Witnessing events in Japan
In a recent article published by Evangelical Focus, a publication of the Lausanne Movement, the topic of migration from Africa and its impact on missionary work has been brought to light. The article, which originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of the Lausanne Global Analysis, delves into the Japa movement, a phenomenon where many young Africans are migrating to Western countries, often through various visa schemes such as working as care workers, studying in Western colleges, and other opportunities.
The migration of Nigerian and other African youths is often seen as a form of brain drain on the continent. However, the article argues that this movement can potentially lead to migrating witnesses in Britain, individuals who, like the biblical characters Daniel and the Hebrew boys during one of the exilic periods, can engage in peaceful resistance and influence the culture around them.
The article references previous works, including "Diasporas from Cape Town 2010 to Manila 2015 and Beyond" by Sadiri Joy Tira and "Decolonising mission: Jesus's decolonial ethic of God's Kingdom" by Israel Oluwole Olofinjana. Olofinjana, an African Public Missiologist, Director of the One People Commission of the Evangelical Alliance, and a mission network initiative founder, emphasises the importance of contextually relevant mission practices.
The death of Stephen in the New Testament led to the scattering (diaspora) of believers, which was a catalyst for diasporic witnessing. Similarly, the Migrating Witnesses African Mission Movement in Britain illustrates how diaspora communities are redefining mission practices. This involves leveraging the cultural and religious diversity of migrant communities to spread the Gospel.
In the context of Majority World missions, several emerging vocabularies and concepts are being used to reimagine mission in the 21st century. One such concept is the Apostolic Imagination, which encourages a more biblically grounded approach to missions. Another is Mobilization from the Inside, an approach that emphasises internal mobilisation within churches and communities to stimulate missions involvement.
The article also highlights the strategic use of medical missions to share the Gospel and serve communities worldwide. In addition, it discusses the integration of local cultures and languages into mission practices, citing the example of African Independent Churches in Africa, which have reinterpreted Christian rites and healing practices by incorporating local traditions.
The hospitality shown to migrating witnesses should go beyond welcoming and strive for their integration into the church fellowship. This integration is crucial as many of the Nigerian and other African youths who migrate face exploitation and struggle to survive in their new countries. Similar patterns are being observed among Hong Kong migrants, with the term "Runology" being coined to describe their attempts to escape the political situation in their country.
Rev Chi-Wai Wu discussed 'Runology' in a presentation on Hong Kong migrants and their mission potential. Like the migrating witnesses from Africa, these individuals can be described as Christian agents used by God to bring about his kingdom purposes on earth. The trend towards integrating local cultures and languages into mission practices is evident, helping missions become more contextually relevant and effective in diverse settings.
[1] J.D. Payne, Ryan Shaw, and Rev Chi-Wai Wu, "Emerging Vocabulary and Concepts in Majority World Missions," Lausanne Global Analysis, January 2025. [2] Sadiri Joy Tira, "Diasporas from Cape Town 2010 to Manila 2015 and Beyond," Lausanne Global Analysis, July 2016. [3] Israel Oluwole Olofinjana, "Decolonising mission: Jesus's decolonial ethic of God's Kingdom," Lausanne Global Analysis, March 2024.
- In the realm of finance, the diaspora of African youths to Western countries presents an opportunity for businesses and charities to invest in education and self-development programs, fostering personal growth and potentially future professionals.
- For those seeking careers in diversity-and-inclusion, the Japa movement offers a rich context to research and learn about the unique experiences of African migrants in Western businesses and societies. This understanding can lead to more effective policies and practices promoting inclusion and cultural sensitivity.
- In the ongoing discourse on business ethics and mission work, the articles by Sadiri Joy Tira, Israel Oluwole Olofinjana, and others highlight the importance of contextually relevant mission practices. This principle can be applied in various sectors, including business, to create more inclusive and effective strategies for engagement with diverse communities.
