The Birth of the Movement in Japan

In 1984, Encompass deployed Cecil and Debbie O’Dell on a small team for a life-changing journey to Tokyo, making them our first global workers in Japan. But they weren’t just our first workers in Japan—they were our first in all of Asia! In 1986 Ted & Kristen Kirnbauer joined that team in the Tokyo church-planting effort. 

The team arrived in Japan with a heart for the Japanese people and a strong commitment to cultural adaptation. Seeking to build authentic connections with the local people, they immersed themselves in the language and customs. Their approach was both strategic and spiritual, recognizing that Tokyo was an ideal launching pad for their ministry.

Over the next three years, the O’Dells and and their team worked tirelessly in Tokyo, planting seeds and nurturing a growing community of believers. Their shepherding nature became a magnet for Japanese relational contacts. Their hard work paid off in 1987, when Japan’s first Charis church was officially established. It became a sanctuary for worship, fellowship, and discipleship, where people could find spiritual refuge and purpose in the bustling metropolis.

The Growth of the Movement in Japan

The O’Dells’ pioneering work laid the foundation for our continued expansion in Japan. In 1994 God called Ralph and Joan Justiniano to Tokyo, where they spent nearly three decades sharing His love with locals through outreach, discipleship, a house church, disaster relief, and even an anime project. The personal giftings of Ralph and Joan were highly influential in evangelistic relationships in multiple venues.  God also opened the doors for them to start  an English camp twice a year on the Okinawa island of Iejima, where they saw a number of students come to faith. Since Ralph’s sudden home-going in 2023, Joan has returned to the States but continues to be involved with the work in Japan.  Their commitment to the spiritual needs of the Japanese endures.

In 2001, the O’Dells sensed God leading them to expand their outreach efforts beyond Japan. They moved to Long Beach, California where there’s a large population of Japanese students, visitors, and immigrants. They’ve found that Japanese people who live outside of Japan are often more open to the gospel during their travels. 

In 2016, God began forming our Osaka team when the Daniels moved there. Since then, two more couples arrived, and the Osaka team now consists of Matt and Mai, and Kyler and Claire. By 2024, the team started renting a facility where they host English classes, Bible studies, and have outreach events. Today, God continues to share His love through our Osaka team.

In 2023, God began forming another team near the Japanese Alps when He sent Kenji to Yamanashi. Surrounded by natural beauty, our team there uses outdoor sports like rock-climbing to develop deeper relationships and share the good news. Today, God is continuing to expand this team.

The Call to Prayer and Support

With our Japan teams growing exponentially, we sense that God is truly at work there. As our movement continues to grow there, the need for prayer and support is greater than ever. Here are four key prayer requests to guide your intercession:

• Wisdom and Discernment: Pray for our leaders and missionaries in Japan to have insight and understanding as they navigate the complexities of Japanese culture and spirituality. Ask God to help them communicate the gospel effectively and build meaningful relationships.
• Unity and Collaboration: Pray for unity among the Charis churches and ministries across Japan. May God strengthen relationships, foster cooperation, and inspire mutual support among the workers in the field.
• Spiritual Growth and Multiplication: Ask God to deepen the faith of believers in Japan and empower them for ministry. Pray for the multiplication of churches and ministries, so that the message of God’s grace may spread throughout the nation.

Thank you for celebrating all the amazing work God has been doing through us in Japan for over 40 years!