“Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possession” (Ps. 2:8).
Over 40 years ago, God gave me a vision of Asia and ignited me with a passion for this continent to be transformed with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thrilled to declare that today the nations of Asia are shifting and the glory of God is truly being made manifest among His people there.
In the past few months, I have had the honor of partnering with leaders in two Asian nations that I would like to highlight: Japan and China. On my February trip to Japan, I was thrilled to see the exploding church growth that is overtaking Tokyo. And most recently, I traveled to China to help raise up leaders in this country that is being transformed with the power and presence of God.
In both Japan and China, hearts are turning to Jesus, disciples are being made and God is raising up a generation of revivalists and reformers.
Exploding Church Growth in Tokyo, Japan
“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-10).
In February, I visited Pastor Isaac Masuyama’s church, called 21st Century Christ Church, right in the heart of Tokyo. Because Pastor Masuyama is an apostle in both the marketplace and the church, he has been able to finance a 21 million-dollar building in the most expensive part of downtown Tokyo—the only problem is that it’s already been outgrown by the congregation. The Japanese are hungry for the presence of God, and more and more are coming to their multiple services ready to learn the Word and worship their Heavenly Father.
Pastor Masuyama’s church is called not only to see hearts revived by the Spirit of God but to reform the culture and foundations of this nation with kingdom values. In training and equipping Japanese pastors from all over the country, we were able to help prepare them for a massive crusade led by evangelist Daniel Kolenda (which happened this past weekend, May 19th-21st). It was so encouraging to see the unity among different leaders who visited from throughout the country to learn and receive, and it was a powerful time of imparting to those who were hungry to bring a move of God to a country that is on the brink of transformation.
Japan has historically been very resistant to the gospel. The traditional religious belief in Shintoism has acted as a spiritual barrier to the growth of Christianity. But God has given me a great burden for this island nation, and it’s been such an honor to be involved as this movement is really taking off. I am expectant and excited to see how Japanese nationals will help revive and reform the nation of Japan—God has begun to move, and the name of Jesus is being made famous.
Revival Fire in Beijing, China
“I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions” (Joel 2:28).
I believe he Chinese will play an especially significant role in the global harvest that is coming. Revival has already transformed millions of lives in this nation, and I believe that as the people of China continue to experience the power of God, they will carry it to the nations of the world. Recently, I traveled to Beijing, China for a Wagner Leadership Institute conference for Chinese pastors. Along with a team of HIM leaders, I had the opportunity to train and equip both male and female pastors from all over the country who are hungry, passionate and genuine in their desire for more of God.
I have noticed an increase in level of authority and purpose in the Chinese leaders, even on the trip this month. More and more Chinese nationals are praying into this movement and more are going outside of the four walls of the church to spread the gospel.
I had the pleasure of having my son Kuoching Ngu, Joy’s husband, with me on the trip. He had an incredible word I wanted to share:
From day one of the trip (Kuoching), God was speaking to me about the destiny of China, His heart for the Chinese and how they will be able to lead and influence the nations for Christ. God gave me a vision of a map of China with matches being lit all across the country. The matches represent the Chinese who are being ignited with the power of God. As more and more matches are lit, the entire country is engulfed by flames, and the fire then spreads westward across the nations. I believe that this vision shows that this isn’t a movement that will be characterized by a few people in the spotlight. This is about advancing the kingdom through a generation of humble, hungry people who just want to chase after the purposes of God.
I also have noticed that this movement of God in China is like a spreading fire lit by many individuals, rather than like a flame that relies on a few. The Chinese are bold, and they know the authority they carry as believers in Christ. And as a result of many stepping out in faith and obeying the Word, the glory of God is increasing. Over the next few years, we are going to see even greater transformation in China as more matches are lit and the fire of the Holy Spirit spreads. {eoa}
Ché Ahn and his wife, Sue, are the Founding Pastors of HRock Church in Pasadena, California. Ché serves as the founder and president of Harvest International Ministry (HIM) and the international chancellor of Wagner Leadership Institute (WLI). With a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, he has played a key role in many strategic outreaches on local, national and international levels. He has written more than a dozen books and travels extensively throughout the world, bringing apostolic insight with an impartation of renewal, healing and evangelism.
This article originally appeared at hrockchurch.com.
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