Monastery engage and fellowship

[mei]

I just read in a book about pastoring that Martin Luther prayed 4 hours a day when things got difficult. I must admit, that's a lot more than I ever prayed in difficult situations. But it does help me remember that God used Martin Luther in a mighty way, in spite of his faults.

Hi John, thank you for the positive.

The monk here stopped me to do any activities related to evangelism in the village or his people months ago. He called me with local authorities to a monastery. Ever since, they observed my situation.

But no Christian exists here. This is their dominant area for years. Yeah, many more happening....

I don't want to be arrogant but wise to handle the situation....

 

[mei]

I just want to visit him or make fellowship but can't find ways to engage.

This village has a bad reputation to the Christians the past.

 

[Mike B]

I just want to visit him or make fellowship but can't find ways to engage.

This village has a bad reputation to the Christians the past.

Considering the length of time you have been there, most all of the local people likely
know you are a Christian. I would suggest "being present" out in the community, so that
if anyone does have a question you are available..if you are not allowed to go to them,
then perhaps God will bring them to you.

I don't know your physical situation (age, health, etc.) but if you see the Buddhists out doing
some work by their monastery perhaps you could offer to help them? I would come dressed
for the job (gloves, etc) and might say something along the lines of:

"Hello...I see you are doing some hard work...could you use an extra pair of strong hands?"

If you do get that opportunity, I would suggest being patient about sharing the Gospel with
them. Just do the work, make friends and let their curiosity cause them to come to you and
ask you questions.

The Lord has sent you to a difficult missionary field for a reason, so trust in Him to create
those opportunities for you.

 

[John of Japan]

Hi John, thank you for the positive.

The monk here stopped me to do any activities related to evangelism in the village or his people months ago. He called me with local authorities to a monastery. Ever since, they observed my situation.

But no Christian exists here. This is their dominant area for years. Yeah, many more happening....

I don't want to be arrogant but wise to handle the situation....

I'm not there and cannot imagine what you are going through. But remember:
1. You have to obey the command of Jesus we know as the Great Commission and tell people about Jesus, no matter who tries to stop you.
2. You can rejoice when they persecute you. That is the promise of Jesus Himself in Matthew 5:

"10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you,
and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
2 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:
for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."​

 

[Armchair Apologist]

Not ecumenical or liberal, but as being a missionary who is willing to engage with non-believers (Baptist background and hold fundamental doctrine)

Do you think we should engage and help in monastery where Buddhist monks are making offering? But they are superior and we are inferior.

What is your belief and thoughts on cross cultural evangelism?

If a Buddhist monastery was doing charitable work of a scope in which it was not possible for a Christian missionary to perform and there was a need, I would have no problem referring anyone with said need (medical, financial, housing, clothing, etc.) to seek help there. I disagree with Buddhism and do not condone their teaching but I would not tell a hungry person not to go there!

I would not yoke up and partner with them in this ministry though. I'd look for ways in which I could fill such needs on my own or perhaps there are other needs of which I have been specifically enabled to perform?

Then again, if I were running a Christian medical clinic and a Buddhist doctor offered to assist, I probably would not refuse him or her. A Christian doctor assisting at a Buddhist medical clinic would have to make their own decision based upon their own conscience.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

Having been a missionary to a Buddhist country, I understand your query. We wish to reach even the Buddhist priests. The problem with your scenario, is that I have never found false religionists to be open to the Gospel message when they are practicing their own religion. For example, once down in Tokyo a friend and I saw a Shinto priest sprinkling "holy water" around his shrine. My friend and I approached him and tried to just give him a tract, but he totally ignored us. Again, I have discoursed with Jehovah's Witnesses coming to our door both in the US and in Japan. I've never convinced a single one. Another time, I met an "Aum" cult adherent giving out literature, and he turned his back on me when I tried to give him a tract. I will confess, though, that I once came up from behind on a Zen priest out on his "alms" mission, and stuck a gospel tract in his alms bowl.

On the other hand, I once had a young Buddhist priest who had fled the temple come to my church service. He was staying with one of our men, having fled the temple because his father was trying to force him to marry someone. He listened very carefully to the Gospel; didn't get saved that day, but he was open. So the best time to approach a religionist is not when they are doing what they think is their duty, but when they have free time. Otherwise, I try to stay away from Buddhist priests and the like so I don't lead others to think their work is moral. So I've only been in a Buddhist temple once, and that was when our mission director came over from the US and wanted to see one.

Keep up the good work.

I'd say there are some far more fundamental things to consider here. The main thing is that evangelism is always relational! You may pass out a gospel tract to someone and never see them again but God will always use such an encounter to his glory. We should never expect one to make a "decision" for Christ during their first encounter especially in an "Acts 17" culture such as Japan! Any missionary in a country such as this needs to be committed to playing the "long game" as I am certain that you are aware.

You can absolutely make an impact towards those who are content in abiding with their cultural practices and show disinterest towards the gospel! The main way to do this is to show yourself as being a "good neighbor" and not being some sort of freak railing on them for worshipping their ancestors and so forth right? Only let your conversation be that which becometh the gospel of Christ. It will take time, perhaps years or even decades! Such makes it difficult when those who support you also have missionaries in Mexico or the Philippines who continually report monthly "attendance, salvations, baptisms" in the hundreds or so and all you have to show after several years are about a dozen or so regular and faithful attenders to your weekly Bible study!