29 July 2023 –  It is with great sadness that we communicate to you the news that our dear brother and Encompass teammate, Ralph Justiniano, has passed away. Ralph died on Saturday (local time in Japan) while participating in a cycling event, apparently resulting from a heart arrhythmia brought on by heatstroke. Several of our teammates in Japan, including Kyler Malarae and Kenji Husen, were with Ralph when he passed.

Our hearts ache for Ralph’s wife, Joan. Together they have been serving through Encompass in Japan for multiple decades, distinguishing themselves in many relationships both in Japan and in the States. Ralph and Joan are widely known and dearly loved across the Charis Fellowship.

Please be in prayer for Joan, the Justiniano family, and our Encompass team in Japan. We will communicate more in the coming days regarding ways that you can help and pray. For now, we grieve deeply, but as those who have hope in Jesus.

Mike Yoder
Executive Director
Encompass World Partners