The Journey of Faith Bearing Fruit
On February 7, 1973, a Christian church was born in the snow-covered land of Hokkaido.
Its name: Sapporo Shinsei Christ Church.
'I want to build 10 churches in Hokkaido'
The seed of prayer sown by a man named Shoji Konno who held this vision has borne fruit.
Birth of the Church
Pastor Hiroshi Tanaka of Japan Baptist Convention's Kumamoto Shinsei Church was appointed and sent from Kyushu to Sapporo, beginning a self-supporting pioneering mission.
At that time, the Tanaka family consisted of five people: a 5-year-old son, a 3-year-old son, and a 2-month-old daughter. They moved from distant Kumamoto to the northern city of Sapporo, taking two days to travel.
A New Beginning
They began their new life using mandarin orange boxes as substitutes for kitchen cabinets. It was a challenge coming from a world unfamiliar with snow.
The first location was a rented house in Shin-Kotoni. The following year, they rented a house with an office on North 22nd Street in the Higashi Ward.
Growth of the Church
In 1980, they rented a church building combined with a pastor's residence at East Ward 45th Street. Though there were many hardships, the church was given mysterious helpers, people were saved, and the church grew amid a journey filled with endless gratitude.
Completion of the Church Building
In 1987, they decided to purchase a property in Takuhoku in the Kita Ward. On September 11, 1988, the Sapporo Shinsei Christ Church building was completed after renovation work.
For such a small church to purchase land and property worth 25 million yen at that time was nothing short of miraculous, like young David defeating the giant Goliath.
A Sister Who Supported
Actually, there was one person who moved from Kyushu with the Tanaka family. A lady named Shizue Awa.
With a desire to 'dedicate my later years to the spreading of Christ's gospel,' she left her familiar Kyushu and moved to the snowy north, living with the Tanaka family, constantly praying for the church, supporting it, and especially dedicating her later years to teaching and raising children, the next generation.
Shizue Awa's Prayer (Prayer Vow Document from 1982)
The Lord's Holy Will and My Prayer Wishes
- Completion of faith
- Staying in Jerusalem until the end
- A prayer life befitting old age
- Dedicating time to pray (for the church, for the pastor)
- Jacob's blessing prayer for the pastor
- Prayer for the second generation (to stand firm until the end)
- Blessing of the work of grace, giving with joy
Lifelong Great Aspiration
- Praying that Pastor Tanaka will always be filled with God's power, life, and the Holy Spirit, blessed with good health, and blessed in pastoral ministry and evangelism to seekers
- Development of the church, the fulfillment of world evangelism and revival evangelism
- Completion of the church
Prayers for Loved Ones
- That Pastor Tanaka will fulfill his mission until the end
- That suitable workers for the Sunday school will be provided
- That the second generation will be able to attend with joy
- That the second generation will be precious vessels when they grow up
- That those dedicated to ministry will emerge from the second generation
Present Day
Even after Shizue Awa's passing, her prayers have all borne fruit without falling to the ground.
The church advanced powerfully and acquired adjacent land.
In 1998, Shinya Tanaka became a pastor, in 2007 Teruki Ohara became an evangelist, and in 2010 Michiya Tanaka became a youth pastor, with many precious helpers supporting the church.
Filled with many encounters, much gratitude, and powerful prayers, Sapporo Shinsei Christ Church continues to sing of God's love and hope today.
A church that is homey and filled with love. Why not come and visit us once?
Sapporo Shinsei Christ Church warmly welcomes you.