By Exjani Rojas –
An innovative approach to winning the Japanese to Christ is now through online games, says a Japanese missionary.
“By using games with developers and Christian gamers to reach these people who have no way of hearing the gospel is such a brilliant idea,” says Monci Arciaga. “God is moving in Japan in ways that I never expected.”
Arciaga, who lives in Japan, says he attended a conference with Japanese game developers who are Christian. They are strategizing to introduce Christian beliefs into the backstory of the games. They’re working with people internationally, such as a developer named Gavin from Canada.
There’s a growing community of the Hikikomori, or outcasts who have withdrawn and taken refuge in anime, gaming and online forums. These people might be open to the gospel via games, Arciaga says.
“Even though they are not a part of a social group in a physical way, they’re actually part of a community somewhere online,” Arciaga says. “The only way to reach these people is online.”
The group is part of the Un-dark Initiative.
Arciaga didn’t respond to requests for an interview.
