Why Tokyo?

My sense of call to vocational ministry was ignited while I was a college student attending Wallace Presbyterian Church.  Dr. Glenn Knecht preached a sermon on why Paul felt compelled to go to Rome, though he knew of the challenges that awaited him, for the sake of the gospel.  I was counseled to be faithful in serving Christ where I was, and to be open to wherever the Lord might lead.  Though seminary training came years later, I naturally gravitated towards urban ministry and diverse ministry contexts out of a love for Christ and belief in the power of the gospel to change people’s hearts and lives. Over the years, I have sensed an increasing desire to proclaim Christ where “He is not known” (Romans 15:20).  Tokyo is the Rome of the twenty-first century.

At this point in my life I want to be involved in supporting church planting efforts through personal encouragement of missionaries, team and leadership development, preaching and teaching, getting to know people through hospitality and networking with business professionals.  I prefer to work under leadership that is vision oriented as well as relationally focused, where delegation and trust are high.  This style of leadership too in some ways suits a missionary calling.

We are excited to be working with Daniel Iverson III, the MTW Japan country director as well as serving among the congregation of Grace City Church in downtown Tokyo. Their pastor, Rev. Makoto Fukuda, was the first Japanese church planter supported by City to City.

God has naturally wired me to be a learner through observation, interaction, collaboration, interviewing and reflection.  As a leader I have learned from the joy of great experiences, but also from the suffering that comes with difficult ones.  I learned to trust God and be content in all circumstances.  I learned the importance of peacemaking skills in the midst of conflict. I learned about the power of forgiveness.  I learned to surrender to God my reputation in the face of false allegations.  I have learned that God’s strength is revealed in my weakness, though I do not like to be seen as weak.

But the greatest lesson I have learned is my need to be a vital part of a team committed to each other’s growth in grace as well as offering relational support and encouragement.  Our time in Japan will be challenging in terms of learning the culture, adapting to minister effectively to those God places around us, and leaning into and accepting our limitations. We look forward to serving with Mission to the World in Tokyo, Japan.