Watching and Waiting

In Japan, churches use the English as a Second Language (ESL) to bring the public into the church in a safe and non-threatening way. This holistic ministry provides English learners with the opportunity to learning about the Bible during chapel time, become acquainted with a church building, and form relationships with church members.

In May 2009 Doris Goertz returned to Japan for the fourth time to take part in the ESL program at the Amagasaki MB Church for a 10 year term with MB Mission. She reflects on her past experiences ministering to the Japanese and her growing heart for this nation.

In 2004, three years into her six year term serving with Neyagawa MB Church in Osaka, a new church building was being constructed next to an apartment building. A lady in the apartment named Nita* was intrigued by the church, and when the construction was completed she felt herself drawn to the building. Though she desperately wanted to attend this new church, she didn’t, because she felt that as a non-Christian, it wasn’t her place to do so.

But God opened up an opportunity for this lady to investigate the church when Doris began teaching English classes there. Nita decided to sign up for some classes, knowing that it would be a way for her to explore the church and finally satisfy her curiosity. And once Nita made that initial connection to church, she was coming back for more. No longer hesitant because she wasn’t a Christian, Nita purchased a Bible and a songbook and made herself a regular at the newly constructed church.

Doris recalls another student that she had for her entire 6 years teaching with Neyagawa Church. “From the very beginning I knew there was a resistance in her,” says Doris, referring to the Bible portion of the English class. “But something in her attitude changed, and somewhere within 6 years she began agreeing.”

One day she told Doris, “When I started studying English I had no interest in God or the Bible, but now I believe God and the Bible.”

Though she does not profess to be a Christian, this formerly resistant woman is having her heart softened and opened by the One who created her.

Doris’ life verse for her ministry in Japan comes from 2 Timothy 4:5b: “Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given to you.”

“I believe,” says Doris, “that the ministry God has given me is to serve Him in Japan.”

Pray for Doris and the other ESL missionaries, who devote themselves to years of ministry with the unswerving faith that God is sowing seeds which will one day reap a harvest.

*Name has been changed