Why Japan? The Case for Missions
Several months ago I was asked by a volunteer short-term worker why Japan was so important compared to Darfur or other needy places. My answer was simple. People without the salvation of Jesus face eternal punishment regardless of where or who they are. This is why missionaries have gone to the ends of the earth, not to civilize people, but to introduce them to the Savior Jesus Christ. But because Japan seems so together and advanced it often does not receive the mission interest it well deserves. In many human ways Japan is not to be pitied, but we must have the compassion of Christ for all Japanese for several important and strategic reasons.
Japan is an unreached people group
There are only 7,832 churches in Japan for a country of over 127 million people. That means one church for every 16,222 people. These churches average only 36 people for Sunday worship. From a basic missions perspective it is impossible that churches of that size and number can finish the task of sharing the Good News with everyone in Japan without missionary assistance from outside. This is why Dr. Ralph Winter considers Japan still an unreached people group. There is a tremendous need for churches here, some estimate we need about 127,000 more to make a dent and cause moderate social change. There are now over 20 cities still without a church!