One word describes the Loma Linda Japanese church: active!

Members participate in a variety of group ministries. One group supports physical and occupational therapy students who come from central Japan to the U.S. for three months. Humanitech Rehabilitation College has been affiliated with Loma Linda University since 2002. Families “adopt” the 15 visiting students and invite them to many activities, including the church service.

Before returning to Tokyo last fall, their leader told the church, “Thank you for sharing the gospel with us.” Although it was the first time they had ever attended a Christian church, it had become a highpoint of their week. In addition to services, the students enjoyed the potluck lunch and time to visit informally.

On their last Sabbath, the students sang a hymn for the congregation that they had learned and practiced. All took Bibles home to Japan, their first. The church has befriended approximately 45 students over three years. The exchange program was initiated by Keiko Khoo, a Japanese church member who teaches at Loma Linda University.

Another popular ministry is the Japanese language school. Kei Kobashigawa organizes weekly classes. Members who speak Japanese teach others who, for a variety of reasons, are eager to learn. Some community Japanese parents enroll their children. These new friends are then invited to Sabbath services and to join a small group. Toshio Shibata, associate pastor of the church, also broadcasts sermons in the Japanese language over the internet (www.lljapanese.com).

A favorite family ministry is WOW Sabbath—Worship on Wheels. Twice a year at the holidays, children and adults pack as many as 160 boxes with food and distribute these to poor families or group homes.

When one woman asked who was donating the food and was told it was Seventh-day Adventists, she said to a friend, “See, I told you it was the Adventists.” Many recipients give members hugs of appreciation.

The Loma Linda Japanese church began in 1967 as a Sabbath school class for Japanese students. Today, both Japanese and English-speaking groups meet at the church. Although currently in rented quarters, the congregation is purchasing property for a sanctuary. At its new location, it will be renamed the Loma Linda Mission Road church.

The 273-member congregation includes individuals from Japan, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Pacific Islands, the Philippines and the U.S. On International Sabbath, members wear national dress. This popular mission pageant reflects the diverse population of the Southeastern California Conference and serves as a foretaste of heaven.