Moto Kimura
Kanagawa
As a JEMS affiliate , I serve in the Seishō region of Kanagawa—a beautiful area surrounded by both the sea and the mountains. In Japan, we sometimes express life’s brevity by asking, “How many more times will I be able to see the cherry blossoms?” There is a sense of reflection, even sadness, in that phrase. But Christmas is different.
I have been married for 30 years, and my wife, Sakae, and I have been blessed with two sons. We first met at a Bible camp. I also serve at a free school in Ueno, where we hold about eight overnight camps a year—programs where students cook for themselves and learn to take responsibility. Our long-term camp on Izu Ōshima has become a place of life training for students struggling with gaming addiction or reversed day–night rhythms. These camps have been and continue to be a vital part of our ministry.
Our sons attended Mount Hermon 12 years ago, coming from Japan. They found themselves in a world where they understood none of the language. And yet that single week deeply shaped their faith and sense of purpose. The impact of two or three days of intense shared life can be powerful—what would normally take a year to build. Jesus Himself spent more than three years living with His disciples.
At the JEMS Missionary Retreat, we prepare the children’s program not merely as childcare, but as a space where children can genuinely experience worship. And more than that, we ourselves learn again to become like children before our Heavenly Father.
In our family photo, you will see our dog named JUMP. I’m not sure exactly how I began serving in children’s ministry, but perhaps it has something to do with my long history with dogs. When I was about six, a stray dog followed me home from school. He was white with black patches and, honestly, quite an ugly-looking dog. But my friends and I began caring for him at our home—at the church where we lived. After that, one dog would pass away, and another stray would appear. I have never counted exactly, but including those we reunited with their owners, I think I lived with more than thirty dogs.
I had asthma as a child and often couldn’t attend school regularly. Under compulsory education, teachers scolded me for being absent, and one even told me I would become homeless in the future. My mother must have suffered greatly. I myself grew up not knowing where I truly belonged. Maybe that is why I can never ignore a stray dog—or even a one-yen coin lying on the street.
Later, God led me to meet children who also couldn’t attend school. I haven’t been able
to take in everyone, but I could never look away.
Jesus picked me up—He took me in—and lived for me with His whole life. What I am doing now is only a small response to the cross I have seen. My wife, Sakae, and our sons have continually sacrificed and supported this work. And God has surrounded us with wonderful staff and friends—including JEMS missionaries. I truly feel there is no one more blessed than I am. I want to keep singing to the Lord and serving Him with joy.
My connection with JEMS began when I visited a Japanese-American church to request support funds for a Christian CD created for the earthquake relief efforts. That is where I met Rick, the Executive Director of International Missions of JEMS.
I am praying that God will raise people who can join us in music ministry in Japan, and others who can serve in children’s ministry. I also hope to launch new retreats—perhaps even something that might grow out of the Mount Hermon experience.
Please continue to pray, and if you can, please join us.
Ninomiya Bible Church Son Chapel
Give online here or if you prefer to give by check, make the check out to “JEMS” and write "Moto Kimura" on the memo line. Mail the check to P.O. Box 86047, Los Angeles, CA 90086-0047.
If you have any questions please call the JEMS office at 213-613-0022 or email info@jems.org.