Q. Why is Japan considered the largest unreached peoples of the world? 

 A. In 1945 General Douglas MacArthur called for 10,000 missionaries to come to Japan following the end of the war. Only a few hundred showed up. Among them there was a lack of unity, with everyone wanting to do their own denominational thing. There was no cooperation among them and thus no efforts to join together in spiritual warfare and evangelization.  With such a human effort and without the anointing of the Holy Spirit, there was little victory in the much needed effort for the souls of Japan.

There had been great success in South Korea, but even the leaders of the South Korean churches would joke, “When Jesus returns, the Japanese churches will be left on the earth, still asleep.”

Another problem was that those in Japan failed to capitalize on evangelizing and they failed to adopt evangelization as a critical lifestyle. Jesus called us to be “fishers of men” but unless the church gets out to where the streams are, they will not likely catch anything in Japan.

Q. How long are the short term mission trips?

A. Usually twelve to fourteen (12-14) days, or one to three (1-3) months. After three months one must apply for a Missionary/Teacher Visa. Short term missionaries need only a current/active passport, which may be applied for at your local post office.  Processing time takes an average of eight (8) weeks, so planning ahead is very critical for team members coming to Japan.

Q. How old does one have to be in order to go to Japan as a short term missionary?

A. We have seen great successes with everyone from age 13 to 86 years old. Those under 18 must complete a parental permission form, located elsewhere on this site.

Q. What airport do we make our reservations to?

A. Narita-Tokyo International Air Terminal: upon arrival, all meet in the area of Immigration, which everyone must clear. Look for your contacts near the “?” Information Desk. Keep your passport safe and accessible at all times and claim your luggage at the carousels upon debarking.

Q. Does anyone need to bring towels or linen to Japan?

A. No, these items are supplied at your places of residence and we take care of the laundering of these items when it is needed.

Q. How much spending money should we take and should it be in US$ or Japanese Yen?

A. It depends on your personal desires. Usually it is recommended that one take $200 or more. At your departing airport in the US or Canada, you can exchange your money at whatever the currency rate is. However, if you will give your home bank at least three to five days lead time, they can secure Japanese Yen for you there.

Q. Do we need to bring anything else that SMI would recommend?

A. Always bring your Bible, and since certain things are not readily available in Japan, it is suggested that you might want to bring small boxes of your favorite cereal, Granola snack bars, Fritos or small container cans of potato chips, pancake mix (buckwheat – healthy 🙂 ) dried fruit (the fresh local fruit in Japan is fantastic), favorite soups or mixes.

Q. Will the electrical connections in Japan be safe for my computer or other electrical items?

A. Yes, unlike most of Europe, Japan uses the same current systems as North America.

Q. What kind of housing can we expect in Japan?

A. The teams usually stay in the Hagizono and Chigasaki Churches’ apartments, at the J-Lodge, or in home-stay facilities.

Q. How far is our mission base from the Narita-Tokyo Terminal?

A. Mission outreaches operate out of the churches in Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, which is south and approximately two hours away by train.

Q. Is the water safe and what will we eat since I don’t like raw fish (sushi)?

A. Yes the water is safe. SMI and the local churches have delicious meals, whether you are a meat-eater or a vegetarian. We try to please everyone’s North American tastes, as well as the tastes of those who choose to dive into the “Samarai” foods. If you get desperate, there is KFC and the famous Arches in the area, so we’ve got your needs covered.

Q. How’s the weather comparable to North America?

A. It is a lot like Virginia. In the fall, one can be comfortable with a light jacket most of the time; in the winter, it rarely gets below 40 degrees, with little to no snow except in the mountains; in the spring, you will enjoy the aroma of beautifully blossoming cherry trees; and in the summer, it is hot and muggy.

Q. Is there a limitation as to what luggage we may bring?

A. You can usually bring two bags, no more than 40 pounds each, and you can have a carry-on like a computer case or a backpack. The ladies may also carry a purse and/or camera, but no aersols, sprays, or bottled liquids may be carried onto the plane in your carry-on luggage.

Q. Can I obtain travel insurance for overseas?

A. Yes. Some sources are AAA Travel Overseas, (909) 694-9403 or (800) 888-7292; there is also TripMate.com. The cost is around $50.00 for 14 days. This is also for children and those with special or physical needs.

Q. What is included in the $3,000.00 trip cost?

A. Usually the individual (or if he/she is part of a group from the same church or immediate area) make their own plane reservations from their nearest airport and pay for their local and international tickets then. That amount is deducted from the total trip cost and the balance sent to Pastor Seals at the SM International address. This amount should be received at SMI at least TEN (10) days PRIOR to the departure date.

Q. How can I contact the trip leader in Japan?

A. If you are calling any of the following numbers from stateside, you must dial all of the numbers. If you are in Japan, you would drop the country code (01181) and add a zero (0) to the front of the rest of the numbers. There are usually people at the terminal and train stations in Japan who can speak English and assist you with the numbers as well.

• > Dave Spurdle – 01181-467-747-799
• > Kevin & Nozomi West – 01181-801-187-2862
• > Pastor Nakamichi – 01181-467-813-525

 Q. What should one do to prepare spiritually for this mission outreach to Japan?

A. We recommend that you read and reread (study) the book of Acts. By reading three (3) chapters per day, you can read Acts in ten days. Get some form of conversational Japanese terms or buy Japanese for Busy People (Kodansha Missionary Story). On Google you can find and study Japanese Culture, religions, and history. Other suggestions are Sensei: the Life Story of Irene W. Smith, Marching to a Different Drummer by Jim Raymo, That None Should Perish by Ed Silvoso, and a great daily devotional guide, Operation Japan. Most of these can be purchased through www.Amazon.com.

Q. How does one set up a prayer support team and also raise enough financial support?

A. Romans 10:12-15 tells us that there are two types of Christians in the Body of Christ – those who GO (goers) and those who SEND (senders). The original Greek says that we are to “thrust laborers into the fields (world, Japan). (Luke 10:2) So welcome to one of the most exciting adventures of your life. Everything done must be saturated in prayer, so everyone you can enlist as your prayer support team is important to the success of your mission. You must also pray, pray, pray! Ask the Lord to help you put together a list of names of those who will hold you up in prayer, for you will soon be lowered into the environment of hopelessness so prevalent in Japan.

Next, create a one-page Letter of Support (like a newsletter of sorts) with your picture, purpose, dates, costs, and details to encourage your prospective supporters to GO with you in prayer as you go in person. Try to meet with them as a group if they are from your immediate area, but at least call them if they reside away from you.

Be creative. Enlist your church, home group, or Sunday School class to assist you with fundraising activities. These could be yard sales, support dinners, relatives who will help, or a host of other ideas. You may also check out some of our sample letters or give us a call if you get stumped. Whatever you plan to do, BEGIN IMMEDIATELY. Your enthusiasm and excitement will catch on with those the Lord has planned to help you.