Opposition & Joy

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12, NIV.

Tokyo, Japan. IMB missionary, Josh Park met Mr. and Mrs. Chiba on the train one day by chance. The Chiba’s had been believers for four years, but did not know how to share their faith. Josh met with them to provide training and encouragement, but he soon saw that the Lord had big plans for the Chibas.

After their training was completed, the Chibas began sharing the gospel with children at four different parks. Within one month, they had led 70 children to faith in Christ. On one occasion as Mrs. Chiba was coming into the park, a mother was waiting for her behind a bush. She jumped out and began cursing Mrs. Chiba. She threatened to call the police if she ever saw her face again in the park.

Faced with this opposition, Mrs. Chiba went home and shared the experience with her family. They prayed. After praying, they felt impressed not only to continue sharing at the four parks but to expand the area in which they were sharing. Their joy only increased when they met resistance.

“Once you know the joy of sharing the gospel you can’t just sit at home,” said Mrs. Chiba. “This is joy and happiness that I’ve never experienced before.”

“The children are so open to the gospel,” said Mr. Chiba. “It’s like they are just waiting to hear.” The Chiba’s dream is to see a web church on the internet to help reach and disciple the children of Japan who are desperately looking for something or Someone in which to believe.

Pray that:

God will call many children to faith in Christ through the witness of Mr. and Mrs. Chiba.

Japanese believers will catch a passion for sharing their faith that only increases in the face of persecution.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.