Fred and Irene Kawashima

OUR STORY OF PROVIDENCE:

As a third generation Japanese American, born and raised in Los Angeles to bilingual second generation parents, Fred was culturally a Buddhist, but Buddhism never made any sense, nor did it sufficiently answer life’s questions. Through God’s providence, he met an evangelist who came to his high school and simply explained the salvation story as to who and why Jesus came and died and how he could have a personal relationship with God.  Everything made sense and, on that day, Fred surrendered his life to Christ.

Irene, growing up in Honolulu without any committed faith by her family, recalls occasional church visits on Christmas & Easter holidays.  It was through these experiences and watching religious themed movies on Saturday mornings that her belief in God’s existence began to take root.  However, it wasn’t until a very personal health crisis during her senior year in college, that Irene began to earnestly seek the Lord.  Her commitment of faith came later that year. 

Evergreen Baptist Church has been our home since 1979.  We first became acquainted with one another while serving in Jr. High ministry and married in 1984.  The Lord has blessed us with 2 children and 2 grandsons.  For over 46 years of membership at Evergreen Baptist Church of San Gabriel Valley (EBCSGV), it has been our joy and honor to serve in various ministries and church leadership. 

Throughout the course of our Christian lives, and specifically since 2023, God orchestrated a series of events and providential encounters that has led us to Niseko.  In March 2025, during a 3-month commitment to help open the KIUA Christian School in Niseko, the Lord confirmed our calling into full-time missions partnering with Niseko church leadership.  

The thought of an aging retired couple serving in a foreign country seems daunting.  Yet, Psalm 92:13-14 speaks to “bearing fruit in old age”. Matthew 25, the Parable of the Talents, says God will hold us accountable for the time, resources and talents He has given us. How will we answer Him?  Our desire is to finish well by using whatever talents and years we have left!

OUR MISSION:  To equip & strengthen the local church in the building of disciples and laborers for Christ, to proclaim Jesus to Niseko and surrounding communities. 

We know this journey cannot be done alone. Prayerful and generous partners are needed to support our ministry as we step out in faith to reach the lost in Japan.  If you would like to join our team of prayer intercessors, please signup to receive our email newsletter at fikawashima@jems.org.

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