since the conference will open on September 11, several members of our team have committed to pray each morning at 9:11 as we trust that the Holy Spirit will work powerfully on a date that represents tragedy to many of us.
We invite you to pray alongside us, either at 9:11 or at a time that’s meaningful to you. |
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Graduate Testimony: Kiyoshi Nakanishi
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How did God lead you through your studies?
- I found the lectures very interesting. The assignments and exams for each class required prayer, concentration, and a willingness to read and summarize a lot of material.
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Over the course of three years, I was able to gain a broad range of academic and practical knowledge in subjects such as Hebrew, Greek, systematic theology, the Old and New Testaments, church history, evangelism, homiletics, biblical counseling, gospel renewal, a short-term mission trip to Cambodia, a discipleship training internship, a mercy ministry internship, and an evangelism internship.
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Through my studies, I came to a clearer realization that I hold a Reformed theological perspective.
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While remaining mindful of my own theological position, I was also able to appreciate the value of building cross-denominational connections with other evangelical believers. I expect this experience to prove valuable in future opportunities to gather with other pastors in my area.
What was your experience at Christ Bible Seminary? - The retreat gave me the opportunity to get to know the faculty and students better.
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The short-term missionary internship in Cambodia was a truly life-changing experience. Previously, I had supported missionaries from the perspective of a “sender” through prayer and financial giving. However, this was the first time I experienced being “sent” and on the receiving end. Thanks to the support of my church—including financial contributions and prayers—and through my own assignment in Cambodia, I came to see that it was the church as a whole that had successfully carried out this short-term mission to Cambodia. Through my experience of the short-term overseas mission internship, I was able to understand how overseas missions work in practice. Having undertaken this internship myself, I was able to appreciate the importance of gaining experience through short-term missions before committing to long-term overseas mission work.
What are your plans and vision for the future? -
Starting in April 2026, I will be serving on the ministry staff at Suzuka Presbyterian Church, where I will be responsible for preaching, offering encouragement, and leading worship at services and various gatherings. I will also handle general administrative duties, venue preparation, and church finances.
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I currently serve as a licensed pastoral candidate and evangelist within the Presbyterian Church in Japan, and I plan to take the remaining ordination exams in order to become an ordained minister.
Kiyoshi Nakanishi graduated from Christ Bible Seminary in March with a master of divinity. |
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- Christ Bible Seminary: Please pray for the students as they complete the busy summer term and enjoy summer break in August.
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Joy of Japan Center: Please pray for the preparations for the church revitalization conference this September. Praise God that the conference is already full in terms of participant registrations!
- CBI Counseling: Please pray as we prepare for the next round of the STEPS counseling and discipleship program.
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CBI Press: Please continue to pray for the release of God’s Grace in Your Suffering this summer.
- CBI Media: Please pray that the content of our August social media series, “Who Is God,” ministers to our audience.
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Another Prayer Opportunity |
In the hustle and bustle of modern-day secular life in Japan, it is easy to forget that there are powerful spiritual forces at work that interfere with people’s receptivity to the gospel. The Japanese holiday of Obon takes place in August, and it is one of the most spiritually significant seasons in Japan. For Christians, Obon is an invitation to be united in prayer and cry out to the living God.
CBI has created a set of devotionals designed to focus your intercession on the spiritual dynamics at play during Obon. We long to see the day when the name of Jesus is cherished and proclaimed all across Japan. To that end, we invite you to join for this focused season of prayer from August 10 to 16.
To receive special Obon devotionals in your inbox each day during Obon Prayer Week, join the CBI prayer requests email list!
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