Jeremy (AU '06) and Kathy (UVA '05) Taylor are devoting next year to serve the church in Japan. Why? Here the explanation in their own words:
Our experience as Bible study leaders in Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship during college opened our eyes to the opportunities of campus and community ministry abroad. In the summer of 2004, God placed the nation of Japan on both our hearts on different occasions as we prayed for nations of the world and thus we have planned to dedicate the upcoming year to do missions work in Tokyo Japan.
Of the 127 million people in Japan, only about 2% claim to follow Jesus Christ in a land where over three quarters of the population are either Shinto, Buddhist or both. In addition to this, Japan claims the highest number of suicides of any industrialized nation in the world with over 30,000 suicides in 2005 alone. Therefore, the Lord has placed a tremendous burden on our hearts to offer the message of the genuine hope of Christ and truth of his sacrifice to a people who, on the surface, seem to have it all.
The following is only a snapshot of what we will involved in while living in Tokyo:
- Teaching English at Riverside International School and giving English lessons
- Assisting with Chi Alpha in and around the Tokyo area through bible studies, music/worship, and campus evangelism
- Leading and being involved with daily activities at Riverside Chapel International Church in the Saitama prefecture
If you would like to help support the Taylors, contact them directly at taylorsinjapan@gmail.com
I've been working at Woodland Hills Church as the Youth Coordinator and absolutely love it! It's been great to work with a team to really impact the hearts of the youth in the Twin Cities area. I work with 2 associate pastors to run the youth services, plan and coordinate events and small groups and communicate information with parents. I absolutely love it!