Participants: 6-8 Serve Asia Workers
Mission Length: May 25 - June 20 2008
Serve Asia Training: Prior to departure
Serve Asia Debrief: Upon return to Canada
Ministry Particulars: This experience seeks to give Serve Asia workers a quality discipleship experience as they journey to Japan and participate in the ministry of local church outreach through running a camp-style program for children during the summer. During the program, the team will host Gospel Music workshops while building relationships within the church and community. They will have the privilege to learn about the Japanese culture as they interact with students.
Setting: Japan is a cyber-savvy civilization on the edge of a swiftly mutating world society. On the surface, it seems that Japan is conforming to the Western ways of living, but the traditional Eastern Japanese way of life is firmly rooted in the inhabitants of the crescent moon country. Many in the West are becoming interested in the fashions, fads and faiths of this ancient and intriguingly intense culture. Japanese people follow the religious culture of Shinto Buddhism. Yet during these uncertain days of world-wide disease, pending war and lurking fears, the hearts of many are open to a message of hope and healing. It is that message of Christ that you bring to the people of Japan as you go to serve.
Assignment: Run a Gospel Music Workshop for local community members. You will have time to interact and build relationships with the students throughout the week and with people in the local community as you reach into their lives with the message of the gospel. You will have the chance to enjoy a performance by the children of the things you have taught them throughout the week on the final evening and also to share some testimonies in English with the audience.
Method: You will depart for Japan following your Serve Asia Training. You will spend a few days in orientation to language and culture. You will have a chance to share in local community activities as you live among missionaries and church families in the Aomori prefecture. You will also receive a first hand on-site education of Japan's people and culture.
Debrief: The Serve Alumni Retreat will explore your personal experience in Japan as well as give you the opportunity to share with others who have returned from similar encounters during their time with Serve Asia. Upon your immediate return to Canada you should plan to spend a couple of days in personal reflection. You will receive helpful material to guide you through the reentry process. Hopefully, all this is just the beginning to the adventures God has for you in years to come.
Estimated Cost: $3500CAD; this cost covers international airfare from Toronto to Tokyo, on-field travel expenses, accommodation and living allowance while in Asia, plus Serve Asia training materials, on-field orientation and debriefing. Immunizations, visas for travel and any other costs should be covered by the Serve Asia worker personally. The cost quoted is estimated and may change due to flight prices at the time of your mission trip.
Requirements: Must be 19 years or older. Complete all the Serve Asia Application prerequisites. Flexibility required. Meet the financial commitments of the program prior to departure. Attend and fulfill the requirements of Serve Asia Training and Debrief as part of this experience.
Resources:
www.omf.org – Japan's home page is available via this site by clicking on the country link