There are over 250,000 Brazilians of Japanese descent currently living and working in Japan as dekasegi or short term workers. The economic crisis in Brazil and globally has caused many to return to the home of their grandparents to seek better opportunities for themselves and their families. While many dekasegi make a short-term commitment and return to Brazil after six months to two years, many choose to stay on in Japan perhaps due to uncertain prospects at home.
This has created a unique opportunity for the church to reach out and encourage a displaced and often, disheartened community. Marital, family, acculturation problems have all created challenges for the Brazilian Nikkei. The Nikkei church in Brazil has responded by sending missionaries and pastors to open churches in Japan with a specific calling to minister to that community.
One of those churches has invited JEMS to work in partnership with them. As a result, we are now in the process of recruiting Brazilian Americans from here in LA to respond to that invitation to go to Japan. I met with the Primeira Igreja Batista Brasileira de Los Angeles to invite their church members to consider serving the Lord with JEMS this summer. After talking and praying together with the church's pastor, we are trusting God and moving forward.
It's wonderful how God was already speaking to hearts at the church. I was received with openness and met with about eight people who indicated their desire to either go or (in one person's case) to support the team financially.
I ask you to pray for these folks pictured who are now considering a "YES" to the invitation to serve this summer in Toyohashi. An additional Brazilian friend of mine in Northern California contacted me last week to ask if he could also participate in this project and join this team. Let's pray that God will bring this all together!
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| Interested members of PIBBLA with PJ |
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