Now she knows—she is a child of God
By a member of SEND’s Diaspora | North America
team
The smell of incense lingered in the air. The slow, rhythmic chant of the Buddhist mantra, the ring of the gong, the rubbing of the beads began the day, just as it always ended each day. Tomoko’s mother continued with the reading of the sutras, though difficult to understand, recited smoothly into a trance-like rhythm. The exquisite black-lacquered, gold-leafed family altar pointed to the dedication of her mother’s faith in this “new” Buddhism. This form of Buddhism claimed to go back to the original true practice of Buddhism with fresh, enthusiastic approaches. The energy amongst the believers was undeniable. The community of believers grew. People were constantly invited to participate and to share their lives with each other, helping one another to build merit and bring peace to the world.
The smell of incense lingered in the air. The slow, rhythmic chant of the Buddhist mantra, the ring of the gong, the rubbing of the beads began the day, just as it always ended each day. Tomoko’s mother continued with the reading of the sutras, though difficult to understand, recited smoothly into a trance-like rhythm. The exquisite black-lacquered, gold-leafed family altar pointed to the dedication of her mother’s faith in this “new” Buddhism. This form of Buddhism claimed to go back to the original true practice of Buddhism with fresh, enthusiastic approaches. The energy amongst the believers was undeniable. The community of believers grew. People were constantly invited to participate and to share their lives with each other, helping one another to build merit and bring peace to the world.
Unfortunately, it did not bring peace to the family.
The more Tomoko’s mother became involved, the more she neglected the home. Tomoko’s father grew frustrated. Tomoko often had to cover for her mother by doing her chores, which included making the meals. Her mom was convinced that the whole family would come around to join her. But deep down inside, Tomoko lacked peace.
Life went on and Tomoko got married and had children in the States. As with most couples, marriage issues arose. Her mother’s solution was for Tomoko to get involved with Buddhism, which she did. It just so happened that there was a chapter of this sect in Seattle. She started attending regularly and shared her burdens. The believers there tried comforting her and gave her advice, but things did not improve. The problems continued. They told her that she needed to change, but she could not. Her Buddhist friends advised her that the only way to get the power to change was to faithfully read the sutras.
Another area that didn’t sit well with Tomoko was the fact that the head priest came all the way from Japan for a short period of time — then returned home. The advice she heard fit Japanese who live in Japan, but not those who live in the States. She realized that the priest did not understand what it was like to live cross-culturally in the US. She thought the advice given was unfair because she could not go back to live in Japan due to her marriage. There was no peace in his solutions.
During this time, Tomoko met several Christians involved with different studies. The first was Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), but the English and homework proved too difficult in a second language. She then found a Christian parenting group; as her children played with other kids, she could meet other Japanese ladies.
Something kept attracting Tomoko to Christians.
She enjoyed their friendship. She then became involved with the Alpha course, which helped in opening her heart to Christianity. She found the truths to be real and comforting. Her inquisitive mind kept asking questions — but the International Alpha group had too many other nationalities in it. Although this is a good thing, the Japanese in the group wanted to ask and answer questions in their own language.
Another Bible study was formed with a SEND missionary, starting in Genesis, specifically for the Japanese. Tomoko slowly began to understand the love of God and to believe that Jesus, in love, died for her sins. There wasn’t a single “aha” moment; rather, in reflection, she realized that she believed. It was during this Bible study with several other ladies that Tomoko confessed that she believes. She now has peace with the living God. Tomoko’s name can mean “knowing child.” Now she knows — she is a child of God.
Additional Posts
Choosing a Missions Organization: Why SEND International Stands Out “Why should I be a missionary through SEND International?” Jenna, a new missionary in Eastern Europe, shared with us what she appreciates about working with SEND. The highlights for her are: - Devotion to prayer - Diligence in communication - Commitment to development - Intentionality in accountability Prayer “Back in September of 2022, the Lord reconnected me with SEND after I had met them a year prior at the Moody Bible Institute. However, before he would sign me up for anything, my Missions Coach encouraged me to pray. He said something to the effect of, "I know that you've been praying on your own for a long time. But as the Church, we are not called to walk alone. So, you and I won't talk for about a month unless you have questions. I want you to go pray with 5 or 6 others from your church about where God is calling you." That October, more than 10 friends prayed with me and we saw God answer as He directed me to Romania. From February 2024 to November 2025, I had the pleasure of being a part of team meetings in Romania with my SEND colleagues. Our meetings were four hours long, two for prayer and two for business. This has been the minimum for our team. There are also prayer meetings with the local churches we partner with, among smaller groups within our team, of course prayer with many of you across the pond, including those at our US office. The organization was built, has been sustained, and continues to run on prayer. This is my favorite thing about SEND. Communication As I mentioned above, we have a two hour block for business / ministry details in each of our meetings. This provides consistency across our team which works alongside three different churches and in a variety of ministries. It also helps us to communicate about the need for change or growth, alongside what is working well. In addition, my team director also meets with each of us, allowing us to communicate needs, considerations, and prayer requests. I've also enjoyed getting to work with SEND workers outside of my immediate region . We receive emails with the minutes from the Europe leadership team, Friday communications from our international director, and information regarding projects that affect our work among the unreached. In December of 2024, our international director at the time wrote a note to my parents for the first Christmas that I was gone. If nothing else had convinced my mom yet, this did. He took the time to care for me, but also to care well for the parents that were sending me (What it meant to my dad and mom for him to do this well has been one of the greatest ways I've been supported.). I also have some pretty wonderful regional directors. These people have prayed alongside us (while also serving in their own countries of service), they have taken time to come visit and encourage our team, and they have also taken the time to encourage the people in our churches. Development SEND has provided much in the area of development and care (spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally). At our regional conference (every three years), there have been medical check ups available, counseling options, and time for connecting with others on the field with similar experience. At our conference last October, I connected with a missionary who served overseas for many years, and is now serving on the administrative side of SEND. She has met with me since then for mentorship and has also invested much of her time recently in preparing a retreat for the singles across Europe. Accountability Over the years I have read and heard amazing stories of how God has worked through missionaries. God has done great things and great things He is still doing! However, people who have committed their lives to the Lord in this way are not “super Christians”. We are still humans with the same struggle against flesh that others have . A major challenge is in being isolated -- living in areas with little to no presence of other believers to sharpen them can cause many difficulties. SEND has been a great resource in this area too. Through my team, I have an accountability partner that I meet with monthly. When my regional director came to visit, he and his wife spent a day with me and asked intentional questions about how I lead, handle conflict, and how I am growing in general as a Christian. In addition, my teammates share their wisdom with me on a regular basis. These things and more have assured me that SEND International is a highly valuable organization and I'm excited to partner with them in service to, for, and with our great God! Interested in being sent by SEND?
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