Julie Nitao

Raising the Next Generation as Disciples of Christ

The Story and The Vision:

Julie Nitao is a 2nd generation Japanese-American, bilingual in both English and Japanese. Born and raised in California, she came to know Christ as a youth through the word of God and the shared testimonies of many leaders in Christ who demonstrated God’s love and care. This was also when her interest in missions started–seeing older brothers and sisters in Christ walking in His passion to serve through overseas missions. Japan drew her heart when she heard that ( though so developed and with so much beauty)  less than 1% of their population were Christians. Her passion for Japan and her vision is to raise the next generation as disciples of Christ. 

Julie has just finished 7 years (2017-2024) of ministry in the city of Rifu located in Miyagi prefecture and partnering with a local Japanese church to plant and water the seeds of the Gospel (1Cor 3:6.)

As a missionary, her role was to support the church’s transitioning out from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake relief work by walking alongside them (Romans 12:15) and being part of various ministries including church cafe, Sunday school and the youth. 

During this time (especially working with the youth), God allowed her to see how growing and keeping your faith as a youth is really difficult in Japan. The world and society teach them many lies about who they ought to be. They are most likely the only students in their school who go to church on Sunday, with Christianity often seen as something skeptical. The pressure they face is very real. But we know that relationship with God and identity in Christ frees them from the things of the world.

We will not hide them from their children, 

but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,

and the wonders that he has done.

Psalm 78:4

Current Ministry:

Seven years of ministry have deepened Julie’s passion to continue working with Japanese children and youth to raise the next generation as disciples of Christ! In order to fully serve in this field, she felt the need to be better equipped in the word of God herself, with a firmer foundation in wisdom by studying at a seminary. 

While applying for Seminary studies in Japan, Julie is currently in the States for the year 2025 and working as the JEMS Japan Missions Coordinator. She will be assisting the JEMS missionaries in Japan and involved in work related to Japan Missions: like Short Term Mission training and approval of potential missionaries. She will also be starting seminary courses online. 

This season of ministry will give her time to prepare for future long-term work in Japan.

Partnership:

Thank you for taking the time to read about Julie’s ministry for Japan!

If you are interested in being part of this ministry, here are 2 ways.

1. PRAYER

Sign up here to get email updates of my newsletters with prayer points.

(You can also read past newsletters to see God’s work in Rifu, Japan.)

2. FINANCIALLY - become a Ministry Partner 

Give online here or if you prefer to give by check, make the check out to “JEMS” and write our name on the memo line. Mail the check to P.O. Box 86047, Los Angeles, CA 90086-0047.

If you have any questions please call the JEMS office at 213-613-0022 or email Julie.