Vehicle(s)
Needed: $17,000
We've always appreciated the utility of wagons or vans, they can do a lot! My first vehicle was a roadtrip-worthy hatchback wagon sedan, and is what we drove away in after Alicia and I were married. 6 years and 3 children later we outgrew it and eventually donated it, moving onto a 7-passenger minivan (pictured above). However even with our Tetris-ing and modifying the two middle pilot seats into a 3-seater bench row, we needed to make the jump to a full-size van, where the space (and increased GVWR) is helpful.
We would bring our 12 passenger van with us if we could, but shipping American vehicles is not practical, both cost or future maintenance-wise, so we're looking to purchase a used passenger van and a smaller used secondary vehicle when in Japan. A smaller secondary vehicle is necessary with all the driving that I (Ben) will be doing while Alicia homeschools during the week.
The Rural Church Planter Training Center in Iwaizumi, Iwate prefecture, is where team members come for preparation and ministry to the local community, and from there, travel to do ministry, outreach and services in four nearby towns.
Route between Iwaizumi, Tanohata, Fudai, and Noda
Having missionaries living in nearby towns allows for neighbors and community members to have nearby access to a Christian, gospel witness through relationship, as well as through ministry events held in each others' homes. This also means a lot of driving every week!
How many bikes can you count? Taken near Gros Ventre Campground, WY
For our church's Trunk or Treat, Davidicus had the idea to convert our minivan into a Millennium Falcon-like vehicle for kids to play in and fly to other planets. He pulled it off amazingly, and I helped with the technical side of getting the screens set up, and it was a hit. I'm proud of their use of creativity to be a blessing!
As our kids know we are raising funds to move to and serve in rural Japan, one day driving to school, Zane came up with the idea of selling our 'spaceship.' I thought, 'why not?' So we made a craigslist post listing it as such.
Needed: $17,000
as of 11/9/2025
If you feel moved to help financially with the purchase of a vehicle or any particular need, please indicate the need in the 'note / gift details' on the giving form. May God bless you abundantly!