From Honeymoon to Mission: Our Family’s Journey to Serving in Japan

Our family is preparing for a trip to Japan that feels more like a calling than just travel. This trip is a site survey to explore how God might be leading us to move there and serve as missionaries. Japan has been a special place for us for many years, and this journey is the next step in a long story of connection, faith, and hope.

A Family Connection to Japan

Our love for Japan runs deep in our family history. Kristin’s dad grew up on military bases in Okinawa, surrounded by the culture and people of Japan. His childhood experiences planted a seed that blossomed into a lifelong appreciation for the country. For Kristin and me, Japan became even more meaningful when we spent our honeymoon there in 2015. That trip was filled with discovery, beauty, and a sense of peace that felt like a glimpse of something bigger.

Our connection to Japan is also reflected in our children’s names. Our firstborn has the middle name Yoki, a Japanese word meaning good, nice, like, or cool. It’s a simple but powerful reminder of the values we hope to live by and share. Our newborn’s middle name is Sakura, inspired by the cherry blossoms that symbolize renewal and hope in Japanese culture. These names are more than just words; they represent our family’s bond with Japan and our desire to serve there.

Exploring Missionary Organizations and Our Path Forward

Over the years, we have explored different ways to serve as missionaries in Japan. We looked into organizations like SIM and ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism). We even attended training seminars to prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead. These experiences were valuable, but we also faced practical concerns, such as the fees involved and the direction we felt led to take.

After much prayer and reflection, we believe the best way forward is to proceed as a non-denominational family mission. This means we will seek support directly from individuals and churches who feel called to partner with us. This approach allows us to stay flexible, focused, and responsive to God’s guidance without the constraints of a specific organization.

Spiritual Growth and Preparation

Our journey has not been just about logistics or planning. It has been a spiritual journey as well. Moving from Central Florida to Colorado Springs was a significant step for our family. It gave us the chance to grow spiritually and deepen our understanding of God’s call.

During this time, I pursued theological studies through Calvary Academy at Calvary Fellowship Fountain Valley under Pastor John Bornshein. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, which strengthened my foundation for ministry. One of the highlights of this journey was a trip to Israel, where I experienced firsthand the land and history that shape our faith.

Learning the Language and Culture as a Family

We have also committed to learning Japanese as a family. Language is a key to connection and understanding, and we want to be ready to engage with the people we hope to serve. Studying together has brought us closer and built excitement for this upcoming trip.

This site survey will be a chance to test the waters and see if God has prepared a path for us to serve in Japan. We want to explore the communities, meet local believers, and understand the needs where we might fit in best.

How You Can Join Us

Our mission is not just ours—it is a shared journey with those who feel called to support us. We invite you to sign up for our prayer newsletter, where we will share updates, prayer requests, and stories from the field. Prayer is the foundation of everything we do, and your support in this way means the world to us.

If you feel led to support us financially, your partnership will help cover travel expenses, living costs, language training, and ministry needs. Every gift, big or small, makes a difference and brings us closer to serving in Japan.