Transforming Lives Through English

Transforming Lives Through English: Your Support Helped 16 Children Embrace Faith in 2023 with J.O.Y. Club!

J.O.Y. Club, an English teaching ministry of Evergreen Chapel supported by ZOE International, uses English classes as a gateway to introduce children to Jesus and open their hearts to Him. Through weekly Bible lessons and outreach events, children and their families have multiple opportunities to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. In 2023 alone, four children made the decision to accept Christ during their English classes!

A notable outreach event occurred in November during the Shichi-Go-San festival, a traditional Japanese celebration where children aged 3, 5, and 7 are dressed in beautiful traditional clothing and taken to Shinto shrines for blessings. While the festival’s intention is to wish for good health and a prosperous future, it was an opportunity for us to offer families a Christian alternative. We welcomed 10 non-Christian families (13 children) to receive a blessing in Jesus’ Name. Many of these families had their first encounter with Christianity, beginning what could be their journey of faith. The event concluded with a joyful snack party, fostering fellowship and connection.

Another highlight of the year was the J.O.Y. Club Christmas party, where students and their parents experienced the Gospel through song, dance, and games. In 2023, a short-term missions team from New Hope Leeward Church and The Father’s House joined forces with J.O.Y. Club to serve 48 children and parents, leading 12 guests to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. 

We are deeply grateful for the numerous opportunities to share the Gospel with our community and for the incredible support from our partners. Thank you for helping us in this vital mission to reach and impact lives with the message of Jesus!