Author: Renata Florêncio
Driven by decades of strategic investment, Japan is a world leader in areas such as electronics, robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainability technologies. Aside from that, Japanese culture emphasizes high performance and strict emotional control – factors that can lead to anxiety and depression.
In a rich and technologically advanced country, yet deeply tied to ancient traditions (where the predominant religions are Shintoism and Buddhism) every possible strategy can be a powerful tool to bless those who are far from the light of Christ.
In the city of Yokohama, a young girl had been attending church with her family since childhood. Her mother took English classes with Tidi, our missionary, for about a year.
However, as the girl reached her teens, she stopped attending the weekly services. Time passed and she heard about a Hip Hop dance group happening at church. That sparked her interest and, once again, she reconnected with the Christian setting. Members of the Hip Hop ministry welcomed her and started teaching her about the importance of daily devotionals while seeking God constantly.
The teenager was discipled and accepted Jesus as her Savior. She even took on the challenge of being baptized in the cold waters of a Japanese beach in December.
[Click here to watch the baptism video]
“Stories like this don’t happen every day – especially here in Japan. We’re overjoyed to see what God is doing through our church, using our lives to lead youngsters to Jesus” — Missionary Tidi Uehara
Get to know our Hip Hop Group:
Follow the Hip Hop Group: @nhyhiphopdanceministry
Follow the Church in Japan: @newhopeyokohama
Watch it on YouTube: New Hope Yokohama
