Kya’s Story: The Irresistible Pull Toward Japan

“I had no idea what Japan was,” Kya says. “Then my parents took me when I was 10, and now I wake up every day and think about Japan.” What began as a childhood trip quietly took root in her heart, growing into a deep affection that never faded. When people ask what draws her to Japan, she says, “It’s a hard question for me, because my heart is just pulled towards Japan—the people, the language, the food, and the culture—like the entirety of it.” 

As she grew older, the idea of missions would surface from time to time, but Kya often found herself thinking, “I don’t know. I don’t think that’s something I could do.” Wanting a practical path forward, she chose to major in business—a well-rounded degree she can use in any number of career paths. Yet even as she focused on her studies, God continued increasing Kya’s love for Japan. In addition to her business classes, Kya began studying Japanese, unable to ignore the quiet pull that she had felt since childhood. 

In 2024, that pull became more tangible. Kya’s church highlighted Japan during a Vacation Bible School (VBS), and Kya met Allana, an Encompass worker preparing to be deployed to Japan. Not long after, Kya returned to Japan for the second time. For a full month she explored the country, practiced the language she loved, and connected with Encompass workers Matt and Mai, catching a glimpse of life and ministry on the ground. 

Then in 2025, something shifted when she went on a short-term mission trip to Mexico. While she was serving a church plant by painting a mural, building a sidewalk, and engaging in relational ministry, God was busy doing a work in her own heart. “On that trip I realized how much I actually enjoyed missions,” she says. “How much I wanted to do it—and how much peace it brought me.” What once felt intimidating now felt exciting! 

Before graduating in the fall, Kya will return to Japan this summer as an Encompass intern. During the three-week trip, she’ll serve alongside Encompass teams, learn from ongoing church plants, and discern whether God is calling her into long-term ministry there. 

Looking back, it’s clear to see how perfectly God has been preparing Kya for this opportunity. He’s given her His heart for the people, a love for the language, and even practical skills for ministry. Ready to serve, Kya received a certification to teach English as a second language and is currently pursuing a certification to teach math to kids.  

As Kya steps out in obedience, pray that her internship is fruitful and that God clearly confirms her next steps. If you feel led, consider investing in Kya as she responds to the pull God’s placed on her heart for nearly a decade.