In February 2024, I shared in a newsletter that we were prayerfully considering changing mission organizations. As we were reflecting on our ministry, we realized our organizational structure was no longer fitting our ministry and family needs on the field. You may not remember that email—I had to look back myself to find when I wrote it!
For this reason, over the past year and a half, Cathalain and I have been praying and meeting with many people about changing organizations: MTW leadership in Japan, our church and national leaders, MTW leaders from other countries, and the missions’ teams and leaders from our home churches. Through this long process, we have sensed God leading us to transition from Mission to the World (MTW) to the Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society (JEMS).
Why JEMS?
As we explored different organizations in Japan, JEMS stood out because of its focused vision to reach Japanese people—whether they live in America, Brazil, or Japan itself. One of our ongoing challenges with MTW has been its overarching global policies, which can make it difficult to adapt to our specific ministry needs. JEMS, however, exists specifically to reach Japanese people, which means they understand the unique needs and context of ministry in Japan.
What About a Team?
Unlike MTW, JEMS does not require missionaries to join a specific team. Instead, their model encourages missionaries to partner directly with national churches and leaders. The Executive Director oversees and supports these partnerships, serving as a bridge between missionaries and national workers. This structure actually fits perfectly with how we are already ministering in Nagoya.
Are There Other JEMS Missionaries in Nagoya?
Yes! Three other JEMS missionary units serve at Christ Bible Seminary, and two of those families attend our church plant. In addition, our friends Tim and Chie Burns—who used to serve on the same MTW team—are now church planting in eastern Nagoya in a similar structure to our own ministry.
What Will Change for Us?
In America:
- Our finances will now be processed through JEMS, so we’ll need to migrate our donors to their system. Our paycheck and benefits will also come through JEMS. In the next few weeks, we will be in touch with donors on how to migrate to the JEMS system. We know this is cumbersome and will help make this as easy as possible.
In Japan:
- Our member care will be overseen by JEMS, with Dr. Rick Chuman (Executive Director of International Missions) serving as our direct supervisor.
What Won’t Change?
On the Japan side, not much will change!
- Michael will remain a church planter/cooperating pastor of the Chubu Presbytery in the Presbyterian Church in Japan (PCJ) and continue serving on the Mie Church Planting Committee.
- Michael will remain on the session of Shiga Christ Church and continue as the point pastor of Nagoya Central Church.
- Cathalain will continue teaching at Kinjo High School, directing the English Outreach program, and assisting with Parakaleo Japan.
- Cathalain will also continue her work with MTW Japan’s admin team. (see below)
What About Our Relationship with MTW?
We’ve been intentional about transitioning well with MTW—hence the slow pace. While we will no longer have a formal connection to MTW America, Cathalain has been asked to continue helping the MTW Japan Admin Team for at least one more year, from April 2026–March 2027, after which she’ll reevaluate. In this role, she’ll also assist with overseeing the MTW Japan Nagoya Branch Office.
As for me (Michael), I’ve been serving on a joint committee with MTW Japan and PCJ pastors. I was already planning to rotate off that committee, and the timing aligns well with this transition.
Because our ministry is primarily church-driven (through the PCJ) rather than agency-driven, our day-to-day partnership with MTW Japan won’t change much. We will continue to collaborate with MTW teams and support their ministries wherever possible.
Our Hopeful Timeline
- November-December – Start migrating donors to JEMS system (further details to follow)
- February – Cathalain will attend the MTW Asia Pacific Women’s Retreat
- March/April – We will fully transition to JEMS
How Are We Feeling?
As you can imagine, our emotions are all over the map. We’re not people who love change and transition! We feel a mix of gratitude for MTW, sadness that its structure no longer fits our ministry, nervousness about the relational and financial shifts ahead, and excitement about joining an organization that shares our heart and vision for Japan.
Through it all, we are confident that this move is God’s leading. We trust His grace is sufficient and that, whatever the results, He will provide and guide us through this new season. Please pray for all the logistics ahead, especially in the midst of a busy season. Ultimately pray these changes will help us be better equipped to reach the Japanese for Christ and seek to glorify God in Japan.
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