“I was pinching myself to see if it was real,” Cecil said, looking around the room at Encompass’s recent Japan Summit.  

It had been more than 40 years since he first stepped onto Japanese soil as Encompass’s pioneer missionary to Japan in 1984. Back then, he never could have imagined sitting in a room filled with so many other workers and partners who share his same burden for this nation—a place that has long been one of the hardest spiritual soils in the world. “God has granted so much more fruit here than I even realized,” adds Joan, another veteran missionary, her eyes shining with gratitude. 

“There was a lot of energy and hope,” shares Kaylin, our Director of Training. “It felt like family—everyone shared the common bond of a deep love for the Japanese people.” 

“We have a robust Japan team with talented, committed people, but it’s also fragile time,” says Executive Director Mike Yoder. Many of our veteran workers are transitioning out, and our current teams are young—mostly in their thirties. “That’s why we’re trying to deepen our roots regarding teamwork, strategy, and vision,” Yoder explains.  

With eight new workers in the process of joining our Japan teams, this gathering came at the perfect time to strengthen bonds and refocus hearts. “It was so good to spend time with everyone face-to-face and really get to know each other more deeply,” says JB, Encompass’s Director of Training and Member Care. “The value we got out of this experience was immeasurable.” 

Japan remains a place of deep spiritual need. Less than 1% of its people follow Jesus, and on average, it takes seven years for someone to come to faith after first hearing the gospel. “It can be a discouraging mission field and hard to stay,” says Ted, our Director of Church Planting. That’s why events like this are so crucial—they keep our workers connected, encouraged, and equipped for the long road ahead. 

To everyone who gave toward this gathering: thank you. Your generosity invested directly in the spiritual health, unity, and longevity of our Japan teams. You’ve helped breathe life and hope into a mission field that desperately needs both! 

The work in Japan is far from over—and the fruit of this summit is sure to ripple out for years to come. But we still haven’t fully covered the costs of the event. Would you consider giving again to help finish funding this crucial investment in Japan’s future? 

Because, who knows…maybe 40 years from now another faithful worker will look around a room full of Japanese believers, in awe of what God has done through your investment today!