Just beyond Timor-Leste’s capital city, there are mountain villages that remain remarkably “unreached” with the Gospel to this day.

No roads reach Mota-Ulun. Yet, our team makes the journey across rivers, hiking steep mountain trails, and carrying supplies on their shoulders, heads and backs.

WHY? Because children and families are waiting... like Carla.
Can you imagine in this present day and age that this precious young woman of 16 has never attended school?
Life in a remote mountain community has kept formal education beyond her reach.

Yet whenever our team arrives, she eagerly joins the lessons.
Through Bible stories, English instruction, and basic computer training, Carla is learning skills she never imagined possible.
More importantly, she is discovering that she is seen, valued, and loved by God.

Today, more than 40 children regularly participate in our programs in Mota-Ulun and Mota-Ki’ik. Many families in these communities live by subsistence farming. Water is gathered rather than piped. Access to services is limited. Educational opportunities are few.

Yet what we have found is not despair.
We have found openness.
We have found hospitality.
We have found families eager to learn.
We have found children hungry for opportunity.
And we have discovered communities welcoming the love of Christ.

In fact, the people of Mota-Ulun have become so encouraged by these regular visits that they are offering and preparing land where a simple meeting center could be built—a place for learning, community gatherings, and ongoing ministry.

For us, this is more than a building opportunity.
It is a sign of trust.
It is an invitation!

It is evidence that relationships are being formed and that lives are being met by God’s love working through our hands and feet fueled by Christ and your prayers and giving.

This is why Serving Our World was founded in 2003.
This is why the TULUN Foundation was established in 2024.
And this is why our team continues to climb the mountain.

In the coming weeks, we look forward to introducing you to more of the children and families whose lives are being impacted through this ministry.

Thank you for walking alongside us as hope continues to reach people where the road ends—but God’s love does not.

Each week, our local team travels from Dili into the remote mountain communities of Mota-Ki’ik and Mota-Ulun in Timor-Leste—crossing rivers, hiking steep paths, and carrying supplies to reach children and families with learning opportunities, encouragement, and the love of Christ.

Recently, our director shared the story of a 13-year-old boy whose mobility challenges prevent him from attending school. Yet every time our team visits, he faithfully joins the Bible story and computer learning activities with the other children.

His mother shared:

“The activities are so helpful for our children to learn new skills and experiences.”

Moments like these remind us why this mission matters.

Today, more than 40 children participate regularly in these village programs, where they are learning, growing, and discovering they are not forgotten—but deeply loved.

As we continue sharing stories from the mountains of Timor-Leste, thank you for walking this journey with us and helping bring hope where it is needed most.

For nearly a year, we’ve had the joy of building meaningful relationships with seniors in a local  community—sharing God’s love, offering encouragement, and simply being present.

What began with small moments—conversations, smiles, and patiently waiting for opportunities to connect—has grown into something deeply moving. Just a few months ago, a single hug with one resident opened the door. Now we are overwhelmed with joy as a line of residents wait to receive hugs before leaving our gatherings.

But this last time, something even more powerful happened.

We returned and shared a lesson on the Gospel through the Gospel Icon story—and what followed was unforgettable. Seniors and staff alike were fully engaged, attentive, and drawn in. As you might imagine, it is no small thing to experience a captivated audience in a room of seniors. Yet there it was—the unmistakable power of the Gospel message at work, reaching hearts in a profound and personal way.

These moments remind us that ministry is not only across oceans, but also right here at home.

We are especially grateful to be part of this team, where churches come together in unity to love and serve in our community. Through this bond, we are able to assure each person we encounter that they are not forgotten—but deeply valued.

This is the heart of Serving Our World: lifting people to know they are valued and loved, building relationships and faith in Christ for their daily lives—whether across the world or right next door.

We are overjoyed to share a powerful praise report.

During a recent partnership with our local church here in Hawai‘i, a team visiting from Japan experienced that love in a deeply personal way. Through simple acts of hospitality—opening our homes, sharing meals, building friendships, and living out the Gospel—each member of the team received Jesus Christ.

We witnessed a transformation we will never forget.
Joy replaced heaviness. Peace replaced uncertainty.
Their countenance changed before our eyes.

One guest shared:
“Through this homestay, I was able to deeply feel Jesus’s love. Thank you so much.”

Out of respect for privacy, we are limited in what we can show—but what God has done is undeniable.

This moment reminds us that missions has many expressions.
Sometimes we go.
Sometimes we send.
And sometimes… we simply open our doors.

From serving communities in Noto after the devastation of 2024, to welcoming hearts here in Hawai‘i—the mission continues. The same love that compels us to go is the love that meets people right where they are.

As we look toward Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate this truth:
Jesus is alive—and He is still saving.

We are humbled, grateful, and expectant as we continue discipleship with these new believers, praying that their families and communities in Japan will also come to know the peace and joy found in Christ.

Thank you for standing with us—through prayer, giving, and faith.

Together, we are seeing lives transformed.

While the physical recovery continues, something even more powerful is taking place—the light of Christ continues to shine through faithful servants on the ground.

Our friends at NPO Hope Ishikawa, led by Ken Ito, remain actively serving the people of Noto. Through acts of care, encouragement, and practical help, they continue walking alongside residents who are rebuilding their homes and their lives. Recent updates from their team show the ongoing work of reaching communities with compassion, reminding people that they are not forgotten.

When our team from Serving Our World traveled to Noto last October, we had the privilege of serving alongside this ministries—sharing fellowship, music, hula, and simple acts of kindness with residents living in temporary housing communities and neighborhoods still recovering from the disaster. It was a meaningful opportunity to sow seeds of hope and the love of Jesus.

Since then, the Gospel outreach across the region has continued to grow. Through partnerships with churches, schools, community gatherings, and evangelistic events, thousands of people have been reached with the message of Christ. Teams have engaged unbelievers through community programs, sports camps, school visits, and outreach gatherings, while digital Gospel messages have reached hundreds of thousands online. Many have expressed interest in learning more through Bible studies and follow-up discipleship opportunities.

God continues to open doors for His message of hope.

For us at Serving Our World, it is deeply encouraging to see the seeds planted during our time in Noto continuing to grow through the faithful ministry of our friends and partners.

Together we remain committed to sowing the love of Christ and praying for a harvest of souls in Japan.

When something is truly good, it doesn’t stay quiet for long.

What God is doing through Serving Our World and the TULUN Foundation has become impossible to hide. The love, care, and opportunities being shared in Motakiik are spreading—and word is traveling fast.

Neighbors are talking. Villages are noticing. And now, communities like Mota-Ulun are asking to be part of it.

Driven by compassion, our team hikes over an hour—crossing a river and climbing into the mountains—to reach this new village. They are hungry for education, connection, and the Gospel, and we are humbled to step into this open door.

This is the beauty of good seed faithfully sown. What you’ve prayed for and invested in has become contagious—bearing fruit beyond where it was first planted.

Thank you for being part of something so good it couldn’t be hidden. Together, we are Touching Lives. Building Futures.
Praise the Lord with us—and please continue to pray and sow powerful seed!

As we step into the new year, we are grateful to share a fresh update from our team on the ground in Timor-Leste through TULUN Foundation and Serving Our World.

Throughout January, our team has been actively visiting children, parents, and local communities, sharing information about ongoing programs and activities for children, young people, and community groups. Alongside this, they have been working to secure the necessary materials and equipment to ensure programs remain smooth, effective, and well-supported.

What this update doesn’t fully show—but what these photos will—is the reality on the ground.

Heavy rains have caused rivers to rise, making travel difficult and, at times, impossible by vehicle. Yet our team is not deterred. When roads end, they unload supplies, carry laptops and materials by hand, and continue on foot—crossing rivers and rough terrain—to keep their commitment to the children they serve.

This is God's love in action.
This is faith that moves forward despite obstacles.

We are deeply thankful for your continued prayers and support, which make this work possible. As our team shared:

“Thank you all for the continuous supports and prayers. Our best wishes for you to be fulfilled with freshness of mind, wisdom, and grace to endure this year. Blessings.”

Together, we continue—step by step. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to serve!

In the hope of lives met by Christ this year! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas- thank you for being part of His work.
We are deeply grateful for your prayers and partnership, and we rejoice together in all that God has done!

Your love and generosity have helped share the Gospel, change lives, and deliver hope to many—from Timor-Leste to Japan.
           May you be richly blessed and filled with His joy!

Happy Thanksgiving!? It’s our joy to continue sharing the good news of Jesus - and we couldn’t do it without you!

We’re so grateful for each of you who has prayed, given and supported our mission. Because of your generosity, children, families, and the elderly in need are experiencing God’s love in real and meaningful ways from Timor-Leste??to Japan??.

Thank you, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with God’s rich blessings of peace and JOY!
#thankful #gratefulheart #servingourworld #christinaction #missioninmotion

While we were serving in Japan, your giving continued to fuel our ongoing ministry in Timor-Leste through the TULUN Foundation.

We encourage you to follow Fundação TULUN’s Facebook page, where fresh updates are posted directly from Timor-Leste; like the new pictorial series including never before seen images documenting the progress to completion of Aderito’s relief home. You won’t want to miss a beat!

https://www.facebook.com/fundacao.tulun

We are so grateful to share this recap of our mission to the Noto Peninsula in Japan — a region still healing and rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes and floods of 2024.

Through your support, we were able to encourage:
• Children, parents, teachers, and grandparents
• Survivors in temporary housing communities
• Local churches faithfully serving their neighbors
• Volunteers and workers rebuilding day by day

Home painting, moving supplies, hula, lei, song, prayer, and simple kindness became bridges of love and hope in every place we visited.

This mission planted seeds for long-term ministry — and doors have opened for us to return in 2026.
Thank you for sending us, standing with us, and believing with us.

Partner with us through a year-end gift TODAY

Nearly a week ago we departed Noto, yet they remain on our hearts.

This region is where we encountered first hand the evidence and trials that remain in this devastated region. Rebuilding has become a lifestyle. Communities have banded together to press on.

Opportunities to sow God’s love and His peace that surpass understanding are without end here. Continue with us to pray and support the local church, as we endeavor to sow the seed of God's love in Noto, Japan.

Connections abound in Japan from rail to the divine as we met with fellow brothers & sisters in Christ from Brazil.
Soon, we discovered that several of them were Rhema Bible Institute graduates
AND
they have planted “Word of Life Tokyo”. Hallelujah! The Saints are marching in love, for Jesus' name to be know in Japan.

An encouraging visit to Yokohama Uenomachi Church planted in 1953 is alive and growing! What a wonderful testimony shared by Pastor Shibata to encourage the church to continue to SOW the Gospel in Japan.

Hallelujah! The message of the Gospel is preached by passionate servants like our brothers and sisters in Christ in Yokohama.

We were blessed to worship and fellowship with the Word of Life family in Yokohama on Sunday. They are a loving and warm fellowship that inspires, equips and trains disciples to answer the call to reach nations.
God Bless Ps Wally & Ps Patty!

Such JOY to sow God’s love in Noto. From parents to teachers, children and grandparents God Touched Lives through a little hula.

Numerous temporary housing communities like this one are scattered throughout the Noto peninsula.
Thank you friends for making a way for us to meet and bless precious residents who survived Noto's devastating catastrophe’s of 2024. We shared the love of Jesus through lei, hula, music & song, games, gifts, fellowship, and even hugs. Mahalo!
(We wish we could share more photos with you, but out of respect for their privacy were limited in what we were able to capture on media).

Dinner and making new friends at コミセン 門前 BASE. It was such a pleasure to connect with the gracious, humble, and beautiful people of this area! This young girl was so sweet and so surprised and excited to meet people from Hawaii! They were really blessed that we would come so far to help the people of Noto. To God be the glory!

From the outside to the inside there’s something for everyone to be a part of the blessing.

Check out our little tutorial on how we do laundry in Japan when all the instructions are in Japanese.

Together with one loaded box truck and one little kei car we arrived at our destination. Situated on the western Noto coast in Monzenmachi, Wajima, Japan we unloaded to settle into our temporary mission home.

Being the Light in a new place is fun even if it's just going out for a bite!

We were blessed to testify, worship, fellowship, network, encourage and break bread with this precious ministry that’s in the heart of Kanazawa's Asahimachi university district.

Here we met not only people of Japan, but from the world over including Tibet, the Congo, Israel, Russia, Portugal, Norway, U.K, USA and more.

A simple prayer in the morning, and a miraculous provision the same day!