Who is Joey?
I grew up as an MK (Missionary Kid or Messed-up Kid whichever fits better) in Yokohama, a suburb of Tokyo. I never imagined that God would call me back to the place where I grew up. In fact, since the young age of five, I had decided that even if He did, I would not obey. Things began to change for and in me, however, as God continued to work in my life. God really launched His campaign to change me during my time at college and in graduate school. My professors and peers at Wheaton College (and later at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) challenged me to grow in my relationship with God. What really got to me was thinking about my life goal and purpose. continue reading...
A little about Ai
I was born in good old Corvallis, Oregon while my dad was studying at Oregon State University. Soon after I was born we moved back to Japan. I spent my childhood in Nagasaki until I decided to take advantage of my dual citizenship and moved to Philomath, Oregon to learn English. After I graduated from high school, I was searching for the meaning of my life. Yes, I was thinking a lot at the age of 18. As I was attending Community College, my classmate invited me to an event for international student where I met a lot of Christian college students who were very nice and kind but not expecting anything back from me. I was very touched by the way they lived, having God as their first priority, and asking God for transformation. It was Romans 12:2 that made me decide to follow Christ...
Our Vision
We feel called to love and reach the younger generation in Japan. Take a train in Tokyo, walk around in the city for only a few minutes and you will see the emptiness in the eyes of most of the people you see. Most of the youth lack authentic relationships. We want to be a light to these people. We want to build genuine relationships and form authentic communities centered around Jesus Christ.
Raising up Japanese youth to be disciples of Jesus is my passion. My dream is to see the youth of Japan sent out as missionaries all over Japan and the world. Currently, we are planting communities of young believers in the Tokyo area.
