This week on the podcast we have Jonathan Ransom and Jon Simburger both leaders of Pillar Church of Okinawa in Japan. Okinawa has a population of approximately 1.4 million. Less than 2% of Okinawans know Jesus. To break those numbers down, that means there are only 1-2 followers of Jesus for every 100 people on this island.
Data from the most recent government census suggests there are 268 churches here in Okinawa. Assuming gospel health & vitality, that’s one church for every 5,400 Okinawans. Simply, that’s not enough.
Believing we exist on this island as a local expression of God’s family of servant missionaries we are committed to praying, partnering, giving, serving, and working to see these numbers change. One missiologist has been quoted as saying: “Japan had it’s chance.” We reject this idea. Rather, we are convinced it is only dawn in the land of the rising sun. We anticipate watching as darkness is dispelled by the rising Son, and the people of Okinawa increasingly find themselves swept up into God’s growing family of rescued rebels here in Japan.Gospel to Okinawa (GTO 2 x 2022) is Pillar's initiative to pray and work towards seeing two gospel-centered, church-planting churches planted by the year 2022. These churches will be planted by Okinawans, for the Okinawan people. learn more about GTO at https://pillarokinawa.com/mission/gospel-to-okinawa/