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Hello! こんにちわ!
Time has a funny way of moving. A few months ago I never would have thought I'd have the opportunity to go serve in Japan for the summer, but the Lord appears to have other plans!
Some months ago, I began studying Japanese language at Montgomery College - a difficult choice, to be sure. Shortly after, I found myself with a unique opportunity to attend David Platt and John Piper’s CROSSCON 2025 - a mission conference of 15,000+ students in Louisville, Kentucky. Whisked away by a Christian academic coach, I spent some three days with like-minded believers, focusing on missions and prayer for lost nations. A significant portion of this event was dedicated to Tokyo, the capital city of Japan - and the some 40 million+ people in its urban area.
Tokyo is the world’s largest city, with one of the greatest unreached populations in the globe: Christians make up 0.2% of Japan. With a heritage of Buddhism, Shintoism, and Secularism, this city holds some modern marvels - high-speed trains, technological innovation, profound social cohesion - but is spiritually dead. For all its prowess, Japan has one of the highest suicide rates - deaths reaching 20,000+ last year and 100,000+ in the past five. Child and student suicide reached an all-time high in 2024. They are in desperate need of the Gospel.
On returning home from the conference, The Lord began opening doors I didn't even know to knock on! While not someone to make decisions lightly, I have sensed that he is calling me to pursue ministry this summer in Japan.
Some encouraging examples:
- started new job at school, met coworker "Yosuke" - the only Japanese student on campus! After building a relationship, found he knew little to nothing about the gospel.
- Astoundingly, my superior, Ms. Karen, was a missionary in Japan for 16 years. Unexpected at secular College. She has been teaching me culture, helping with language, and gifted me her Japanese Psalms and New Testament!
- Connected with John Lee of Reach Global, who serves in Tokyo who has helped me hone and discuss this missional process
I also was blessed to connect with Seita Sakeguchi, a pastor supported by my Church (Covenant Life), and he has invited me to join his work in the City. Pastor Seima from Grace Harbor (PCA) has also invited me to jump in as well in work like campus ministry and college bible study. There is much need.
If you feel led to contribute to this mission in any way, all will be used for housing, food, and ministry during my 2-month trip. Please consider praying for the people of Tokyo, and Seima, Seita, and John, and that the work of the Lord would expand! please reach out with any questions.
I recently was reading I Samuel 14:6 where Jonathan was waiting for battle with the enemy Philistines. Accompanied only by his armor-bearer, he bravely sought to make an advance on his own. He said “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or few” (1 Samuel 14:6). My prayer is to be like Jonathan, and make a move for Christ - nothing can stop the Lord from saving, by many or few!
I am often learning to trust the Lord myself. I am reminded he promises to do “abundantly, beyond all we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20), and is able “to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). I believe he can do the same here, and covet your prayers.
Thank you!
- Robert Galbraith
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Robert Galbraith
Organizer
Gaithersburg, MD