We, William & Mary Jo Ruck, are missionaries in Japan.
We attended Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly MO where I, William, received a Bachelor’s degree in Preaching Ministry and Jo received one in Youth and Family Ministry. We came to Japan in February of 2009. From then until April of 2011 we worked at Meysen Academy teaching English. While we were there we learned a lot about what it takes to live in Japan. It was a great opportunity for us to ease into Japanese culture. As we were living in Sendai we began to attend Asahigaoka Christian Church and had a great chance to be a part of healthy functioning church here in Japan.
We were in Sendai at the time of the March 11th earthquake. It was quite an experience. There are so many stories I could tell but I think the most astounding thing that came out of all of it was a chance to see Christian charity. Soon after the earthquake and tsunami we saw missionaries from all over Japan and the world come to help. Supplies rolled arrived in astounding quantities and we were able to be a part of an enormous relief effort. The earthquake and tsunami was a tragedy, but afterwards we saw love poured out through Christian hands and hearts.
Now we are living in Okazaki, near Nagoya. We are attending a Japanese language school. When we were in Sendai we were working full time and studying Japanese on the side. Now, however, we have the chance to study full time and master the language as best as we can. While we are studying in Okazaki we are also working with a church in Nagoya: Mustard Seed Christian Church. Right now we are just serving on the weekends and running a language exchange program on Friday nights but in the future we will have a more active role.
