There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the need for the gospel around the world is great. After all, Jesus said “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19). The nations need to know who Christ is.

     And so you might ask, why are we in Japan instead of somewhere else? There are many reasons. We feel called here.  God takes many of us to different places, and this is where he has chosen to bring us.

     Part of what God has laid on our hearts is the immense need for the gospel here.  Japan is a country of approximately 127,000,000 people.  Of those people, less than 1% claim Christianity. There is 1 church for every 16,222 people in Japan, with each church on average having an attendance of 36 people.  Japan is, in a way, overly religious; incorporating many religions into one. It is often said that one is born Shinto, has a Christian style or Shinto wedding, and is buried in the Buddhist tradition. Yet, often if you speak to these people, they will say that they are “non-religious”. Most only visit the temples or shrines once a year over the New Year festival time.

     Furthermore, Japan struggles greatly with many issues within itself. Every year 32,000 people commit suicide. Another 5,000 die every year from “karoshi” (death from overwork). And still yet, approximately 1.6 million people suffer from “hikikomori” (acute social withdrawal).

     Japan is a country in need of the gospel. They need to know the love of Christ in their lives. That is why we are here.

     William was raised in the small town of Beloit, Wisconsin by Bill and Kathy Ruck. Growing up, he attended Central Christian Church in Beloit, WI. As a youth, he was active in the church youth group and led some small Bible studies.

    Jo was raised in rural Minnesota on a dairy farm by Mark and Virginia Koopmeiners. She grew up attending Community Covenant Church in Upsala, MN. She was also actively involved in the church, attending youth group, helping with children’s ministries, and with worship.

     William and Jo both attended Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Missouri where William received a bachelor’s degree in Preaching Ministry and Jo received one in Youth and Family Ministry. It was there that they met and fell in love. After graduating they were married in July of 2007.

     After moving to Japan in February of 2009, they both taught English at Meysen Academy in Sendai until 2011. While there they learned a lot about what it takes to live in Japan. It was a great opportunity to ease into Japanese culture. In Sendai William and Jo attended Asahigaoka Christian Church and had a great chance to be a part of a healthy functioning church in Japan.

     They enjoyed teaching but decided that in 2011 they would leave their jobs to attend language school and work with Mustard Seed Christian Church in Nagoya. After spending about 9 months in language school William joined the staff of Mustard Seed part-time and began teaching English part-time. At Mustard Seed, William worked on various building projects, helped expand their small group program, and worked with various outreach programs.

   In 2015 William and Jo decided to transition from their part-time work with Mustard Seed and become full-time missionaries with Christ Bible Institute (CBI) in Nagoya. While they still attend and volunteer their time at Mustard Seed on Sunday, William is working at CBI throughout the week. 

     Christ Bible Institute is seminary located a short walk from Nagoya station. It was founded in 2005 by Michael Oh. It's mission is to equip Christians in Japan for the work of Gospel ministry.

     William is the Technology and Logistics coordinator for CBI. His role has changed and grown over the years and it has been exciting to see how God has equipped him to serve in unique and unexpected ways. He has said more than a few times, that when he and Jo went to Japan he never imagined he would be doing what he is doing now, but that he clearly sees the path God has made for him to this point.

Online

There are two ways to support our ministry financially. The first is to give online. We are able to process debit cards, credit cards, e-checks, and bank transfers. You are also able to set up reoccurring donations if you would like. It's easy to change any details and a lot of people find this to be the quickest and easiest way to support us. We recommend it.

By mail

The second way to support our ministry financially is to give by check via mail. Please make checks payable to "Relevant International Missions" and include a note that specifies that the donation is to go to "Will and Jo". Please send your support to:

Relevant International Missions
4605 Primer Ct, Batavia, OH 45103

OUR ADDRESS

1-75-1 Ishibotokecho
Showa ward, Nagoya, 466-0023
Japan

466-0023
愛知県名古屋昭和区
石仏町1-75-1

Contact Us

Feel free to send us a message.