Will you partner with us to complete the first stop of this journey and establish our Tsukuba Express Discipleship Station (TEDS)?
Developing Teams and Interns
We have found that one of the most effective ways to build our Tsukuba church planting team is through internships and short-term teams. During the summer of 2019, more than 50 interns and short-term team members partnered with us in Tsukuba. They received discipleship training at TICA (Tsukuba International Christian Assembly), and they were able to consider prayerfully whether God was calling them to join our church planting team. In this way, God has already called 9 church planters to join us! However, because of the lack of space in the current facility, we do not at present have the ability to receive all those who apply.
TEDS
So, We Started Praying
As the limitations of our current facilities became apparent, we started praying for God to give wisdom and direction. In answer to these prayers, He has led us all the way across the street—to the building next door to the church!
TEDS
The Building’s Current Condition
The building that will become TEDS is located 20 feet away from TICA. It is constructed of steel beams and concrete, and the inspector said that it is very sound structurally. The building itself has three stories, and it also has a large two-story warehouse attached to it. On the top floor of the main building are two apartments. Its middle floor contains an office space with a bathroom and kitchenette. At present, the building is in a bad state of repair. And, most Japanese people would want to tear it down and start from scratch.
TEDS
The Cost
Because the building’s construction is so solid, it would cost around $100,000 to demolish it. Thus, we can purchase it very cheaply, i.e., about $180,000. In addition to the purchase price, the repairs and renovation will cost around $120,000 for a project total of approximately $300,000.
ALL IN ALL
TEDS will give us the facilities necessary to multiply the size and impact of TICA’s internship program by providing dorms and needed space for training. Additionally, with two full sized apartments, TEDS will speed our team members on their way to the field by reducing their housing budgets. In sum, TEDS is the perfect tool to enable us to disciple more young people and build a big team of church planters. Ultimately, TEDS will catalyze the planting of vibrant life-giving churches all along the Tsukuba Express train line, which connects Tsukuba to the heart of Tokyo.
Developing Evangelism
Beyond it’s primary role as a church planting resource center, TEDS will help TICA to enhance its outreach, evangelism, and discipleship efforts by providing space for ministries such as:
-Weekly Kids and Youth Ministry Events
-Chi Alpha College Student Ministry Outreaches
-JSOM (Japan School of Ministry)
-Deaf Ministry
Will you become a catalyst for church planting in Japan by partnering with us to establish our Tsukuba Express Discipleship Station (TEDS)?
