The Edge is a 6-10 week summer mission trip for young adults. You will work alongside long-term field workers; learn a new language and culture; and grow in your understanding of God, yourself, and his call on your life.
Some ministries you might be part of: teaching English, Bible studies, children’s parties, making friends at local universities and churches, and sharing a testimony at church. Come and see firsthand what God is doing in Japan. For anyone interested in long-term missions, the Edge is a great way to take your first step.
Tell the students to give up their small ambitions and come eastward to preach the gospel of Christ.
Francis Xavier, first known missionary to Japan
Venture is a more specific and individualized mission program than Edge. It is usually also longer, for up to one year. Venture trips are tailored to pair your skills with the needs of a long-term Pioneers team in Japan.
Experience the joys and challenges of doing life with a team in a cross-cultural setting. The longer time frame allows you to invest in relationship building, get a realistic sense of what it’s like to live in Japan, and is focused on projects for your specific gifts and skills. We have had puppeteers, photographers, carpenters, and children’s ministry staff come serve alongside us. Come and learn about God’s mission in Japan and your role in it.
God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies.
J. Hudson Taylor
Is God calling you to serve long term in Japan? Whereas the Edge and Venture programs might feel like sprints, coming as a long-term worker means you’re here for the marathon. Your first term will start by preparing you to thrive for the long haul in Japan.
You’ll begin in the Launch team with other new missionaries to invest in learning the language, culture, and getting Japanese ministry experience and mentorship. This will help you transition to a long-term church planting or ministry team, and be ready and equipped to serve and love the Japanese people well.
I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light.
John Keith Falconer
Physically setting foot in Japan is still the best way for you to get to know us (and for us to get to know you), the country, and its people. For this reason, our teams in Japan require a survey trip for anyone interested in coming here long term.
Every Pioneer, whether single or married, takes a survey trip that lasts from two to three weeks. Though it seems like a large expense and time commitment, Pioneers views the trip as an integral part of training and preparation for going.
A survey trip helps missionaries have realistic expectations about life in that area, and it helps them know better how to prepare for the challenges they will face. Mostly it is to overcome an idealized view of what it means to live overseas.
Steve McKenzie, Pioneers
pre-field coach
Interested in one or more of these opportunities?
Check out the Contact Us page for information
on next steps.