Evangelism in English
In the past, English has been used in Japan to introduce people to the Bible. That has often been an effective medium of introducing people to the Bible. In many cases, such classes actually turned into English study rather than Bible study. Earlier, even those English classes were rather effective, and in some locations it is still true. However, that is not the case in most of Japan today. As as result, missionaries like Mary Kay Sapp (now retired) set out with the plan of using the Bible as the subject and English only as the medium.
Naturally, in order to make these classes true Bible Study, a reasonable degree of English proficiency is required to prevent classes from dissolving mostly into language discussion rather than discussion of content.
Mary Kay, while she served in Nagoya, taught about 7 classes a week with a combined attendance of 40 to 45 students. Many of these members are still attending Bible Study with Rev. Elaine Hobden the present pastor of Nagoya Union Church who has added now an 8th class. Please join us in praying for this ministry and the members of these classes.
