Japanese Mission Society

The History of JMS

In 1972, Rev. Thomas & Adrienne Going returned to America after serving with their family                             in Japan since 1958. After taking a call to Columbus, IN, they noticed all of the Japanese families in Indiana, and so started offering ESL classes at Grace Lutheran Church. In 1994 the Mission Board of the Indiana District of the LCMS called Rev. Shigeru Masaki to serve Japanese families in Indiana and surrounding states.  This was a 3-year commitment for financial support with the stipulation that a Mission Society would be formed to begin full support of Rev. Masaki after the 3 years. In April 1994, Rev Masaki (pictured above, bottom left) was installed as pastor to Japanese-speaking people in Indiana and beyond. His installation took place at Grace Lutheran Church in Columbus, IN. In February of 1996, the Japanese Mission Society received a Certificate of Incorporation from the State of IN, with Grace Lutheran Church, 3201 Central Ave., Columbus, as the JMS office.

Pastor Masaki served faithfully until his return to Japan in 2002. 

In August of 2002, Rev. Thomas Going was commissioned to carry on

the pastoral work of the JMS. Most recently, as of October 1, 2022,

Tom & Debi Going (pictured here with their children, Megumi & Isaac)

have accepted roles as Co-Directors of JMS. Tom & Debi served in

Japan for over 25 years and have a deep desire to serve Japanese

families, repaying all of the kindness shown to them for over 30 years

in Asia.

Presently, outreach work is carried on in Indianapolis, Columbus, Walesboro, and Seymour, Indiana.