Bong Pedralvez
Photo credit: JIL Japan Facebook Account
Especially after the victorious and glorious 38th thanksgiving celebration of the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church last October 28, JIL Japan is filled with new hope. “Our workers and members are set to soar like eagles,” according to Ptr. Precie Canlas of JIL Japan. Ptr. Precie was appointed as pastor in the ministry in Japan two years ago.
Ptr. Precie, a former I-Care leader, said that it was then a challenge accepting her new assignment considering the “culture, language and climate.” But she quickly added that “We were given a mandate by the JIL leadership and we humbly followed. Nagpatianod po kami (We just followed God’s leading).”
Being a minister in a foreign land, Ptr. Precie admitted that she also had to cope with homesickness “but God has been good to us.” Known as a tireless and dedicated worker by her pastor peers, the energetic pastor, a Bachelor of Science Pharmacy graduate, was what the heavenly doctor ordered for overseas ministry.
Acknowledging the grace of God working through her and her fellow JIL pastors there in the Land of the Rising Sun, she was happy to testify that JIL Japan has five outreaches: Meguro in Central Tokyo, Central Yokohama, Ogawa in West Tokyo, Toda Koen in East Saitama and Saitama in Central Tokyo.
“We have close to 300 attendees, some of whom have even brought along their Japanese husbands to the church,” she bared. “We even have Peruvians and Nicaraguans attending our services in Meguro.”
Bro. Eddie and Sis. Dory Villanueva were in Japan last June to celebrate the church’s thanksgiving, according to her.
In a country where the religion is predominantly Shinto Buddhism, Ptr. Precie said that JIL’s Life Group Networks in the houses of their attendees have been credited for the steady growth of the church there.
Despite the challenges, she added that the move of the Holy Spirit has been powerful, with their services marked by signs and wonders. “There was one service when a Filipina who was oppressed by an evil spirit was delivered. In another service, a nanny was able to finally move and raise her right arm, which she was unable to do before, after they were ministered by God,” Ptr. Precie said.
“Our church motto and the promise that we claim is Psalm 37:4 ‘Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart,” she said. “And truly God has been faithful and we are grateful for what He has done and will continue to do for JIL Church Japan.”