The Serve Asia Podcast

Uncovering Japan (Ep. 2): Language, Culture, and Learning to rely on God

John Timothy in Hokkaido describes daily life and ministry as far more exhausting in Japanese, including praying and speaking about Jesus accurately. Liz and Mike, still struggle with language and understanding cultural reasons behind behavior after 15 years here, while AJ compares the transition to feeling “reborn as a baby,” describing frustration and humiliation when he can’t do familiar ministry tasks. Workers also highlight cultural dynamics like honne and tatemae, making it hard to discern genuine interest, and a reluctance to correct mistakes, alongside common barriers like busyness. Margaret and others reflect that these trials become “God’s sandpaper,” deepening humility and reliance on God’s work rather than performance. Visit our website for resources and more information on OMF Japan⁠ [https://omf.org/uk/east-asia/japan/#resources] 00:00 Welcome 01:06 Why Language Exhausts 03:31 Feeling Like a Baby 05:38 Culture Honne and Tatemae 08:44 Busyness and Time Barriers 10:12 God Uses the Friction 10:42 Humbled Into Reliance 13:27 Trials and James 1 15:29 Next Episode and Farewell

Uncover Japan (Ep. 1) - Why go to Japan?

Based on his first trip through Japan in late 2025 from Greater Tokyo to Sapporo, meeting OMF workers who partner with the Japanese church, Chris Watts hosts "Uncovering Japan". He highlights the surprising need for cross-cultural Christian workers in a highly developed country of about 126 million, where only around 0.5% identify as Christian, and numbers may be shrinking. Conversations in Tokyo, Sendai, and beyond explore Japan's beauty, seasonal celebrations, safety, convenience, and reliability, as well as what drew OMF workers to come here: awareness of Japan's low gospel exposure, perceived loneliness and hopelessness, and places with no church. Meg, Roz, AJ, and John describe their callings and challenges, including difficulty connecting with people and hidden issues in Japan, and the importance of prayer and partnership. Visit our website for resources and more information on OMF Japan [https://omf.org/uk/east-asia/japan/#resources] 00:00 Welcome to Uncovering Japan 01:40 Why Japan Needs Missionaries 03:03 Meg in Tokyo 05:07 What They Love About Japan 07:51 Why They Came to Japan 10:16 Stories From Roz and AJ 12:04 John's Call to Serve 13:52 Beneath Japan's Picture Postcard Image 17:24 Gospel Barriers and Apathy 19:22 Next Episode and Resources

Kids Exploring East Asia: Vietnam 3 - Coffee, crowds, cashews in Ho Chi Minh City

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. Join Chris as his adventure in Vietnam continues. Today, we'll learn about Vietnamese coffee, piles of crunchy cashew nuts and how to cross a road filled with millions of motorbikes!

Kids Exploring East Asia: Vietnam 2 - Sandwiches and History in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, where our adventure in Vietnam continues. Join Chris as he explores the history of Vietnam's capital city, sees wonderful water puppets, and tastes delicious Banh Mi. Chris even has a quick language lesson with 9-year-old Sophia. Theatres sounds from: BR_045_VN_HanoiTheater.mp3 by kevp888 --https://freesound.org/s/440650/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Kids Exploring East Asia: Vietnam - Mysterious Mountains

Kids Exploring East Asia in Vietnam. Join Chris as he travels to the mountains of this wonderful country. Meet the Hmong, Nung, and Tay peoples. Discover two incredible creatures and venture into the world's largest cave Son Doong! [https://oxalisadventure.com/cave/son-doong-cave/] Draw a Pangolin Challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpone4Y7OI8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpone4Y7OI8] Share your drawing with us by emailing to uk.podcast@omfmail.com or sending them to our Instagram @ServeAsiaPodcast