What a privilege it was to be part of the 7th Japan Congress on Evangelism!
I’m so glad I was able to attend, network with so many colleagues and friends and see what God was doing. The elation in participants voices about this gathering was immense. Every person I asked, was so encouraged by this gathering.
Here’s what A3 International board chairman Phil Foxwell had to say:
"I’ve just come from a few days in Gifu at the 7th Japan Congress on Evangelism that only takes place every seven years. 14 years ago everyone wore neckties, and even seven years ago the speakers were mainly senior pastors in their 60s and 70s. This time over 1,000 people gathered in person and online. No one was allowed on stage who was over 50 years old. No one wore neckties, some even wore shorts! The messages and panel discussions were amazing and gave all of us great hope for the moving of God’s Spirit in Japan!
And the worship music was mostly new Japanese praise songs with wonderful lyrics. We are usually inspired and encouraged by these kinds of gatherings, but this time there was a marked commitment for continuing joint activity, with 14 collaborative projects across Japan that will move forward out of the conference. It was also bathed in much joint prayer, leaving specific groundwork to carry on the work ahead, much of it together, and for all to be praying specifically for each endeavor—it made me truly believe that the best is yet to come for the Kingdom of God in Japan!"
Time after time, I heard similar reports about how different this gathering was and how hopeful people are for Japan. Isn’t this exciting?!
Adding fuel to my enthusiasm were how many A3 alumni were presenting throughout the week. Several next generation leaders shared throughout the congress, and they all carried hopeful, encouraging themes. I’m so glad I went!
For those interested, the following key initiatives are being developed over the next seven years as they prepare for JCE8. To have this kind of action plan and initiative put in place is even more powerful. They are acting on what they shared this week.
Project teams are required to report the following:
- Every year, by September 30, submit an "Interim Report" in the prescribed form; for a three-year project, two interim reports are required.
- In the third year, submit a "Project Completion Report" at the end of the project.
- Attend the "Project Outcome Report Meeting" scheduled to be held in November 2026, and make a presentation report.
The above reports will be managed on the Japan Evangelism Promotion Network's platform and information will be made available to registered members.
Action Plans:
- Environmental Issues - Living the Mission of Creation Care.
- Developing the Future of Missionary Cooperation: Exploring the Biblical Context.
- Nurturing the next generation, intergenerational cycles of the “God’s family
- The future ministry in Japan using IT, Information Technology
- Japanese Society and Mission: The Search for Community Formation that Brings the Kingdom to a Fragmented Society.
- Diaspora Mission Cooperation (Promotion) Project.
- A proposal for a new Evangelical framework for missionary cooperation within the Evangelical churches.
- A project to promote exchange of seminary students (trainees) who will be responsible for future missionary cooperation.
- Network 4 prefectures in Tokai area, Creating a platform for ministry.
- Peace Research Institute Disclosure Project
- New Partner in Faith-Based Denomination Establishes Pioneering Assessment & Support Center.
- Family Ministry; Restoration and Nurturing of God's Image in the family
- Coverage, Mapping Project – Detailing where there has yet to be a church.
- Establishing Project: Creation and promotion of a national "Alliance of Bible Schools of the Saints”
I attended several of the workshops and the desire to CoverAll Japan and reach 2% of the nation was shared throughout. It was inspiring to be part of it and I’m eager to see what God is going to accomplish these next seven years.
Please join me in praying for Japan!
Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
@jwhandley
@jwhandley
More Information
- Download the JCE7 flyer: JCE7-A3-flyer_2023.pdf
- JCE7 Official Website: Japan Congress on Evangelism (site in Japanese)
