Lino and Harumi Toledo’s ministry in Japan:

We worked as project developer and worker in a local church in Angat Bulacan. The possibility of reaching the Japanese though, kept coming to our minds. We would talk about what we can do there considering that it is one of the least reached country. We thought, “maybe… someday… somehow.”

In 2010, Harumi’s mother passed away. We found it difficult to go to Japan as airfare costs a lot. We were not prepared, but the Lord allowed Harumi and the two children to go home to Japan. They did not even have clothes to wear for the funeral, but the Lord took care of everything. We thought God wanted us back in Japan at that time, but the Lord wanted us to wait further.

In 2011, there was a big earthquake in Japan with a magnitude of 9.0. As we watched the live TV broadcast in the Philippines showing the huge tsunami, we just felt God calling us. It was hard to imagine the many who are suffering without hope. Many are living in spiritual darkness. People lost their houses and loved ones and they didn’t know where to go and Who to call on.

That same year a missionary couple came to visit us in Angat. We knew God was calling us to a ministry in Japan. However, a lot of things needed to be considered. Financial support, our children’s education, visa processing, the pressure of life-style in Japan, and so on. Literally, we would be starting from scratch. We did not have anything, but it was amazing how God provided everything.

Eventually in 2012, after 7 years in Angat ministry, it was time to move. And so, we started preparing to go to Japan.

Our kids were home schooled and we thought that home schooling ministry would fit well. We did a lots of research and even visited a homeschool in Yokohama, Japan. But God have a different path.

In March 2013, Lino came to Japan while Harumi and the kids stayed with Lino’s mother in Cavite, Philippines. Lino was housed in a Local church whose Filipino pastor married a Japanese. They invited us to become their ministry partner. In November of the same year, the rest of the family flew to Japan.

In 2014, Harumi prayed for a nice working place where she can serve the Lord. God answered her prayer and provided an NPO (non-profit organization) for the mentally handicapped. It is an organic farming institute whose founder is a Christian.

Rarely do we meet Christians here in Japan, but God led Harumi to work where she can minister among colleagues. Our first fruit was Ume san, Harumi’s co-worker.

Today we serve God through a “tent making” ministry partner with Pastor Nakata and family. Together, we reach out to Japanese people with the Gospel of Christ. Lino preaches regularly in church while Harumi leads a Bible study.

How we praise God for this privilege to serve Him!