Orlando ⇄ Japan
Warren and Yukari Griffith are based in Orlando but seek to advance the gospel of Christ around the world through Mission to Japan. This ministry focuses on hosting Japanese students in Orlando (with a focus on learning English), which then provides opportunities for Bible studies, retreats, sightseeing, and spending time with Christian host families. For many students, it is often the first time they hear about Jesus.
Warren was a missionary in Tsukuba, Japan, in 1990 when he brought his first group of exchange students back to the States. Mission to Japan was subsequently formed in 1993 and has been active ever since. They typically host 3 rounds of students each year, who are placed with families in the local Orlando area. Mission to Japan also takes American college students on short-term mission trips to Japan during the summer.
Where They Serve
Japan is a world-leading nation that over 127 million people call home, with one-fourth living in Tokyo (making it the world’s largest urban area). Over 85% of the population adhere to Shinto or Buddhist beliefs. Only 1-2% profess to some form of Christianity, making Japan one of the least-evangelized developed nations in the world.
About Mission to Japan
Mission to Japan coordinates three homestays a year, typically in the winter, March, and August. These 3-4 week long sessions include a variety of activities for the students and are based out of several larger churches in the Orlando area.
Mission To Japan provides English and Bible classes, sightseeing, and program activities for students during the day so that host families who work or are busy during the day can still be involved. By building a relationship with a student from Japan, host families are also able to share about who they are as Christians and what they believe. Many Japanese students are impressed with the love and kindness of their host families and want to learn more about the Christian faith.
From their website
There is always a need for local families to provide lodging for the students, and college-age young adults are invited to serve on host teams during summer beach retreats.
To learn more about both opportunities, see the videos below
How You Can Pray
- Homestay hosts: Please pray for the Griffiths as they continually recruit local families to serve as homestay hosts. They are looking for volunteers for 2020 (apply here!)
- 2020 students: Please pray for the upcoming ministry year, as new Japanese exchange students sign up for a homestay trip. Pray that many would hear of and profess faith in Christ during the next round of homestays, for eternal kingdom impact!
- Praise for 2019 homestays and retreats: The last round of homestays and beach retreats just finished up in August. Pray for ongoing spiritual fruit from these experiences.
