Responsibilities:  

• Build meaningful relationships while learning Japanese language and culture in the context of a local Japanese community (two years) 
• Help develop and operate an educational cooperative that supports both Japanese and expatriate middle and high school students who are either completing their education online, through homeschooling, or are preparing to reintegrate into local educational institutions 
• Help develop and implement an EFL program tailored to local K–12 Japanese students with a focus on reaching and developing school dropouts and students at risk of dropping out 
• Help develop and operate a holistic ministry center 
• Help coordinate resources and provide leadership when The Alliance responds to natural disasters in Japan 

Ministry Location Information: 

The new worker will live in Ishinomaki, Japan. Ishinomaki is a small seaside city of 120,000 people situated along the northeast coastline of Japan. It is a mostly blue-collar population. Miyagi prefecture, of which Ishinomaki is the second largest city, has the highest rates of school dropouts nationally. Japan has a long and distinctive cultural and historical heritage. This has given rise to ways of thinking and customs different from those of the West. Knowing how to approach these differences actively and thoughtfully can facilitate the necessary learning to adapt gracefully to your particular situation and setting. Through active engagement in holistic ministry, you will seek to introduce others to Jesus Christ, disciple them, and see them established in Christian community. Freedom of religion is guaranteed to all by the constitution, and visas for religious activity are readily available. Evangelicals are less than 0.5 percent of the population.  

World Factbook—Japan  
Joshua Project—Japan 

Characteristics of International Workers: 

• Spiritual maturity 
• Holistic health 
• Confirmation of call 
• Ministry experience 
• Education and work experience 
• Cross-cultural awareness 
• Demonstrated heart for the poor and marginalized (Micah 6:8) 

Required Qualifications: 

• Completion of Alliance Polity course 
• Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of certificate level) or equivalent 
• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience 
• A recognized bachelor’s degree 
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 80 
• Experience in TESOL and/or community development 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Demonstrate a heart for the poor and marginalized as well as a vibrant spiritual life with a consistent practice of spiritual disciplines 

Language Expectations: 

Language is an essential part of ministry. Those who do not know the language will attend a language study program. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others. 

A major part of your time during your first term will be devoted to learning the language through two years of study and gaining an understanding of the Japanese culture. Learning the language should be a lifelong goal as this will greatly enhance the ministry and your ability to impact people for Christ.  

Health Considerations: 

Japan has good health-care facilities and well-trained doctors. Most medications are readily available. 

Expectations for Spouse: 

Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives depending on the nature of family roles, children, etc. 

Children’s Educational Plan and Options: 

Homeschooling, local schools, and secondary boarding schools both inside and outside the country are available. A regional educational consultant will be available to work with the successful applicant as needed.