Tom and Debi Going

Serving the Lord in Japan

Bio

Tom and Debi Going are missionaries through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Japan. In this role, Tom serves as an educational missionary at Urawa Lutheran School (ULS), a school the LCMS started in 1953, located north of Tokyo. He not only teaches English at the school, but he also works closely with the school’s summer exchange and faculty development programs that seek to connect ULS and American students and faculty.

Tom and Debi both have been extensively involved in international missionary work, including more than 20 years of service with the LCMS. In the early 1990’s, Tom and Debi went to Japan to serve with the Volunteer Youth Ministry (VYM) program and teach English to Japanese students. During their time there, they fell in love with the fascinating culture, thus making their current transition to Japan a little easier.

Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. He received his teaching credential and certification as a director of Christian education (DCE) from Concordia University, Irvine, Calif. Debi received her bachelor’s degree in art from Concordia University, Irvine, along with her teaching credential and certification as a DCE. Their home congregation is St. Peters Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ind. They enjoy music, traveling and sports. Tom and Debi have twin children, Megumi and Isaac, who serve with them in Japan.

Prayers

Pray for the Goings as they serve in Japan. Pray that God continues to bless their ministry to the ULS students (only about 5% being Christian) and their fellow teachers (only about 30% being Christian). Ask God to continue giving their family good health and an overwhelming enthusiasm to serve Him tirelessly. Ask Him to give them the energy and patience to share the Gospel and shine Jesus’ love and peace those around them.

Pray for Megumi and Isaac as they study the Japanese language in their homeschool lessons and as they adjust to the Japanese culture. Finally, please pray for the Japanese people that their hearts and minds are open to learning more about Christianity. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind them of the Gospel and the amazing love and grace God has for them, as well as His ability to break the bondage they feel under their ancestors. Let us give thanks to God that the Goings are serving His children in this part of the world.

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Additional Information

• Birthdays:
  • Tom - Jan. 8
  • Debi - June 18
  • Megumi - Feb. 24
  • Isaac - Feb. 24
• Wedding Anniversary: March 25
• Home District: Indiana

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