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Michael and Haruhi Widmer in Japan

Serving in Japan with OMF

We Introduce Ourselves

Michael is from Switzerland and Haruhi is Japanese. We have been married for 18 years and we have a 10 years old daughter. In Summer 2005, we were sent out by the BIEC to serve in Japan with OMF. For the last 4 1/2 years, we worked in Hokkaido, the northern most island of Japan. Our main ministries are church planting and theological education. Currently we are spending our first home assignment in Switzerland (planned return spring 2011).

We both were trained at the London School of Theology in 1993. During his studies, Michael discovered his love for the Old Testament, which paved the way for postgrad. studies in Durham (M. in OT and H. in Applied Linguistics - cross-cultural pragmatics). We both enjoy reading, outdoor activities, and socialising with friends. During our studies it became increasingly clear to us that Christianity is missionary by its very nature, or it denies its very raison d'être (Bosch). Our supreme motivation for mission, as John Stott states, "should not be obedience to the great commission, nor even the loving concern for those who do not yet know Jesus, important as these two incentives are, but first and foremost a burning zeal for the glory of Jesus Christ. For God has exalted him to the highest place, and desires everybody to honour him too."

OMF International

OMF is a Mission committed to the entire Gospel that seeks to bring the love of Jesus in word and deed to East Asia's Billions. OMF aims to see by God's grace an indigenous biblical church in each people group of East Asia, evangelizing their own people and reaching out in mission to other peoples. Approx. 1400 men and women from 30 different nations are serving with OMF. All workers trust God and pray that their needs are met.

Japan: Japan is beautiful and rich in culture. However, Japan's old religious traditions, high living standard, homogenious society, and long working hours have hindered the spread of the Gospel. More than 150 years after Protestant missions came to Japan, around one percent of the nation's 127 million people follow Christ. At the moment there are some 8000 protestant churches (approx. half of them are evangelical). In contrast there are 80 000 Buddhist temples & Shinto shrines respectively. A clear reminder that the task of preaching the Gospel is far from finished.

Our Ministries: Michael spent the first two years with language studies, while Haruhi was part of a missionary team from the start. Both of us were primarily involved at the Lighthouse Church and the Hokkaido Bible Institute.

The Lighthouse Church was planted 10 years ago. Today 30-40 people worship regularly in our service. Haruhi served as a deacon and our ministry involved preaching, friendship evangelism, Bible studies and outreaches. After years of prayer for a suitable Japanese pastor to take over the leadership from the missionaries, a wonderful and experienced couple will take over the church April 2011.

Hokkaido Bible Institute (HBI): An experienced missionary lamented recently: "What use is there in planting churches, if there is an acute shortage of Japanese pastors?" Besides, many of the Japanese pastors are approaching retirement. Therefore the recruiting and training of new church leaders is paramount. Most of our graduates serve as pastors in Hokkaido. HBI tries hard to balance between academic discipline, practical training, and spiritual formation. Michael teaches OT and Haruhi teaches theological English.

Do you want to support Michael and Haruhi or any of our other missionaries? Contact the pastor (Ted Steiner) or any member of the leadership group for more information.

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