Welcome, Service Members and Families
Far from home? Looking for a spiritual community in Okinawa? Gushikawa Baptist Church is a warm, English-friendly Bible church in Uruma City — within easy reach of Camp Courtney, Kadena Air Base, Camp Foster, and Camp Schwab.
About half of our congregation are English speakers. Every Sunday sermon is preached in Japanese, with full English (and Portuguese) sermon manuscripts provided. Whether you’ve just PCS’d in or have been here for years, you’ll find a place at our table — exactly as you are.
Sunday Service
- Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Kids’ Church: Runs alongside Sunday worship at 10:30 AM, with English materials
- Languages: Japanese sermon, with full English (and Portuguese) sermon manuscripts provided.
- Parking: Free, 19 spaces on site
- What to wear: Anything comfortable. No dress code.
From Your Base
| Base | Drive Time to GBC |
|---|---|
| Camp Courtney | ~ 5 minutes |
| Camp McTureous | ~ 5 minutes |
| Kadena Air Base | ~ 15 minutes |
| Camp Foster | ~ 25 minutes |
| MCAS Futenma | ~ 25 minutes |
| Camp Schwab | ~ 30 minutes |
Why Military Families Choose Us
- Bible-Centered — Traditional Baptist teaching, rooted in Scripture (KJV used in English).
- Truly Multilingual — Our leaders speak English and Portuguese. Pastor Nishino preaches in Japanese, with full English (and Portuguese) sermon manuscripts provided throughout the service.
- Family-Friendly — Kids’ Church, space for little ones, and a warm extended-family atmosphere.
- PCS Continuity — Many of our English-speaking attendees come for a season, then PCS on. We understand the rhythm of military life.
- No Pressure — Come, listen, ask questions. Take your time. There’s no obligation to give, join, or commit.
FAQ for Newcomers
Do I need to RSVP?
No. Just show up. We’ll meet you at the door.
What about my kids?
Bring them. Kids’ Church runs at the same time as worship, with materials in English.
Is the whole service in English?
The sermon is preached in Japanese, with full English (and Portuguese) sermon manuscripts provided through the entire service. Worship songs include English versions, and printed materials are available in English.
What denomination are you?
Independent Baptist. We hold to traditional Baptist beliefs and the authority of Scripture.
Will I be pressured to give or to join?
No. Come as you are. Take your time.
Visit Us
📍 Address: 3-3-6 Midori-cho, Uruma City, Okinawa 904-2215
📞 Phone: 098-973-2973
📧 Email: gbc.uruma@gmail.com
Connect With Us
Whatever brought you to Okinawa — orders, family, life — we’re glad you’re here. We’d love to meet you this Sunday.