John and JooAe Choi

Who They Are and What They Do: 

For John and JooAe, the call to Japan isn’t just a new chapter—it’s a homecoming. Both grew up as missionary kids, with John’s parents ministering to seafarers in Korea and the U.S., and JooAe’s family serving across Japan on college campuses and networking churches. John spent his childhood in Seattle, his heart stirred by the stories of missionaries and pastors who passed through his home, while JooAe was shaped by an upbringing in various Japanese cities, attending local public schools until 8th grade. Though her mother passed away in 2001 while serving the Lord, JooAe feels a deep sense of calling to carry on that mission work as her own and feels deeply encouraged to have her father usher them onto the mission field. 

John and JooAe’s paths crossed in 2005 when John arrived in Fukuoka for a six-month internship and met JooAe while she was teaching at a church school. After three years of long-distance relationship, they married in 2008, beginning a life together defined by a shared heart for the people of Japan.

Over the next eighteen years, God richly blessed John and JooAe with three wonderful children—Ailey (14), Isaac (11), and Christopher (8)—and consistently brought Japanese individuals into their lives. Whether through next-door neighbors, colleagues, service at a Japanese American church, or student outreach ministries and conferences, these relationships served as a profound equipping ground. In 2020, the Choi family found a spiritual home at Calvary Mt. Si, where God solidified their missional calling and continued to send Japanese people into their community. This consistent affirmation culminated two years ago when John and JooAe received a clear call to move to Japan. They are now preparing to relocate to Tsukuba, just outside Tokyo, to support a church plant (Tsukuba Life Church) initiated by a dear pastor couple with whom they previously served in student outreach in Seattle. They feel incredibly blessed and encouraged to have Calvary Mt. Si as their sending church, coming alongside them to share the Gospel in Japan.

Japan is a place of deep history and spiritual complexity, where less than 0.4% of the population knows Jesus and many still carry the quiet weight of a “hidden” Christian heritage. John and JooAe, along with their "young missionaries"—Ailey, Isaac, and Christopher—desire simply to be good neighbors and faithful friends. They seek to share the hope they’ve found in Christ through their daily lives and the relationships God brings into their lives, cultivating authentic connections and building Christ-centered communities. From leading worship, children’s and family ministry to navigating the marketplace, they have spent years learning how to serve the Church in every season. As they step into this new mission in Tsukuba, they go not as strangers, but as a family, in obedience, returning to a land they love, eager to see how God will move in the hearts of the Japanese people. 

Partner With the Chois: 

We believe in the power of prayer more than anything. We would love for you to partner with us as prayer warriors, fighting spiritual battles through prayer. (2 Cor. 10:3-4) As we step into the role of tent-making missionaries, we have established a monthly ministry budget dedicated for that purpose. If you feel led by the Spirit of God to partner in this Kingdom work through your finances, please fill out the form on this page. 

May the Lord bless you richly!

1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. “

Give online here or if you prefer to give by check, make the check out to “JEMS” and write our name 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.

Thank you for your support.