A rare find in Japan: a young man preparing for ministry.
Japan is often called a “graveyard for missions.” In a nation of 125 million people, only around 1% identify as Christian, and most Japanese people have never heard the gospel. Christianity is frequently viewed as foreign or even cult–like, while many churches are led by ageing pastors with few younger workers ready to take their place.
That is why men like Gaku are so important.
GAKU’S STORY
Gaku grew up in a divided home. His mother was a Christian, while his father strongly opposed religion, warning him that faith was dangerous and controlling. Although Gaku occasionally attended church with his mother as a child, Christianity never became personal to him.
After graduating from university, Gaku worked for ten years as a Maths teacher. Outside of work, he loved surfing and running, but over time the pressure and routine of teaching left him dissatisfied and restless. Wanting freedom and a fresh start, he moved to Australia.
Life there initially felt exciting. He worked on a farm, surfed on weekends, partied heavily, and spent much of what he earned chasing pleasure and escape. Although he occasionally attended church through an English class, his life began to spiral.
Eventually, Gaku realised he needed something deeper. Remembering the prayers and faithfulness of his mother, he returned to Japan and began attending her church. The pastor offered to study the Bible with him, and during that time Gaku became deeply aware of his sin and spiritual need.
One day, the pastor asked him to write down every sin he could remember. When Gaku returned with the list, the pastor simply told him that Christ was ready to forgive him. Together they prayed in repentance, and in that moment Gaku experienced the burden of guilt lifted and replaced by the peace of God. Jesus became real to him; not distant, but personal, gracious, and life–changing.
Since then, Gaku has devoted himself to serving Christ and His church. He later spent two years overseas as an education missionary before returning to Japan to prepare for pastoral ministry. This March, he graduated from theological college and is now serving as a trainee pastor while continuing further training in evangelism and discipleship through the Samurai Project, a programme designed to help young men prepare for ministry.
SUPPORT GAKU
Like many young ministry workers in Japan, Gaku faces significant financial pressure. Support that once helped cover training costs is no longer available, and most trainee pastors must work multiple jobs simply to continue preparing for ministry.
Yet Japan urgently needs faithful young gospel workers. Men like Gaku represent hope for the future of the Japanese church.
Would you prayerfully consider partnering with Gaku financially as he trains for ministry? Your support will help equip a young Japanese pastor to bring the gospel to a nation where so few have heard the name of Christ.