Traditional Japanese faiths like Buddhism and Shintoism have many gods and Japanese people tend to avoid religions that make specific claims like Christianity.
But now through a music workshop, Japanese non-believers are learning to sing to the one true God.
The movie “Sister Act” brought an interest in black gospel music to Japan. Since then it has become a great tool for evangelism and Christian fellowship.
Missionary Ken Taylor, a former nightclub entertainer, began holding black gospel workshops in community centers about 11 years ago.
Taylor partnered with several Christian churches in order to get non-believers involved with gospel music.
“The end goal is we see lives transformed. Within the two-hour session, they’re not just learning how to sing black gospel music, they’re learning to pronounce properly like a little English class,” he said.
“But more than that they’re really experiencing church because there’s fellowship, there’s worship. There’s the sharing of the Word,” Taylor said.
Now, there are gospel choirs in 50 churches across Japan. They call themselves the Hallelujah Gospel Family.
Choir member Mayuko Shizuka used to practice Shintoism, but through gospel music has now found the Lord.
“I used to have low self-esteem. I studied philosophy and did my rituals at Shinto shrine but nothing worked. But within one year in the choir, I learned about Jesus when I studied the lyrics of the songs. So now I am a Christian. I am more patient with our children and I am more confidents about myself,” Shizuka said.
SOURCE: CBN News
Leave a Reply