Q When did you first know God was calling you to the mission’s field?

My mission’s professor at Bible college encouraged me to consider going to Japan as a missionary when I was attending North American Baptist College.

Q What life experiences did you have that helped you prepare to go overseas?

My whole life has prepared me in a sense because I grew up as a third-culture kid as a Japanese-Canadian.    I have had many cross-cultural experiences growing up with many international friends.

Q How would you describe your first year on the mission field?

Exciting.  A time of exploration and adjustment.  Big learning curve.  A time to laugh at my mistakes.

Q What surprised you the most once you began your work? What did you wish you knew beforehand?

I was surprised to discover that God had given me certain experiences so that I would be prepared for the work in Japan.  It’s funny that I hadn’t thought that before I left.

Q What initial fears/concerns did you have about serving as a missionary overseas?

I had fears of whether I could effectively communicate and relate to the people.  I feared the large insects and the driving I might have to do.

Q What has been the most rewarding part of your work?

Experiencing and seeing first-hand the work of the Holy Spirit transform people’s lives!

Q What changes have you seen in yourself (what ways have you grown) since you have been serving overseas?

I have grown to depend on the Lord and I have grown more humble.   There is still so much to learn and He is continuing to teach me.

Q What is something that would surprise others about mission work or the people you are called to serve?

Mission work is a lot of fun as we let God do the work and as we follow Him!

Q What are some of the factors that lead you to become an overseas missionary through the NAB?

My past experience in the NAB as a student of the North American Baptist College and Taylor Seminary and also being in an NAB church made it an easy choice to become a missionary through the NAB.  I thought raising support would be much easier with an association of churches that were working together and one that I knew well.

Q How can people pray for you?

That my love for God would increase day by day and that I would have genuine love for others.

That I would have wisdom in discipling others and that I would have protection against the Enemy.