Japanese Mission Society,
Indiana

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Ministry Name: 
Japanese Mission Society
Address: 3201 Central Ave., Columbus, IN. 47203
Phone: 812-372-4859
(Thomas Going phone is also available - 812-376-6788)
Email: tgoing5047comcast.net

Affiliation: The JMS is a member of ALMA (Association of
Lutheran Mission Agencies) connected to the LCMS.

Official Contact Person for Ministry
Volunteer Leader: Rev. Thomas A. Going - JMS Missionary
Address: 5047 Countess Dr., Columbus, IN.  47203
Phone: 812-376-6788
Email: tgoing5047comcast.net
Web site address: www.japanesemissionsociety.org

Type of Ministry
The Japanese Mission Society is focused on proclaiming the
Gospel of Jesus Christ and providing religious instruction for Japanese speaking individuals residing in the USA, particularly in Indiana and surrounding States.  The JMS is an autonomous organization working with congregations and individuals
belonging to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Ministry size
Currently, the JMS Missionary is involved with ESL Classes, Bible Classes, and a monthly Japanese worship service.  These classes are in central Indiana in and around Indianapolis. Once a month volley ball is offered in Columbus. The Japanese involved number between 80 to 100 people.

Ministry location(s) -
Grace Lutheran Church, Columbus, Indiana;  Trinity Lutheran Church, Indianapolis;  Carmel Lutheran Church, Carmel, Indiana.  The JMS cooperates with Japanese ministries in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Ministry Format
The Bible classes are taught by the JMS Missionary and his wife.  ESL classes are taught by church members who have a love for
the Japanese but who do not know the language. The Primary goal is to help (mostly females) the Japanese learn English and American Culture. Talks based on the Bible are presented monthly, and Christian literature is regularly offered. Bible classes are offered to those who are interested. The purpose is to introduce them to the True God and the Savior of all, Jesus Christ.  Currently, there is no specific outreach to children. However,
the child care in Columbus does provide weekly Bible stores for
the Japanese children. Husbands are also not specifically targeted except for occasional family activities.  They are also invited to special events at the church nearest them, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter worship services. Japanese ladies attending ESL Classes in Columbus also sing twice a year for Sunday morning worship services.  These families are in the USA from
3-5 years.

The core of ladies in Indianapolis are older Japanese ladies who married American military men who served in Japan in the middle and late 50's.  These ladies are permanent.

Staff and Resources
There is a charge for ESL classes in Columbus. This also covers child care when needed.  Our goal in ministry is to help these Japanese people live more comfortably in the US while at the
same time taking the opportunity to introduce them to Jesus. 
For the older ladies in Indianapolis this is the first time they have had the opportunity to hear God's Word and His invitation to repentance and faith in their own "heart language."

The JMS missionary receives ministry expenses and a monthly stipend.  Other involved are volunteers.

Currently, ESL materials used:   TACTICS FOR LISTENING.   Published by Oxford University Press.  Bible lessons come directly from the Bible.

Returned Contacts in Japan
The Japan Lutheran Church
Rev. Shigeru Masaki
Rev. Dr. Makito Masaki (Email: masakimakitohotmail.com)