MB Church in Toyota, Japan celebrates new church property

Ten years of prayer and seeking for the right location have come to fruition for the Mennonite Brethren church in Toyota, Japan. Just five days before Christmas, missionaries Laurence and Leona Hiebert received the keys to two buildings on a new church property, in the area where they have been working for more than a decade.

The Hieberts went to Japan in 1988 as missionaries with MBMS International, the global mission agency of Mennonite Brethren churches in Canada and the United States. Upon moving to Toyota City in 1991 they began a church planting effort under the Japan MB Conference (JMBC). The small congregation had been renting a local community centre for services when it found the land it eventually bought, only a 3-minute walk away.

The new land includes a house, as well as a second building of 450 sq. feet that is being used as a temporary meeting place for the church. The church is now raising funds to construct a new building.

Being a small congregation, and with land prices quite high in Japan, the church was concerned about finding finances for the property. However, a number of situations helped make the purchase easier. Not only did the seller of the property accept the church’s first bid, but also the church gained religious activities tax exemption status, and the real estate agent waived his fee. Also, after a 21-year old church member was killed in a motorcycle accident, his family contributed his accident insurance to the church. In the last month both believers and seekers have given generously. MBMS International provided a grant from its building fund. Furthermore, the Hieberts indicate that a good number of their supporters in Canada and the United State have given substantial amounts. The church has borrowed the remaining 10% from the JMBC.

“We feel God has given our church a wonderful Christmas present to remind us of His great love and the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ,” says Laurence Hiebert.

The new church building in Toyota City is the latest chapter of a strong history of MB presence in Japan. The MB work began in 1950 when Ruth Wiens was sent to the Osaka area. In the next 52 years churches were planted around the city and in the suburbs of Osaka. Today there are 25 churches with a membership of over 1,500. In addition to church planters, MBMS International and the JMBC support eight English teachers spread out over 13 different MB churches.

This is not the end of the journey for this church, however, but the beginning of a long awaited dream. With a building of their own on a highly visible main road, the congregation hopes to attract new people and develop new ministries. In addition, the Hieberts hope the location will open doors to build relationships with their new neighbours.

In April, the Hieberts will begin four months of Ministry In North America. To contribute to the support of the Hieberts or the Toyota MB Church building fund, send designated donations to MBMS International at 304–32025 Dahlstrom Ave, Abbotsford B.C. V2T 2K7.

—Megan E. Roberts, MBMS International