Pastor Seung-gil Ryu

Japan missionary: I saw how people worship scary gods

Pastor Seung-gil Ryu, who is a missionary from Korean Megachurch Manmin, spoke about his ministry in Japan and miracles that God does in the Land of the Rising Sun. He also shared the secrets to success in the missionary field and spoke about troubles that face missionaries in Japan.

“I visited Japan for the first time, when I was invited to minister at a summer camp,” the Pastor began. “You know, I always thought that Japanese people are very virgin and pure, but I was shocked by what I saw. I saw how people worshiped scary gentile gods and that they were serious doing so. I understood that they were in need of the Gospel, so when I returned to Korea my heart was burnt with desire to go their again. Then our Church decided to send a missionary to Japan.”

Pastor Seung-gil Ryu said that it is very hard and serious work to be a missionary and it needs considerable preparation. One should understand that he will go to another country which has its own customs and mentality. One should learn its language, culture, traditions and be ready to adapt.

“Six months later after my arrival to Japan, I was already able to preach in Japanese,” remembered missionary. “After nine months, I interpreted Dr. Jaerock Lee’s message during the Gospel crusade in Japan. Even now, when I listen to the record from that service, I find that I managed the task. I studied Japanese for two hours every evening. Then I went to the streets, spoke with people and preached the Gospel. I practiced my knowledge. Sometimes I felt as if my tongue spoke for me. I know that it was the work of the Holy Spirit.”

Seung-gil Ryu noted that it is very difficult to preach about God when people have another view on spirituality, church and gods. According to him, it is hard for Japanese people to understand what church is and, because of that, it is hard for them to attend churches.

“I watched the lives and interests of Japanese people, and we created some clubs or study groups according to them,” said Pastor. “Usually people go to church, but in this country church should go to people. We have Kimchi club (traditional Korean food), flower club, English classes, dance club, singing club and even Gospel club. We invite nonbelievers to these clubs and spoke with them about God. Every Sunday nearly 120 people visit our Church. It is quite a big Church for Japan.”

The Pastor also underlined that the people of Japan start to believe when they see real miracles – healings, deliverance and so on. “When they come to Church, God heals them,” shared Seung-gil Ryu. “They also prayed with Dr. Laerock Lee online or by phone. God answers them. Many people receive healings of their souls. We can say that we have a revival here. People come and receive answers to their prayers, and then they tell their friends and relatives about it. We have already opened 14 affiliated Manmin churches across Japan. Such kinds of revivals is a rarity here.”

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TAGS: Pastor Seung-gil Ryu Japan missionary Manmin Land of the Rising Sun

[01/27/2012]

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