The Serve Asia Podcast

OMF International UK
  • 4.7 (10)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semimonthly

Stories of how the gospel is spread among the people of East Asia, interviews with those who have crossed cultures to share the good news, and discussions that will equip and inspire you in your evangelism wherever you are. Visit www.omf.org/uk/podcast for more information

  1. Uncovering Japan (Ep. 4): Ordinary People Taking Small Steps

    May 22

    Uncovering Japan (Ep. 4): Ordinary People Taking Small Steps

    In the final episode of "Uncovering Japan" on theServe Asia Podcast, host Chris Watts reflects on conversations with OMF workers during travel through Japan in 2025, asking what their stories mean for listeners. He highlights that missionaries are ordinary people who feel fear and self-doubt, illustrated by AJ and a Japanese pastor agreeing to be "terrified together," and argues that fear can sit alongside obedience. Stories from Liz, John and Birita Timothy, and others show that calling is often gradual--growing awareness of Japan's spiritual need (fewer than 1% Christian), prayer, counsel from church and OMF, and taking the next step, including "come and see."   Find out more – 5-minute prayer guide for Japan  OMF Japan on Instagram  Serve Asia trips to Japan   00:00 Welcome and Series Recap 01:18 The Question for You 01:59 Fear and Vulnerability 04:52 No Missionary Type 08:19 Calling One Step at a Time 12:42 Come and See Japan 13:24 Challenges and Isolation 15:20 Hope and Open Doors 18:22 How to Pray and Engage 20:44 Next Steps Visit our website for resources and more information on OMF Japan⁠

    22 min
  2. Uncovering Japan (Ep. 3): Faithfulness Over Results

    May 8

    Uncovering Japan (Ep. 3): Faithfulness Over Results

    John Newton Webb, a pastor in Sapporo, describes sharing the gospel with thousands over 15 years, yet seeing few baptisms, and admits the daily discouragement of expecting little response. Others compare the experience to Jeremiah’s largely rejected ministry and emphasise living with “faith and faithfulness,” not measuring success by numbers, since God gives the growth. Workers highlight the importance of partnership and learning from Japanese Christians’ joyful perseverance, patience, respect for God, reflective worship, and valuing small churches and small steps. Meg reframes fruitfulness as obedience, sharing a long-term conversion story tied to 2011 tsunami relief. The episode concludes with John’s advice: “Do it for Jesus.” Visit our website for resources and more information on OMF Japan⁠ 00:00 Welcome and Recap 01:45 Slow Fruit in Japan 04:10 Jeremiah and Faithfulness 06:13 Faith Not Results 08:58 Partnership and Learning 09:59 Small Church Lessons 12:10 Persevering Japanese Faith 15:20 Beholding and Reverence 17:48 Fruitfulness as Obedience 23:35 "Do It for Jesus" 25:08 Next Episode trail

    25 min
  3. Uncovering Japan (Ep. 2): Language, Culture, and Learning to rely on God

    Apr 24

    Uncovering Japan (Ep. 2): Language, Culture, and Learning to rely on God

    John Timothy in Hokkaido describes daily life and ministry as far more exhausting in Japanese, including praying and speaking about Jesus accurately. Liz and Mike, still struggle with language and understanding cultural reasons behind behavior after 15 years here, while AJ compares the transition to feeling “reborn as a baby,” describing frustration and humiliation when he can’t do familiar ministry tasks. Workers also highlight cultural dynamics like honne and tatemae, making it hard to discern genuine interest, and a reluctance to correct mistakes, alongside common barriers like busyness. Margaret and others reflect that these trials become “God’s sandpaper,” deepening humility and reliance on God’s work rather than performance. Visit our website for resources and more information on OMF Japan⁠ 00:00 Welcome 01:06 Why Language Exhausts 03:31 Feeling Like a Baby 05:38 Culture Honne and Tatemae 08:44 Busyness and Time Barriers 10:12 God Uses the Friction 10:42 Humbled Into Reliance 13:27 Trials and James 1 15:29 Next Episode and Farewell

    16 min
  4. Uncover Japan (Ep. 1) - Why go to Japan?

    Apr 10

    Uncover Japan (Ep. 1) - Why go to Japan?

    Based on his first trip through Japan in late 2025 from Greater Tokyo to Sapporo, meeting OMF workers who partner with the Japanese church, Chris Watts hosts "Uncovering Japan". He highlights the surprising need for cross-cultural Christian workers in a highly developed country of about 126 million, where only around 0.5% identify as Christian, and numbers may be shrinking. Conversations in Tokyo, Sendai, and beyond explore Japan's beauty, seasonal celebrations, safety, convenience, and reliability, as well as what drew OMF workers to come here: awareness of Japan's low gospel exposure, perceived loneliness and hopelessness, and places with no church. Meg, Roz, AJ, and John describe their callings and challenges, including difficulty connecting with people and hidden issues in Japan, and the importance of prayer and partnership. Visit our website for resources and more information on OMF Japan 00:00 Welcome to Uncovering Japan 01:40 Why Japan Needs Missionaries 03:03 Meg in Tokyo 05:07 What They Love About Japan 07:51 Why They Came to Japan 10:16 Stories From Roz and AJ 12:04 John's Call to Serve 13:52 Beneath Japan's Picture Postcard Image 17:24 Gospel Barriers and Apathy 19:22 Next Episode and Resources Sounds from https://freesound.org/ Shinkansen announcements arriving in Sendai from Morioka by hoshisato -- https://freesound.org/s/822623/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Announcement train accelerating Tokyo japan next station Nihombashi  edlarez vsnr.wav by visionear -- https://freesound.org/s/624298/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

    20 min
  5. Kids Exploring East Asia: Vietnam 3 - Coffee, crowds, cashews in Ho Chi Minh City

    Mar 27

    Kids Exploring East Asia: Vietnam 3 - Coffee, crowds, cashews in Ho Chi Minh City

    Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. Join Chris as his adventure in Vietnam continues. Today, we'll learn about Vietnamese coffee, piles of crunchy cashew nuts and how to cross a road filled with millions of motorbikes!

    9 min
  6. Kids Exploring East Asia: Vietnam 2 - Sandwiches and History in Hanoi

    Mar 13

    Kids Exploring East Asia: Vietnam 2 - Sandwiches and History in Hanoi

    Welcome to Hanoi, where our adventure in Vietnam continues. Join Chris as he explores the history of Vietnam's capital city, sees wonderful water puppets, and tastes delicious Banh Mi. Chris even has a quick language lesson with 9-year-old Sophia. Theatres sounds from: BR_045_VN_HanoiTheater.mp3 by kevp888 --https://freesound.org/s/440650/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

    9 min
  7. Kids Exploring East Asia: Vietnam - Mysterious Mountains

    Jan 29

    Kids Exploring East Asia: Vietnam - Mysterious Mountains

    Kids Exploring East Asia in Vietnam. Join Chris as he travels to the mountains of this wonderful country. Meet the Hmong, Nung, and Tay peoples. Discover two incredible creatures and venture into the world's largest cave Son Doong! Draw a Pangolin Challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpone4Y7OI8 Share your drawing with us by emailing to uk.podcast@omfmail.com or sending them to our Instagram @ServeAsiaPodcast

    10 min

  8. 12/08/2025

    Our Muslim Neighbours Ep2: Going Beyond Hello

    We continue our conversation with Rob and Dr G about what it looks like to live alongside Muslims in Southeast Asia and the UK. This time, our guests explore practical steps to help us go beyond just saying hello to genuine friendship. Discover how prayer, listening, and openness can transform everyday encounters into meaningful relationships. Follow us and get in touch Instagram: @ServeAsiaPodcast Email: uk.podcast@omfmail.com

    33 min
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4.7
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Stories of how the gospel is spread among the people of East Asia, interviews with those who have crossed cultures to share the good news, and discussions that will equip and inspire you in your evangelism wherever you are. Visit www.omf.org/uk/podcast for more information

Information

  • Creator
    OMF International UK
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © OMF International UK
  • Show Website
    The Serve Asia Podcast

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