3,000 Christians in Japan Spirit-Empowered to Become 'Catalyst for Revival'

By Joshua Cheng

Over 3,000 Christians converged over the weekend in Japan's ancient capital Kyoto for worship, prayer, and teaching. The event coordinators believe that those gathered will become the catalyst for revival in the nation with less one percent Christian.

"As one of the largest gatherings of Christians in Japan, this is a historic meeting for the Spirit empowered believers in the nation," said William M. Wilson, global chairman of Empowered21 and President of Oral Roberts University, according to a statement released by the organizers. "I have been impressed with a deep sense that the Christians in Japan are earnestly seeking the power of the Holy Spirit."

With the theme of calling for change and revival, the first Empowered21 All Japan Conference focused on key issues facing the mission fueled by the Holy Spirit and the passing of the batons of blessings between generations. It was held at the Kyoto International Convention Center from October 11-14, and coordinated by Empowered21 Asian Cabinet.

Since the 2011 tsunami and Fukushima disaster, the evangelical churches in Japan have been working more closely together to reach more people in their country with the Gospel, according to the statement released by Empowered21.

Japan Children Praying
Japan Children Praying Empowered21

Speakers for this four-day conference include Paul (Kiichi) Ariga, president of The All Japan Revival Mission; Geron Davis, musician and composer at Christ Church Choir; Djohan Handojo, senior pastor of Bethany Church Singapore and E21 Asia delegate; Makoto Hosoi, chairman of Assemblies of God Japan and senior pastor of Cathedral of Praise; Elmer Inafuku, senior pastor of Shinjuku Shalom Church; Anne Gimenez, senior pastor of the Rock Church and presiding bishop of the Rock Ministerial Fellowship; Lawrence Khong, senior pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church in Singapore and E21Asia co-chairman; Akihiro Mizuno, chairman of E21 All Japan; Yoshinobu Murakami, co-chairman of E-21 All Japan; Niko Njotorahardjo, senior pastor of GBI Jl Gatot Subroto in Indonesia and E21 Asia chairman; Tsugumichi Ohkawa, senior pastor of Yamato Calvary Chapel; Minoru Okuyama, president of Missionary Training Center; Dan Scott, senior pastor of Christ Church in Nashville, Tenn.; Akira Takimoto, All Japan Revival Mission; Caleb Wehrli, president of EmpoweredE21 Asia delegate; and Wilson.

Empowered21's vision is to see that every person would have an authentic encounter with Jesus Christ through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit by Pentecost 2033. It is a Kingdom initiative facilitated by Oral Roberts University.

The next Empowered Global Congress is scheduled for Jerusalem May 18-24, 2015.

For more information, visit Empowered21's website here.

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