"Building" Ministry

Praise God for a good first term as a career missionary in Japan. I miss Japan, but I am also enjoying being back home with family and friends. Since July, I've been on the road, reconnecting with supporters and sharing what God is doing.

Just before leaving Japan in June, it became official news that our ministry team had been given a church building to use as the national Chi Alpha Student Center. The church had closed, but national leaders donated the building to be used to reach the youth of Japan, the most open age-group in Japan.

While waiting for the news to become official, our ministry team had many vision-casting discussions. It will be utilized for evangelism and discipleship:

For evangelism purposes, we envision Alpha and Quest courses, fellowship meals, gospel music workshops and concerts, coffee house, music lessons, study sessions, computer access, etc.

For discipleship, we foresee small group leader training, classes for campus leaders, theological/training retreats, prayer meetings, discipleship training in live-in settings, counseling, etc.

Also, we will have an office and maintain a library of resources. Two apartments are available for staff and/or short-term workers, as well as a kitchen and fellowship room.

To attract young people who think "English is cool", the student center has an English name, Live House J.

While I'm in the U.S. until next summer, missionary housing in Japan is slated for renovations. In Tokyo I live on the 2nd floor of the first Japan Assembly of God church. It's 80 years old, and my apartment is in need of renovation. If any skilled workers would like to go help, let me know so that I can connect you with Marty Jesski, the contractor who is coordinating the renovations within the next few months.