Japan and its culture are intriguing to foreigners. Tourists come to Japan to see beautiful mountains, taste excellent food, and experience a culture that has existed for thousands of years. Japan has also influenced the world. Think about how these things have had an impact on you: Nintendo, Pokemon, Toyota, Japanese baseball players, karaoke, sushi. The Japanese may not need culture, technology, higher education, or economic support from others. But they do need you to tell them about Jesus. Less than 1% of the Japanese population knows and loves the Lord. The Lutheran Evangelical Christian Church is a gathering of 8 congregations in and around Tokyo. For 50 years the LECC has been proclaiming God's Word in Japan. The growth of the Christian church is slow in Japan, but God has blessed the LECC. The LECC kindly requests your prayers.
In spite of many temptations, a faithful Christian core still desires to hear the Gospel. Two missionaries are active in the field, with a call soon to be extended for a third missionary. Russian people are contacting a national pastor in response to his five-minute weekly radio broadcast. Some have come for instruction in God’s Word.
Albania is a small country across the Adriatic Sea from Italy. It is commonly considered to be the only Muslim country in Europe, as well as one of the poorest. But there is a vibrancy in the capital city of Tirana - and also materialism. Here there is a congregation in the main port city of Durres and a Christian information center in Tirana. One missionary is training two dedicated Albanian men to lead these two groups. Two WELS Kingdom worker volunteers teach English and make other contacts to broaden the outreach.
Blessings abound through the continued regular worship attendance at the national churches after the abrupt withdrawal of WELS personnel in 2004. Nationals continue to study for the pastorate. Two have completed their studies. Other nationals have shown an interest in studying for the ministry if a way can be found to provide the instruction.
