I heard the Lord clearly speak this morning the following sentence that will set the tone for our fifth and final segment in this leadership series. He said, “Expansion in ministry comes is ways that is often overlooked.” We will return one last time to II Corinthians 10:

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

At this moment you and I are thinking about the earthquakes and tsunami that recently happened in Japan. It is sad, to say the least, to see the people of this advanced nation (or any other nation) experience such an atrocity. Our hearts, prayers and monies reach out to the people of Japan. In the midst of this, though, we hear reports of another kind from missionaries who actually live in the city where this calamity struck. A video is circulating on Face Book of Ron Sawka, of Arise International, declaring (paraphrased), “We believe this will usher in revival to Japan.”

While we can never believe God is author of such events (for He desires all to be saved), we can count on Him using these events to shake nations and to present opportunities for the Church to “arise and shine”. While emotions of the people of Japan are tender, their hearts will be open to hearing the Gospel of Christ. In fact, another friend who is a missionary to Japan posted this comment, saying, “Our neighbor mentioned that the reason we were sent to Japan by God was not to die”. Obviously, people are already thinking about eternity, the condition of their souls and the real reason why God sent missionaries to them!

At the beginning of this leadership blog I wrote what the Lord said to me this morning. Again, He said, “Expansion in ministry comes is ways that are often overlooked.”

I know of two missionary families that the Lord moved back from Japan to the USA within the last three years. Think about this: Did the Lord have them move back to the USA just for their protection? Or was the ultimate reason He moved them to the USA to communicate His heart of love for the Japanese to the Western Church and to help stir us to action (because He knew these calamities were coming)? It is entirely possible the Lord is bringing expansion to ministry on both sides of the Pacific Ocean at this moment. Think about it?

What a sad moment in Church history if we fail to recognize the potential of ministry awaiting us. Let us not repeat history. At the close of World War II, general over Armed Forces of the Pacific Rim, Gen. Douglas McArthur, gave the clarion call to the United States to send missionaries to Japan to assist with the clean up and rebuilding of this fallen nation. Very, very few actually responded. Now, fifty years later, there are only approximately 1 ½ % Christians in Japan. Simply stated, we cannot – we must not – allow this opportunity for expansion in the kingdom of God to pass us by. Here are a few things we can do:

1) Pray, Pray, Pray- assemble the intercessors of your church and pray for the missionaries who are presently on site who do not have food, water, gas and other basic resources. Encourage your families to spend a few moments before you eat each meal and include the missionaries in your prayers.

2) Find reputable ministries to support- if you do not have a direct connection with a ministry in Japan, we have relationships with four ministries that we will be happy to share with you.

3) Get the Word out- spread the news and get others involved in this effort. We can get behind this ministry opportunity and push toward the greatest harvest Japan has ever seen!

Brothers and sisters, we can watch world events and listen to the news, or we can involve ourselves in making history. “Making history” is part of your destiny! Remember, if you need the name of a reputable ministry to support in Japan or names of people to pray for, please contact us directly by email: info@legacyofworship.com

Let us seize the moment, and arise and build,

Brother Bill