Fundraising in Japan

Fundraising is extremely uncommon in Japan (and uncommon may even be an understatement). It is simply not done. In Japan, most people focus on saving for their future. Self-sufficiency is expected and honorable. In the midst of this culture, Yumi challenged her small church body to think of ways to fundraise. Their creativity amazed us!  One decided to offer a make-up class for women while another (Pastor Hiroshi) will offer a guitar class. Another woman at the church creatively thought of offering a class to make a particular Japanese dessert (involving mochi). They also decided to host a mini garage sale. It is beautiful to watch them use and share their talents and skills to create fun fundraising opportunities (in a country where fundraising is rarely/if ever done). Yumi recently shared another exciting aspect of these fundraisers is that it is drawing more people to the church: “I am thankful for the fundraising events at my church because through these events my friends, church family’s friends, my English class student’s family and their friends are coming to the church!”