Established approximately forty years ago by a Canadian missionary named Joe Cannon, and three Japanese men (Kazuyoshi Mawatari, Junichiro Matsumoto and Akira Hirose), this congregation is the only church of Christ in Miyagi prefecture. There is only one other church of Christ in northern Japan. The next closest church is approximately four hours away by the local train.

The church in Sendai was established with a dream. Brother Matsumoto, a university professor who had converted one of his students (Akira Hirose), contacted Joe Cannon with the idea of establishing the church in Sendai. Cannon and one of his students, Mawatari, traveled to the northern city to begin holding gospel meetings. After a month's time, Joe Cannon left to return to other work in the central part of Japan. Kazuyoshi Mawatari stayed behind, choosing to continue as a fulltime evangelist for the fledgling church family.

Twenty active members worship together each Sunday in Sendai.  In 1995, the body renewed a vision for evangelism and growth. They agreed to host a Let's Start Talking team, beginning in the summer of 1995, with the hopes that it would create more contacts. For the last five years, they have continued to host LST teams from York College. Each year, the number of contacts grows, with 75 to 90 people per summer and 30 people on a waiting list.  The church finds it impossible to do adequate follow-up with the overwhelming blessing of this program. The church body is small, but they function as a family and as a closely-knit community. Mawatari-sensei reports approximately two baptisms per year over the last five years. The church is seeking ways to grow, expand their leadership, and mature as a congregation. Future goals include an eldership and a Christian high school.

In Japan, most conversions occurred immediately following World War II. Since then, the membership has been aging without much growth and there is concern that much of the church will die with the passing of current generations. In Sendai, this still holds somewhat true. The city has eight colleges and universities - there is a great need for campus ministry. Also, the church has no children's ministry, but they desire to begin one. It was for this reason that the church actively pursued the idea of a mission team forming to assist, support and extend the current work.

All four Sendai Mission Team members have worked in Sendai together through the Let's Start Talking program. It was there that God planted a seed in them to commit to the work in Sendai. The church in Sendai issued an invitation in April 2000 to the team. Now the team is on the field and working diligently.

READ ABOUT THE MISSION PLAN...