30/04/2026
‘You’ve got three people in church. Why don’t you just close up?’
”If we do, there’s no Christian presence in this town.”
OMF worker Steve Manders shared how this exchange with Japanese Christians in one shrinking town deeply challenged him. In his hometown in Australia, “There’s a church on every corner—if one closes, I just walk around the block.” But for them, the nearest church is a half-hour drive. Having a church in their town matters. So the question becomes: as these towns continue to shrink, how do we help churches remain and grow in new or different ways?
This is the heart of the Sorachi Project, which Steve and his wife Saeko began in 2015.
Located in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, Sorachi is especially meaningful to them. Saeko grew up here and came to faith in one of the churches OMF planted in the mid-20th century. The region was once built on coal mining, but when Japan shifted energy strategies, the mines closed. Jobs disappeared, people moved away, and churches began to struggle. One eventually closed. Yet the need remains—these communities still need to hear the good news of Jesus.
Steve and Saeko spent six years in Sorachi supporting local churches through practical help before moving on to another ministry. Steve has since gone to be with the Lord, and the work they began continues.
Today, Keith and Celia Olson, based in nearby Sapporo, continue this work by helping four churches connect with one another and with the wider region. While the form of the ministry has changed, the goal remains the same: to nurture what already exists and help it grow. Their focus is encouragement, relationship-building, and strengthening churches to shine for Jesus in difficult circumstances.
Listening and adapting are central to this work. Rather than bringing in fixed strategies, the team emphasises learning from each church. As Keith reflects, arriving with a plan and telling churches what they need would have been “disastrous.” Every church is different, so listening comes first.
Sometimes the help needed is simple and practical. On a snowy Sunday when Steve arrived to preach and found the church toilets frozen. He grabbed an ice pick and began breaking the ice—finishing just in time to give his sermon. Ministry here often means stepping into whatever is needed that day.
Still, the aim is not to lead but to support. As Steve put it, “We want to support the church without leading the church.” A key goal is helping local churches support one another rather than rely on missionaries. The Olsons foster this by connecting churches, organising guest preachers, and creating opportunities for shared ministry. Keith regularly preaches, while Celia holds evangelistic concerts that churches can invite friends to attend. These efforts strengthen relationships and expand support networks beyond Sorachi.
Reflecting on the ministry, the Olsons say its purpose is connection—to remind churches that they are loved, valued, and not alone. That the global church sees them and believes they have something to offer. In turn, these small churches teach powerful lessons of perseverance, patience, and service.
As Matthew 18:20 reminds us, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (NIV). Though Sorachi’s population is shrinking, God’s purpose and love for these churches remain.
Pray with us:
For wisdom for Keith and Celia as they lead this work
For encouragement for small and ageing congregations
For churches receiving members who move to cities
That many in these communities would come to know Jesus
