Hey! I’m Jaden, and I’m living out something I could have never planned for myself on the island of Okinawa, Japan. I grew up in Japan, eventually made my way back to the US, and then felt the Lord tug my heart right back to where it all started. So here I am, in my 20s, Bible college grad, and fully convinced that Okinawa is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

My days are filled with translating sermons/Bible studies, pouring into worship ministry, and walking alongside teenagers in discipleship. Worship is a huge part of what I do, and there is nothing quite like leading people to genuine worship of the one true God through music. Seeing people come alive in worship and then carry that into their everyday lives is so encouraging. I’m here for the long haul. This isn’t a gap year or a bucket list trip, it’s a lifetime call. The young people of Okinawa really have my heart, and I’m committed to showing up for them year after year.

The verse that anchors everything I do is 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love…” Ministry without love is just noise. Whether I’m leading worship, mentoring a student, or sharing the gospel, I want everything to be rooted in genuine, Christlike love for these teens and this community.