For the first time, the Global Nazarene Youth International Council met in Japan for its annual meeting. Regional youth coordinators and staff from the Global NYI Office met January 15 to 19 at the Japan District Office to talk about how the young people of this generation can join God’s mission in making Christlike disciples in the nations.

"It is such a blessing to be a part of a church that has members from all over the world," said Janary Godoy, Asia-Pacific regional youth coordinator. 

In addition to meetings in Tokyo, council members visited and preached at various churches in the Kantō area.

Diego Lopez, regional youth coordinator for Eurasia, and Shannon Greene from the Global NYI Office visited Gakuen Church.

Justin Pickard, regional youth coordinator for USA/Canada, and Brooklyn Lindsey, Justice Movement advocate, went to Aobadai Church.

Ronald Miller, regional youth coordinator for Africa, and Erin Knocke from the Global NYI Office went to Koiwa Church.

Milton Gay, regional youth coordinator for Mesoamerica, and Lisa Aparicio from the Global NYI Office went to Sangenjaya Church.

Jimmy de Gouveia, regional youth coordinator for South America, and David Gonzalez, Global NYI chair, went to Shimo-kitazawa church.

Godoy and her husband, Ánderson, went to Oyamadai Church.

On Sunday, Global NYI Director Gary Hartke preached at Meguro Church and Japan NYI District President Shouei Abe Sensei led an NYI rally that afternoon.

"It is so exciting to be with the brothers and sisters on this side of the world and experience the way they worship our Lord Jesus," Godoy said. "We had an amazing fellowship that evening over temaki sushi.

"We are also very grateful for the help of the interpreters that have used their gifts and talents to help share God’s Word and build connections with the people in Japan."

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region