Bio: Although Richard Lucas was called to missions at about age six, and to Japan at about age 12, it was another 20 years before he and his wife Jean arrived in Japan. Originally sent to build churches reaching American military personnel, their work since 1993 has focused primarily on evangelizing the Japanese. Since 1997 Lucas has served as superintendent of the UPC of Japan. The work has grown from 73 UPCJ constituents in 1997 to 482. While the Lucases were on deputation, the work continued experiencing good solid growth. Their ministry includes personal soul winning, pastoring, leadership training, writing and leading a team translating materials for evangelism and training, and as superintendent leading the growing work. Their three sons, all born in Japan, have been used of the Lord to open wonderful doors of opportunity and are a great blessing in the work.
More information:
Japan
Japan/Nippon
Area Coordinator:
Superintendent/President: Richard L. Lucas
Population: 127800000
Area: 145,869 sq. mi.
Capital: Tokyo
Languages: Japanese
Religions: observe both Shinto and Buddhist, 84%; other, 16% (including Christian 0.7%)
Japan is an island nation off Asia’s east coast. Its crescent shape, consisting of more than 4,000 islands, extends for 1,860 miles from the northern tip to the southwestern tail. It is a country of great natural beauty and is well known for the graciousness of its people. Most of Japan’s population lives in the coastal areas of its four main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu). Oneness missionaries went to Japan early in the twentieth century. For several years the UPC of Japan was nationalized, but the growth was very slow. In 1993 the work was reorganized. Since 1995 the UPCJ has grown from 54 constituents in five churches to 482 constituents in nine churches and preaching points, with 12 licensed ministers in 2006. Superintendent Lucas states, “Great unity among the missionaries, AIM workers, ministers, and saints and emphasis on evangelism, discipleship, and leadership and ministerial training are producing a harvest and making this an exciting place to work. A tremendous need exists for more men and women with a call who do not mind working and being part of a team and who are willing to give themselves totally to seeing the harvest of souls in Japan.”