Higashisuma RPC

Location: Kobe, Japan

Presbytery: Japan

Organized: May 22, 1960

Membership: 53 communicant, 27 baptized

Pastor: Sumito Sakai

Our History

In 1950, Dr. Sam Boyle and his wife Grace came to Japan from China. They founded the Covenanter mission in Ichinotani, Kobe, Japan. They were joined by Orlena Lynn a year later. The mission work started with worship on the Lord’s Day, English Bible class, Bible school for children, and hospital evangelism.

In 1952, the first fruits of the Japan mission were baptized: Mr. Masunaga, Mr. Maeda, and Ms. Hirakawa. In 1958, Mr. Masunaga was installed as the pastor of the Ichinotani RPC and became the first pastor in the RP Church in Japan.

The church was renamed Higashisuma RPC in 1960, the same year the new church building was completed. By God’s providence, 46 years later, they are building another church.

Mr. Masunaga retired in 1995, and Pastor Sakai has served the church since then. He has also recently begun to oversee the Hontamon Mission Station as a provisional elder. In the last 12 years, God has given the church rich blessings and spiritual training in times of trial. The new people in the church are fruits of His mercy with His providence in the church’s history.

Our Ministry

The church is currently without a building as it constructs its new one, which should be completed this spring. Normally, the church holds a special evangelism worship in the fall and spring, as well as outreach programs for the children in the summer and Christmas season. They have three different prayer meetings: one with a women’s Bible study class, one with study of biblical doctrines, and a prayer meeting that started to pray for the new building in 2003. The Higashisuma RPC believes that the spiritual power of the Christian church is given by God’s blessings on the study of His Word and from prayer.

Fun Facts

One of the families in the church has had 5 generations worship there: Mrs. Onishi is the oldest at 100 years old. She has 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Prayer Requests

1. Pray for God’s blessings on the church’s ministry through the new church building.

2. Pray for those in the church who are sick or struggling with their health, especially some of the older members.

3. Pray for Pastor Sakai, the ruling elders, and the deacons to be faithful disciples of Christ and His Word in their respective ministries and calling.

4. Ask the Lord to increase attendance and seekers in the worship.

5. Pray for the Lord’s blessing on the covenant children.