vision

BACKGROUND

The city of Imari is located in Japan on the island of Kyushu (See MAP). It has a population of about 59,000 people. There are about 22,000 households. It does have a downtown area where a majority of the businesses are and population live, but the land area of the city is quite large. There are a lot of homes away from the downtown area in the countryside in town like areas but are still part of the city. There are four senior high schools, eight junior high schools and sixteen elementary schools. There are five churches. One is catholic, one is liberal depending upon the current pastor, and three would be considered evangelical. But one of those seems to just be concerned with taking care of its current members and doesn't do any evangelism that I know of. If I count all of these churches' members as Christian the total is between 100 and 150. That is only 0.25% of the population. The situation seems even worse when you consider the surrounding cities and towns. To the northwest, Matsuura city population 23,000 has only a catholic church. To the northeast, there are several towns and villages with no church at all. Karatsu city is up that way but currently it has only two evangelical churches. An independent church and an Assembly of God church with a young pastor. Taku city to the east, population 20,000, has one catholic church and one church we helped to start in 1991. The membership is up to five now. To the south of us there are the towns and cities of Takeo, Arita, Nishi Arita and Yamauchi. Total population of about 70,000. There is on catholic church and a couple of liberal churhes. To the west of us over the mountain there is the city area of Sasebo with a population of over 100,000. There are several churches there and in the surrounding area. But the rural areas like Imari and around Imari have few or no churches. The prefecture (a cross between a state and a county) Imari city is in is called Saga. It has the fewest number of churches in all of Japan and it only has 7 missionaries, that I know of. Up from two just a few years ago.

PRAYER

Japan in general and rural areas like Saga prefecture and Imari specifically seem very resistant to change. Satan has a strong grip on the country and people. In areas like Imari, surrounded by areas without much Christian activity going on, more laborers in the field would be good. But the biggest thing needed is more effective prayer. Conditions for effective prayer are these: faith, righteousness, humility, God's will. And to add even more power to your prayers add some fasting.

VISION

Imari Word of Life Christ Church

VISION STATEMENT

We envision our church to be a place for prayer, worship, discipleship, fellowship and evangelism. A place where all people feel welcome. A place without criticism, condemnation or fear.

We envision our church to be a place of healing. A place where people are healed physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. A place where they will learn of and meet Jesus Christ who will set them free.

We envision developing people to spiritual maturity through Bible studies, small groups, seminars, retreats, and training. And to equip every believer for a significant ministry by helping them discover the fruits, gifts, talents and power God has provided.

We envision the growth of our existing facilities and the development of new ministry locations.

We envision an evangelism program that clearly communicates the gospel to our community and encourages all to read and study the Word of God.

We will encourage every member of the church congregation to be a part of the vision.

We will strive in unity to meet each point of this vision while keeping

Jesus and His message of the Kingdom of God at the forefront of all ministries. Amen!