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Reminder of Why We're Here

Details: Friday, 14 September 2007 12:38; by Nozomi

Today after Jeff returned home from shopping for a computer cable (on the bike, of course), he came to get me. He said, "Nozomi, come outside. I want you to hear something." So I quickly put on my shoes and walked outside.

Immediately I could hear a rhythmic clanging sound. As we approached closer to our neighbor's place just 2 houses away from ours, I heard it.

"Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Nan Myoho Renge Kyo..." over, and over, and over again. That is the distinct chanting of Buddhist believers. It was eerie to hear it so clearly, and so close to our house.

But, as we told the kids tonight, THAT is exactly why we're here. We talked about how those people are praying to a false god who does not even exist, a god who cannot hear. And yet they do it, hoping that their prayers would somehow be answered.

Our family prayed to the One True God tonight, the One who hears, and prayed specifically for those very people who were gathered at the house just a few steps away. We reminded Zack and Ellie that we might be the only people in the world who are praying for them. It is an honor and a privilege to be here.

Will you pray with us today, that God would allow us to meet them, and that they would come to know the God who loves them? We still have a few "American kitchen towel sets" to give away, so pray for a good opportunity to go and introduce ourselves to them soon.

20 Years Ago and Today

Details: Wednesday, 05 September 2007 20:12; by Jeff

Exactly 20 Years Ago

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of First Arriving in Japan

At this very moment on September 6, 1987, I was walking out of customs at Narita Airport in Tokyo to explore Japan for the first time. I had just finished college at the University of North Carolina, where I became a Christian. At the end of my senior year, I signed up for a 1-year stint as an English teaching missionary with Asian Access (formerly LIFE Ministries) in Tokyo. My life would never be the same. Walking out of the customs doors into the airport arrival area made the reality hit: This wasn't Kansas anymore; I was in a totally different country. Questions raced through my mind...

Welcome to JohnstonJournal.com!

Details: Sunday, 08 July 2007 21:28; by Jeff

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Who are the Johnstons?

Details: Sunday, 08 July 2007 19:13; by Jeff

Missionaries Serving with Asian Access

The Johnstons are serving with Asian Access, a non-profit Christian mission organization with a five-decade history of leadership development and church multiplication.

Jeff and Nozomi met while at Columbia International University in South Carolina. They were married in 1994 and have two wonderful kids, Zachary (Zack) and Joelle (Ellie).

2007~2011 — Living in Tokyo, Japan

The Johnstons resided in Tokyo as missionaries with Asian Access. The family invested in sharing Christ with unchurched Japanese people in their city. Throughout their time in Japan, they were befriended by wonderful Japanese friends and were deeply touched by countless people. Many of the blog posts on this site—both fun and serious—are from their rewarding time in Japan.

Johnstons as Manga Characters

Manga Johnstons drawn by our Miss Donut friend

Following Japan

After much prayer and sadness, the Johnstons left Japan returned to California in 2011. We love Japan and our friends there. The primary reasons for leaving had nothing to do with the Great Disaster of NE Japan in March 2011. But God spoke to us through the lack of funds to stay in the world's most expensive city, as well as Jeff's father's growing need for assistance.

Relocating in Fontana, CA, Jeff is thrilled to continue serving with Asian Access, now starting his 34th year. Nozomi is teaching at Upland Christian Academy, where both Zack and Ellie attend. The family is actively involved and invested in their primary supporting fellowship, Community Baptist Church.

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