J2: Jesus & Japan

As I approach the front door of the Doi’s home I am greeted by a pool of shoes at the entrance, laughter within the house and the smell of Japanese cooking from the kitchen. I remove my shoes and Kikuko complete with apron greets me. She is busily preparing food for the thirty J2 (as the "Jesus and Japan" group is known) students who meet in their home each Sunday afternoon. It will be a time for games, sharing a testimony, singing, Bible study and a meal together.

The group enjoys the family atmosphere of the home where several of them are boarding. It is a busy place and serves as a base for the Japanese ministry Akira and Kikuko Doi have in Palmerston North.

Kikuko tells me they will be having curried rice and salad for the evening meal. I see a large pot of potatoes on the bench with silver beet, onions and carrots being prepared for cooking. The meat will be a combination of pork and beef along with curry that has been specially purchased from Japan. It will be the taste of “home” for these students.

I am politely welcomed with “hullo” by the students but understand little else as only Japanese is spoken. Since Akira is involved with the group Kikuko explains, “Today’s message is about real happiness. After that, we divide into smaller bible discussion groups which are led by the interns. We have a group for those who are discovering Christianity, several for growing believers and a fourth group for those of different cultures whose common language is English.”

The J2 students attend a number of high school and tertiary institutions in the Palmerston North area. Several were picked up by Akira in his van.

They all squeeze into the Doi’s living room, some on chairs but most on the floor enjoying the informality of the event. One of the group shares his testimony how the Lord is meaningful to him and then the group sing a number of songs accompanied by piano and guitar. “I’m coming back to the heart of worship, It’s all about you Lord”, is sung with Japanese words. Some are songs that the students have written themselves. One title translated as, “God loves you and you were born being loved by Him”.

As I put my shoes on to leave I hear the laughter and discussion from the group discussions, privileged to have been an observer at what God is doing with this vibrant “J2” group.
 

J2 Ministries in Palmerston North:
ONIBAI & SATABAI (Weekly Bible studies with Uni students)
BOYBLE (High School Boys Bible study)
GIRLS BIBLE STUDY
J2 FELLOWSHIP (fortnightly meetings)
One-to-One Discipleship
RAINBOW PROJECT (Short Term Missions to Japan)