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

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!

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

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 [email protected] or sending them to our Instagram @ServeAsiaPodcast

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: [email protected]

What does it really look like to live alongside Muslims? In this episode, Dr G and Rob draw on years of experience to explore the joy and complexity of cross-cultural friendship: from shared meals and heartfelt conversations, and curiosity as well as challenges of privacy, belonging, and misunderstanding.

Follow us and get in touch:

Instagram:@ServeAsiaPodcast

Email:[email protected]

As Jennie emerges from the shadow of her more well-known husband, you'll discover an amazing missionary pioneer and woman of faith and be inspired by the outstanding contribution she made to the gospel through the China Inland Mission.

Stay tuned to hear about Marion Osgood's new book Jennie Hudson Taylor and learn about Jennie's life, her loves, and the adventures she experienced along the way.

Buy the book here: https://omf.org/uk/resource/jennie-hudson-taylor/

Join Chris as we explore the sounds and sights of Thailand.

Together, we'll meet some of the intriguing wildlife, discover more about Thai traditions and religion, and hitch a ride on unique transportation in this very noisy episode of Kids Exploring East Asia.

Video available on Spotify or YouTube: https://youtu.be/-hIgnQPIOtE

Sounds used in the episodes:

Animal call recorded by Israel Benjumeda. Used under Creative Commons License

Thai Worker's Lunch by Organuz

In this episode of Kids Exploring East Asia, join Chris on an exciting adventure through Thailand.

Explore delightful food and diverse culture. Thailand's rich history and the unique role of elephants, as well as a taste of the tropical weather and famous fruits.

Tune in for a fun, educational journey through the heart of Southeast Asia!

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to Thailand [00:00]

Elephants in Thai culture [01:27]

Thailand’s tropical climate [03:06]

Famous fruits [05:18]

Thailand’s beautiful beaches [10:00]

A prayer for the people of Thailand [10:44]

Video available on Spotify or YouTube: https://youtu.be/yVv3aXmHH0k

Mystery sound courtesy of Israel Benjumeda.

Used under Creative Commons License

Increasing numbers of young people around the UK today are growing up across cultures, trying to work out their identity, sometimes struggling to feel like they belong and navigating challenging generational divides.

How can intercultural churches respond and help grow intercultural disciples who live out the good news of Jesus?

And what does all this have to do with taking the gospel around the world anyway?

Reuben and Nathaniel are back for the final episode of our series on intercultural church exploring these questions and more with our guests:

Find out more about our intercultural ministries and links to the resources mentioned in this episode at omf.org/uk/intercultural.

Book for the OMF (UK) National Conference (7-9 March 2025), which features a seminar on intercultural church led by Nathaniel, at omf.org/uk/2025.