Above all, I believe the most important conviction in church planting is knowing where to lead people. It is not to a building or to any individual, but to the gospel: repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ
Pastor Kikuo Irie’s Testimony
I was born into a farming family in Fukuoka, Japan, surrounded by Buddhist and Shinto traditions. I had never seen a Bible or entered a Protestant church. When my mother died of cancer while I was in sixth grade, a deep emptiness opened in my heart. I tried to fill it with busyness—school, work, friends, and activity—but I still could not say, “I am glad to be alive.”
While I was in university, a Christian classmate and a fellow newspaper delivery friend invited me to church. There, in a small room with only a few folding chairs, I heard about Jesus Christ for the first time. That day, I received Christ as my Savior. The emptiness in my heart was filled, and true joy began to rise within me. (Testimony Cont. Below)
Recent Ministry
Last month, Saga Bible Church welcomed one first-time visitor from another church. While there are currently no seekers enrolled in the introductory Bible class, several people in the community have shown positive interest in the gospel, including M.I., Mr. F., F.S., F.E., and K.N. Please pray that each of these individuals would be drawn into deeper study of God’s Word and come to know Christ personally.
We are also preparing for several upcoming outreach opportunities. Next month, a short-term mission team from a Korean church will join us for gospel concerts and outreach events, and we are currently working on schedules and flyers. This month, an American missionary couple will begin two new ministries: a weekly English conversation outreach on Wednesday mornings and an every-other-week English Bible study after Sunday worship. Our hope is that these ministries will help build meaningful friendships in the Saga community and open doors for the gospel.
Prayer Requests
- Please continue to pray for Pastor Irie, his wife, and his 96-year-old mother-in-law as they serve together in the church planting ministry in Saga.
- Pray for wisdom in sermon preparation, fruitful ministry planning, pastoral care, and the spiritual growth of the church family.
- Please also pray for God’s provision and guidance regarding a future church building project. Last year, the church purchased an inexpensive piece of land in Saga City.
Testimony Cont.
God spoke to me through Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Though I was weak and timid, I came to know that the God who created the universe was with me. From my heart, I could finally say, “I am glad to be alive.”
Years later, in 2021, I was asked to consider pioneering ministry in Saga. As I prayed, God gave me Mark 8:34: “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” I understood that this calling was not about comfort or security, but about following Christ. Though I was 66 years old, with no acquaintances in Saga and many uncertainties, the Lord confirmed His will through Matthew 7:13: “Enter through the narrow gate.”
Now I serve in Saga because I believe Christ is building His church here. Above all, I believe the most important conviction in church planting is knowing where to lead people. It is not to a building or to any individual, but to the gospel: repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord has never abandoned me, and I trust Him to show His glory in Saga.