The Gospel for All People

Written by Yutaro Kato, Staff for Kanto Region

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as a staff worker at KGK from this April. Although I was born and raised in Japan, I spent about eight years overseas from the time I graduated from university until March of this year. I first spent a year studying at OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, UK, and from 2018 onwards, I served with a mission organization in Singapore that focuses on evangelism undergirded by apologetics.

As I engaged in ministry—addressing the questions of both Singaporeans and Japanese living in Singapore while sharing the gospel—I learned many valuable lessons. One of the convictions that grew in my heart during that time was this: when speaking to those who do not yet believe in Christ, it is not only important to explain that the Christian faith is true, but also to communicate how it meaningfully relates to their personal lives in a compelling way.

In order to further explore this theme, I pursued theological studies at a Bible College in Singapore, where I met my wife, a Singaporean, who was one of my classmates. By God's grace, we were led to marriage. After graduating from seminary, I interned at her home church, Paya Lebar Methodist Church, and since February 2025, my wife and I have been officially sent out as missionaries from that church, serving with the mission organization OMF.

In Singapore, approximately 18% of the population identify as Christians, and many churches there are deeply committed to global missions and faithfully send missionaries abroad. We are keenly aware that our being sent to Japan is made possible through the prayers and sacrificial support of many. We desire to serve with hearts full of gratitude for their partnership in the gospel.

I have a particular interest in sharing the gospel through apologetics. This does not mean trying to win arguments or forcing someone to believe through debate. I firmly believe that it is ultimately God who works in a person’s heart to lead them to faith. However, when there are misunderstandings or stumbling blocks regarding God or the Bible, I believe apologetics can play a helpful role in removing those barriers.

God has given us such a beautiful and powerful gospel regardless of our nationalities, genders, and backgrounds—one too precious to live life without knowing. I look forward to walking alongside students as we experience the richness of this gospel together and support them in sharing it.