In a world where 95% of Japanese people will live and die without ever meeting a Christian, Kostya and Bella are on a mission to change that narrative. Join us as we explore their inspiring journey from Ukraine to Uganda, and now to Japan.
Kostya and Bella's journey began in two very different places but converged in Uganda. Kostya, originally from Odessa, Ukraine, grew up in a Christian family. However, it wasn't until after he started his career in computer engineering that he felt a renewed passion for his faith. This led him to an internship in Uganda, where he worked with a local church.
Bella, also born in Ukraine, moved to Uganda as a child. Though she grew up in a Catholic household, it wasn't until she met Kostya that she truly heard and understood the Gospel. Their paths crossed when Kostya and his fellow missionary were invited to Bella's home for dinner. Over time, their friendship blossomed into something more, united by their shared faith and desire to serve.
The call to Japan came unexpectedly for Kostya and Bella. One evening, they watched a video shared by Acts 29 featuring Japanese pastors discussing the need for missionaries in Japan. The statistic that 95% of Japanese people would never meet a Christian resonated deeply with them. This realization, combined with a direct invitation from Japanese pastors, planted the seed for their new mission.
What stood out to them was the openness of Japan to Christian missionaries and the stark contrast between the country's economic prosperity and its spiritual need. They felt an undeniable pull towards Japan, seeing it as the next step in their journey of faith and service.
Preparing for their move to Japan was no small feat. Kostya and Bella had to navigate the complexities of obtaining a religious worker visa, securing funding, and preparing their hearts and minds for the cultural shift. Their time in Uganda had already taught them the importance of bi-vocational ministry. They planned to continue this approach in Japan, integrating their professional skills with their missionary work.
Their vision trip to Japan in 2022 was crucial. It provided them with a firsthand experience of the culture and an opportunity to connect with local churches. They were reassured by the warmth and openness of the Japanese people they met, which alleviated some of their initial fears and doubts.
Kostya and Bella's strategy for church planting in Japan is deeply rooted in community building. They plan to work closely with Soma Church, a congregation that emphasizes emotionally healthy discipleship and small group multiplication. This approach is similar to what they practiced in Uganda, where small, community-focused groups led to meaningful connections and spiritual growth.
Their goal is to create a network of small groups that can organically grow into new churches. This method aligns with the cultural nuances of Japan, where relationships and trust are built slowly and deeply. By focusing on depth rather than breadth, they hope to make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
Supporting Kostya and Bella's mission to Japan can take many forms. They are currently in the final stages of their preparation and need both financial support and prayer. Donations can help cover their living expenses, ministry needs, and the costs associated with their move.
Prayer is equally important. They ask for prayers for their emotional and spiritual well-being, protection from discouragement and spiritual attacks, and for the hearts of the people they will meet in Japan. You can learn more about their mission and how to support them by visiting their website, forthejoy.city, where you can also subscribe to their newsletter for regular updates.