Equipping to the Ends of the Earth
This slogan that I've chosen reflects the vision of the MTW team in Sydney. The vast majority of those being ministered to by the Sydney team are first or second generation Asian-Australians who tend to be much more open to the gospel than Euro-Australians. The desire of the team is to disciple and equip these young adults for ministry throughout Asia-Pacific -- some of them going back to the land of their ancestors.
In considering my ministry options (to continue serving in Japan or to transition to Sydney), this vision was the determining factor. God has placed the Japanese deep within my heart; I love the people and desire to see them transformed by the gospel. In many ways, it would have been easier for me to continue serving with one of the MTW teams in Japan. But I believe I can perhaps have a bigger impact for the kingdom of God by serving in Sydney. Through a ministry of discipling and equipping, I hope to send many young adults to Japan as well as other nations, thereby multiplying my own efforts.
The MTW Sydney team at the 2019 Asia-Pacific Retreat in Indonesia
Financial Status
I thought Japan was the most expensive place to serve as a missionary, but I was wrong! I got my budget from MTW last month and it is $1,000 per month MORE than my Osaka budget.
Additionally, over the last four years in Osaka, $1,000 per month of my expenses were from a contingency fund of excess one-time gifts. So I already had to makeup that $1,000/month.
How much is the budget? $9,000 per month. Let me assure you that most of this money is NOT my salary. The bulk of it actually covers housing, ministry funds, healthcare and retirement, MTW missionary care and administrative costs, etc.
I have lost one church and one individual supporter since announcing my move to Australia -- a loss of $115/month.
Current pledges are currently at about 76% of the needed budget, meaning I need an additional $2,157/month in pledges. Would YOU consider joining my support team, or increasing the level of your support? My support team currently consists of 15 churches and 54 individual partners who have pledged monthly or annual support. The $2,157/month would be completely taken care of if my current partners increased their giving by an average of $31/month. But not all of them are able to do that. Additional partners are needed as well.
If you would like to make a pledge or increase an existing pledge, you can do that through one of the following means:
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me. If you would like a hardcopy of my prayer card sent to you, please let me know. (You can tear off the bottom half of it to mail to MTW with a contribution and/or pledge as well.)
Thank you for your prayerful consideration!
