Frequently Asked Questions
What made your family choose Japan?
Short answer: a long, interconnected series of events! Long answer: Leslie lived in Japan from ages 10-13 years old, and was even baptized there in 1996. Towards the end of his college undergraduate years, he began looking into how to go back to Japan for mission work. During this time he came in contact with Brent & Sandy Rogers who lived in Okayama Prefecture. Several years later (3+ years after Leslie and Sara married), an email came from Brent saying there was a kindergarten looking for an English teacher in their area, and they were hoping a Christian would take the job so they could help with the mission work. Leslie ended up getting that job, and so our family moved to Japan for the first time in 2010. After that first year, we decided we wanted to come back as full time missionaries, which led us to our first work in Matsudo from 2012-2017.
How long will you be in Japan?
During our previous “missionary journey” to Japan, we committed to 5 years. This time, however, we are planning to stay indefinitely. We don’t have a set timetable, but we are committed to long-term work in the country as long as God sees fit to bless and lead us in the work. In other words, we are planning to make Japan our home!
Why do so few Japanese people become Christians?
There are a number of challenges that exist within Japanese culture that make it difficult for people to commit to following Christ. One of the challenges is how deeply the pagan religions of Japan are connected to family life. To abandon e.g. ancestor worship in some ways feels like abandoning your family and your people generally. We have known women who were told by their husbands that they would divorce them if they were to become a Christian. Add in the fact that most people know very little about Christianity to begin with, and it makes for a steep uphill climb for anyone seeking to follow Christ. On the other hand, those who do become disciples are usually quite dedicated.
What is worship like at the church in Japan?
Our time of worship each Sunday is fairly similar to what we do in the U.S. There is a time for singing and prayer, scripture reading and the Lord’s Supper, as well as a sermon delivered by Leslie. There are a few small differences, but it’s mostly the same.
What is your family’s statement of faith?
Our statement of faith can be found on this page: Statement of Faith. We believe the core elements of the Christian faith which comprise the gospel are non-negotiable, as our connection to Christ hinges on our fidelity to these. (Gal. 1:9). It is important that we stand firm on the truth of God’s word, and call sin for what it is (Eph. 4:17-25). However, on peripheral doctrines where honest questions exist, we believe it is important to extend grace and to “bear with one another” in love. We do not wish to take part in divisive quarrels which lead to discord and strife within God’s church (2 Tim. 2:14ff). We must be actively seeking to grow in knowledge of God’s truth (2 Pet. 1:5), but this is an exercise best done together with fellow believers, as we seek to grow and mature together (Eph. 2:19-22).
How Can People Help?
Any financial support to help make this work possible is welcome. If you would like to know more details about our financial needs and how to give, please visit our support page here. Even if you cannot offer financial support right now, if you have any connections you would like to share, those certainly can be useful. And of course, we welcome all prayers on behalf of our family and the work we aim to do. Please never minimize the impact of your prayerful petitions – we know God listens!