28. A Strong Affirmation (E)
Perhaps one of the most compelling statements in support of involvement
in wedding evangelism is the testimony that confronts us from both the
ministries and the words of six of my missionary colleagues in Japan. These servants of the Lord are veterans of
ministry in every sense of the word.
They have served in this land 43, 43, 38, 22, 31, and 49 years,
respectively.
All of them are thoroughly experienced in the following ministries:
Evangelistic campaigns, home visitation efforts, house to house literature
distribution, Bible classes, English classes, and administration. Together they have planted 21 churches ?
Philip Visser nine, and John Graybill and Ken Board four each. In addition, all of them have contributed
much of the energy needed to bring into birth many other congregations. All of
them acknowledge with great humility that any results achieved in their
ministries are only by the divine hand of the Holy Spirit, and all glory goes
to the risen Lord.
I offer my own experience to the list above: 30 years in ministry in Japan, one church planted, significant assistance in other plantings, and involvement in all the ministries mentioned above. Ten of these years were spent as full professor in a junior college.
In an article that appeared in the Summer, 1999 issue of Japan Harvest, I made the following
statement: After [30] years of ministry
in Japan, I know of no other method of evangelism that offers so much potential
for a clear personal witness to thousands (the couples) and for drawing the
interest of tens of thousands (the families and friends) toward the Christian
church and, hopefully, its Savior.
I am more convinced than ever that this statement reflects accurately
what is happening in the phenomenon called Chapel Wedding Evangelism. Several of my colleagues mentioned above
volunteered their strong affirmation of the above statement. All of them express their support for this
ministry by participating when they are able to do so. Two of them, with me,
are full time in a three-fold outreach ? pre-ceremony orientation, conducting
ceremonies and follow-up.
Here are seven missionaries
with an average of 36 years in successful, multi-faceted ministry in this
country, and all of them declare that chapel weddings are an unprecedented
opportunity for evangelism!
Philip Visser testifies, “During the first two years of doing Christian
weddings, I have had the opportunity to present the Gospel to countless more people
than I had during all of my previous 38 years in Japan. It is an opportunity I wouldn’t miss for
anything!”
John Graybill puts it this way, "Chapel weddings are Gospel seed
sowing for thousands of people who attend these ceremonies. In addition, since countless couples (95% in
my chapel) order a video of the ceremony, the message will be replayed over and
over and passed around to friends, thus becoming an extension of the witness
given at the ceremony."
ministry, a striking opportunity for witness that might not be readily
recognized is the contact with the business staff who set the stage for the
ceremony and work for the benefit of the company. I have had vital discussions with managers and staff people in
the course of negotiations, making preparations and orientation sessions. These contacts with the staff became a
primary focus of my involvement, and I believe they helped to open hearts and
minds to God’s love and truth that wills a blessing for all the families of the
world."
Nils Olson offers this statement, “In my experience, wedding evangelism
is an unprecedented opportunity for giving a witness to the Gospel, by
introducing almighty God, in most cases, for the first time. It also opens the door to follow-up that
leads to on-going relationships. And
building relationships is what Jesus did everywhere He went!”
Ken Board says, “I see wedding evangelism as a special, open door for
planting a seed of the Gospel in people’s hearts.”
And veteran of veterans, Kenny Joseph, declares: "In 49 years of ministry in Japan, I
have held crusades and preached in churches in all the countries of Asia. I have seen no greater opportunity for mass
evangelism than that which is presented today to genuine, evangelical ministers
in Japan to preach to the thousands of people who flock to wedding chapels
every week."
The cloud of witnesses in support of wedding ministry is considerably greater than the small circle of my acquaintances mentioned above. Other names have been suggested to me -- Neil Verwey, 51 years in Japan, Wesley Calvery, 40 years, Lionel Thompson, 46 years, Rod Thomas, 13 years, etc. -- but I have chosen to quote only those with whom I have frequent contact.
However, there is one anonymous voice that deserves to be heard. He is part of one of Japan’s largest mission organizations, but he requests anonymity for fear of criticism from some colleagues who reject approaches to evangelism outside traditional, mission-approved policies and fail to see that God might want to work in new and unique ways. He declares, “Wedding evangelism is today’s most effective, new, mass evangelism opportunity in Japan.”
I submit that the combined
testimonies of these veteran missionaries and successful church planters form a
powerful affirmation for chapel wedding ministry.
Doyle C. Book