Every day I struggle with the difficulty of it,” says Robin Parks Johnson, missionary to Japan. “But I know God is with me and has put me there, because I’m not adventurous enough to do this on my own.”
Home on their stateside assignment from their ministry in Fukuoka, Japan, Robin and her husband David, were guest speakers at the Choctaw Association Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) meeting in July at First Baptist Church, Butler. The missionaries shared about their triumphs and struggles during the 15 years they have been living and ministering in Japan.
“When I’m ready to give up,” she continues, “I feel the prayers of you back home and He gives me a small victory.”
Having grown up in Choctaw County, Robin spoke to some of the familiar faces who had known her as a teen. A 1967 graduate of Choctaw County High School, Robin had surrendered to the call to missions at age 16 while attending First Baptist Church, Butler.
“Since I was a small child, I felt led to be a missionary,” she recalls, “but I didn’t know just what God was leading me to do. I didn’t quite know what my gifts were that would be useful to God on the mission field.”
Similarly, David felt a calling on his life prior to college, but was also interested in science and medicine. He met Robin while at Samford University, and the two later married. Although he originally began his studies to become a doctor, he says that the Lord steered him in a different direction.
Now holding a doctorate in genetics, David’s ministry in Japan is focused on the students he meets as a professor at Southwest Institute in Fukuoka. The university is owned and operated by the Japanese Baptist Organization.
“Even though it is a Baptist university,” David explains, “fewer than 5 percent of the students are Christian and about 30 percent of the faculty. It is a tremendous missions field.”
According to David, students attending the university are exposed to the gospel through courses in Bible history and related subjects, but few actually apply the material to their own lives. There are, however, other opportunities that David uses to reach the students for Christ. The women’s dormitory residents, for example, are required to attend a worship service each month. Chapel services are also held at the university each week.
The spoken Word
University students who are not fluent in English approach David on a regular basis asking to be taught the language. Using this as a tool for Christian outreach, he takes the opportunity to not only teach them English, but to show them who God is.”
In their presentation at the WMU meetings, both Robin and David stressed the difficulties that are inherent in trying to reach Japan with the gospel. Of the 125 million people living in Japan, fewer than 1 percent are Christian, with Buddhism and Shinto being the predominant religions, most Japanese do not practice any form of religious worship or allow spiritual beliefs to influence their lives. Because spirituality is not a priority in the lives of most Japanese, it is often impossible to impress upon them the need for God.
“Christianity is an individual relationship,” says Robin, “and they are not used to individuality. It separates them from the group and many times from their own families. Those who become Christians are often thrown out of their own homes.”
Since moving to Japan in March 1987, the Johnsons have planted many seeds for Christ in the hearts of those around them. But they are quick to say that most of those seeds have yet to bear fruit. According to Robin, it often takes years to see the results of their work. Unfortunately positive results are the exception, not the rule.
Robin’s ministry in Japan includes leading five groups in Bible study each week. Most of those who attend are only interested in learning English and do not continue with the study, but there are few who become interested in the Bible.
“Their lifestyle is very difficult,” she explains. “Most marriages do not last because they do not know what true love is. We try to be an example to married couples that marriage is possible through God, that lasting love is only possible through him.”
Both Robin and David shared touching stories of their ministry. They told of successes and disappointments, of struggles and triumphs. But above all they stressed the importance of following the Lord’s call and using your gifts to serve Him.
The Johnsons have returned to Fukuoka, saying they are confident of their calling to work with the Japanese and to water the planted seeds for as long as God uses them.
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