From birth to baptism: Global workers invest time to make Japanese disciples

As Kaoru’s parents dedicated her to the Lord when the Japanese girl was a baby 18 years ago, Jeff Chapman was there praying.  

Now, Chapman has baptized Kaoru as she made a clear decision to express her faith in Christ. She and her 16-year-old brother, Joe, publicly followed Christ in baptism on December 24.  

Chapman invested love and instruction in Kaoru during the years between her birth and baptism. He and his wife, Barb, have served in Japan for 25 years to give the least-reached people genuine chances for faith and hope in Christ. They are members of Converge's Japan Initiative.

“The Lord has brought us a season of harvest,” Chapman said about the baptisms. 

Related: Learn more about God’s work in Japan 

Joe and Kaoru, whose father pastors Keihanna Church south of Kyoto, were baptized in his church using a portable, folding baptistry. 

Kaoru’s faith really started advancing as she attended Chapman’s baptism class for the last year. That’s when she made a decision to follow Jesus, and Joe did as well. 

Chapman said prayers would benefit two other youth, Jun Ibaraki and his sister, Megu, who may also be baptized. Intercession for these young Japanese people can help them commit to following Christ in one of the world’s least-reached countries. 

Related: See the power of prayer in Converge’s most recent 24 hours of prayer 

Converge is asking God for a gospel movement among every least-reached people group — in our generation. Learn how we are playing a role in accomplishing the Great Commission and how you can be involved.