Adventures in Japan

My name is Brandon Reierson, I’m a senior and missions major at Hillsdale College.  When I was asked to write about Japan for the school web site, I thought “where should I even begin?” There is so much that intrigues about the country, culture, and people!  Japan ranges from the ancient group culture rooted deeply in Shinto and Buddhism, to the students walking the streets amongst sky scrapers in Tokyo; dressed entirely for individualism and self expression.  Japan is definitely a place of great cultural contrasts.

What I decided to focus on, however, was to tell a little bit about my story, and what God is doing in Japan, as well as my experiences there.  I also wanted to express how Hillsdale has helped me in my personal and spiritual growth, and has increased my burden for the lost. This is something that I believe many of our other students can understand as well.

My first trip to Japan was amazing. I went for five days with my Dad. At that point, I did not know very much about the culture. My father and I were both provided a ticket to go and “check it out.”  I had a friend who was a pilot, who knew I was interested in taking a mission trip somewhere.  I had always thought that Tokyo would be an interesting city to see, and I knew Free Will Baptists had mission work there, so naturally, that is where I chose to go.

Before I took my first trip I knew some of the statistics. “Buddhist and Shinto religion. Less than one percent is Christian. World’s biggest metro area. High suicide rate.” I was ready to go and make a difference!  Yet, there was so much I still had to and have to learn.

After I took my first trip to Japan, I was amazed by so many things.  The bright lights, the crowded streets, the smells, the art, the crowded trains…The huge city was exciting for a small-town Oklahoma country kid like me. However, the most amazing thing, without a doubt, was the people.  I was instantly amazed at how incredibly kind, patient, and generous the Japanese people were.  It was shocking actually! There were things in Japan that were even more structured and orderly than compared to the states! “Wait, your city is this big and the crime rate is this low?” Some things clearly boggled my mind.  Japan seemed like a fantasy world, almost. Yet, there was still something there that I sensed that was very dark.

After the first trip, my burden increased so intensely for the Japanese people. They were “good” people, yet still so spiritually lost.  As I started back to school, I made it a part of my life to be very intentional about the friendships that I made, and about sharing Christ with those that don’t know him.  I ended up making some Japanese friends in the Oklahoma City area.  The emptiness that I kept hearing expressed through my friends words and actions made the spiritual darkness become even more obvious and clear. Many of them were searching for something.

Since that first trip in January 2008, I had gone to Japan five times.  The other trips were also amazing.  However, the trip I took before returning to school for my senior year was one of the most eye opening experiences yet.  During the last three trips, I had stayed with a friend, who was a Japanese native.  Living with a Japanese family had probably been one of the best experiences for me, especially when I was desperately trying to understand the culture.  I quickly learned the importance of needing to know and understand the language. There were things such as eating and etiquette that were also, at times, very intense.  One of the most difficult things to deal with however was the “group” mentality that is instilled in most Japanese.

Although Japan, especially since World War II has become very westernized, many Japanese are still very proud of their culture and heritage.  One thing that is taught in the Missions courses at Hillsdale is the difference between a “group” culture, and “individualistic” culture.  Japan definitely falls under the “group” category.  What is best for the group is what is best for society.  So, the individual should strive to do what is best for the group, in most cases.  This, I learned, was one of the toughest obstacles that missionaries face with the Japanese.  Some of my Japanese friends have even said “If they’re a Christian, they’re not really Japanese.”  When a person truly professes faith in Christ in Japan, they are no longer a part of the group as a whole. I really realized during this last trip that many times Japanese people may realize they have a problem, but will want nothing to do with Christianity at all.

One of the things Hillsdale has taught me, is the gospel is relevant to all cultures and people groups.  We had been taught various methods and strategies for reaching the lost, including relational evangelism.  But sometimes it feels so impossible for Japan, and so difficult.  Less than one percent of Japanese people claim to be Christian. Yet, there are over thirty-three million people in the Tokyo area alone.  Japan is a country of wealth and major economic influence.  They are leaders in technology. Yet, everyday there are people jumping  in front of the trains committing suicide. There is still emptiness in the hearts of so many Japanese people.  Nothing will be able to fulfill the Japanese, or any people group or culture, like Jesus can fulfill them.

I wanted to make it a point when I returned to make other people aware of the spiritual need in Tokyo, and all throughout Japan. I hope through this article, more people will have an increased burden for the Japanese people.  Please pray not only for the hearts of the Japanese, but for the missionaries and Christians that are already in Japan.  Pray that God can convict the hearts of unbelievers, and change a nation for His glory.  Please also pray that God will bring about more workers and laborers, with whatever route they take, to be willing to serve in Japan.  I believe that God has put this vision in me and so many others for a reason.  God desires to have a redeeming, loving relationship with all the people of the world.

So as I conclude, I wanted to say this.  Hillsdale has been amazing in preparing their students for what we may face on the field.  Although I am still praying and seeking the direction God wants me to take, I have been able to relate situations taught in class to my experience overseas. The instructors understand the students at a personal level. They will pray for you, guide you, and give advice. Each year, a different missionary on residence has lived on campus.  This provides so many amazing opportunities! Ultimately I have learned that God cares for and loves all people.  Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world, not just the United States. I am so thankful to have Hillsdale and their amazing staff to help guide and direct each one of its students in a completely personal way growing academically and in relationship with Christ daily.