Genki Minamisawa
I lived in the US for 6 years since 2013 for my research and I was part of a Christian group called International Fellowship (IF). Their mission was to encourage Christians and non-Christians from around the world by the word of God, and I had the privilege to lead the bible study there. It was my great pleasure to meet people from various backgrounds and to study the word of God with them.
I also attended a multi-national, multi-cultural, and multi-ecumenical church. I served in the hosting team and many people told me that they felt very warmly welcomed by me, which made me realize that I feel great joy when I’m able to make someone feel welcomed and comfortable.
In Tokyo, there are many young people who came from suburbs as well as foreign Christians. I would like to welcom them at the center of Tokyo and send them out one day.
Mitsumi Minamisawa
My husband and I were asked to join TCC as core-members about a half year prior to the official establishment of TCC. There were two challenges I faced as I made the decision; 1) I didn’t know who would be the member of the new church, and 2) my dad would be the pastor of the church. However, as I prayed through my struggles to God, He gave my 2 verses as an answer.
- 1st Chronicles 16:18-18
The members of TCC was only a few in the beginning, and I feel like I’m just a temporary resident (tiny presence) in such big city, Tokyo. I could resonate with how the Israelites must have felt like in the Chronicles. However, their circumstance didn’t stop them from praising God. Their attitude made me think what I’m expected by God to do in Tokyo is simply to praise God continuously and to pray for people in Tokyo so that they can meet with God one day. - Luke 9: 23-26
My dad was chosen by God to lead TCC as a pastor, and if I didn’t join TCC because of this reason then it must be “out of my flesh”. I sincerely hoped to follow God’s will but not my own will, and I finally felt at peace about joining TCC.
I’m excited for what God will be doing in and through TCC. Praise be to our loving and almighty God.
Natsumi Shoyama
When I returned from Sydney in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, God called me to TCC where I could serve through prayer. I am grateful that TCC is a community that not only finds joy in worship and the scripture, but is also made up of people who love and support one another.
I hope to be a welcoming presence for Christians working in the city who are seeking community, and for friends/colleagues who have yet to know God so they too can get to know him. I look to continue trusting God and am looking forward to seeing God’s great work being done through TCC.
Mayumi Ueda
I live in Tokyo but previously attended Urawa Evangelical Free Church. One Sunday, Pastor Shimomura and his wife were introduced in front of the congregation as a couple looking to start full-time ministry in Central Tokyo. Despite that Sunday being the first time I had ever met Pastor Shimomura and his wife Hatae, I felt a calling in my heart to serve at this new church that was being planted in Central Tokyo.
While I can’t explain it now, I felt no hesitation at the time about following Pastor Shimomura and Ms. Hatae to serve at this new church. I believe this was the Holy Spirit guiding me in this new direction.
After joining TCC, I was asked to serve as the pianist at worship service, something I hadn’t done in over 10 years. I was concerned that a beginner like me could handle such an important role. However, I felt that if serving as the pianist was not in God’s will, someone else would be placed in the role in due time; I decided to accept the role until God placed someone else in the role.
Being asked to serve as a core member at TCC was surprising but also an honor. While I feel inexperienced compared to the other veteran core members, I hope to actively pray for and be a friend in Christ to people who may be feeling lonely or sad in the big city.