What is the difference between missions in Japan and missions to Japanese abroad?
It is very different.
So what is the difference?
First of all, it is not one thing. There are many things. There are things that cannot be put into words yet, things that have not yet been discovered.
I don't know what you may think, and it may come as a surprise to you, but what I feel the most may be "loneliness".
If you are in Japan, there are pastors' associations in prefectures, cities, or even in the same denomination. Of course, there are pastors' associations overseas as well. However, it is difficult for them to fully understand "Japanese missionary work".
For people from Western cultures, Japanese culture is so different that they have never thought about it even if they wanted to understand it.
The Japanese people have such a unique Japanese culture, or perhaps I should say the DNA of the Japanese people (there is a part of Japanese culture that seems to be hidden inside, but is difficult to understand on the surface......or something like that.... ), it is impossible for a single missionary alone to understand the challenges of the Japanese people and to properly train and lead disciples.
Of course, missionaries naturally know that they are not alone and that the Lord is always with them. He knows that he can never do missionary work on his own, unless he is connected to the Lord...unless he is connected to the Lord...unless he is connected to the Spirit. I know that I can never do missionary work by my own strength.
That is why we need friends who can pray with us in this spiritual struggle. Overseas, there are far fewer friends (pastors' associations, etc.) with whom we can share the same challenges.
And it is not only pastors and missionaries, but also Japanese people living abroad are suffering from the same problem.
Loneliness" is a common problem or issue in any country....
Just the fact that there are many people around you in Japan who share similar values without you having to say a word may be enough to lighten your heart, perhaps to an extent that you may not even realize it, but your heart is surprisingly lighter.
This is probably also the reason why Japanese living abroad gather together for fellowship, and when they gather together, another problem arises....
Missionaries may face various challenges in solitude, want to know God's will, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and concentrate more on listening to His voice.
Focus..., focus..., seek the Lord, not yourself!
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