Extra Commitment Opportunities

There is a channel through which gifts can be designated for specific items that support the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s work around the world. These are called Extra Commitment Opportunities (ECOs). You can give directly to an ECO account online or by mailing your check designating the name and account number of the particular item you have chosen to:

PC(USA) Individual Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

Your gift will go directly into the ECO Account designated, and you will receive a letter indicating that your gift has been received and will be used for the purpose intended.

Below are some ECOs related to Japan. For a complete listing visit Mission Funding's Web site and type Japan into the search box.

Development

Mutual Mission Program (JNAC)

This program will assist with mutual mission needs between the United Church of Christ in Japan and the PC(USA).

Education

Tokyo Union Theological Seminary, Translating and Publishing

The role of the seminary in translating and publishing up-to-date materials and resources to be used in the educational ministries of our partner churches in Japan is increasing. Additional funds are needed to expand these efforts.

Health

Yodogawa Christian Hospital, General Support

Yodogawa Hospital has the first Christian-based hospice in Japan. Christian love and the concerned support of the terminally ill come together in this unique project for Japan. Funds provide medicines and supplies for hospital programs.

Mission Personnel

Yukiko Altman has been under PC(USA) appointment for more than 30 years. She lives in Tokyo, where she is assigned to the United Church of Christ in Japan. Since 2000 she has been a caseworker with the Asian women’s shelter HELP (House in Emergency of Love and Peace), a refuge for non-Japanese women who have escaped from the sex industry. HELP also serves the survivors of domestic violence, both Japanese and non-Japanese. She served with her husband, Harry, until his death in 2000.

Tim Boyle, a Methodist minister, works with the Buraku Liberation Center, which serves the Burakumin, an outcast group in Japanese society. He is also involved with Yodogawa Christian Hospital (YCH). Juji’s ministry includes counseling with YCH patients and their families.

Barbara Jo Easton has been a professor of linguistics in the English Department of Kwassui Women’s College in Nagasaki for more than two decades. She also helps to supervise the non-Japanese teachers and their courses, and along with a Methodist colleague leads an after-school Bible study group.

Bill Geppert is associate professor of English at Kinjo Gakuin University, a women’s university in Nagoya. An ordained PC(USA) minister and officially a long-term volunteer, he says he is “a kind of a tentmaker missionary” since he is employed by the university. Although the vast majority of Japanese consider themselves Shinto and Buddhist, Kinjo Gakuin University provides an education with a Christian emphasis.

Tom Goetz, an ordained PC(USA) minister, is serving as assistant professor of English in the Faculty of Social Welfare at Hokusei Gakuin University in Sapporo. He is also the English language coordinator at Hokkaido Christian Center.

Tom and Carol Hastings have been mission workers in Japan for more than a decade. Tom, an ordained PC(USA) minister, is professor of practical theology and Christian education at Tokyo Union Theological Seminary. He also does research and translation work. Carol is involved in a local church, where she is the director of Christian education.

Bill Moore, an ordained PC(USA) minister, is the organizing pastor of a new church development of the Reformed Church of Japan in Kobe called the Nishitani Chapel. Ann, who was born in Korea, is a partner in ministry with Bill, assisting with the work in evangelism and new church development. Bill and Ann have served in Japan for more than a decade.

Sarah Oba is assistant to the general secretary of the Korean Christian Church in Japan and is involved in ecumenical relations. She serves as the Japan field treasurer for SHADAN, an organization of North American churches that supports mission in Japan through property management and other services. Her office oversees all financial transactions, legal matters, and the management of property. Sarah has been a mission worker in Japan for a decade.

Sanford and Emiko Taborn — English Teacher

Sanford Taborn teaches English at Kinjo Gakuin University, a Christian women’s school in Nagoya, and Emiko provides ministry from the home. Sanford has served in Japan as an educator for more than 30 years.

Young Adults/Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry in Japan

The last time the youth desk had a role in the Kyodan was 35 years ago. Now youth ministry has become vitally important in the life of the church in Japan . Funds to this ECO will help train youth ministry workers and provide challenging opportunities in youth ministry for both the Kyodan and Korean Christian churches in Japan.

Other Support

Japan Christian Activity Newsletter/NCCJ

This program promotes actively empowering Asian women, educating the society, and peacemaking programs.