About Us

Hello! We are AJ and Aven Meiring.

We are missionaries serving in Urawa Misono, Saitama, where we are involved in a church planting ministry in partnership with a Japanese church. Our desire is to see more people come to know Jesus Christ and more healthy churches established throughout Japan.

Our journey to Japan began many years ago through a growing conviction that God was calling us to serve where there is great need for gospel ministry. After ministry experience in South Africa, theological training, language study, and ministry apprenticeship in Japan, we were designated to work in church planting.

One of the greatest joys of our ministry is serving alongside Japanese believers. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from them, work together with them, and participate in what God is doing through His church in Japan. Church planting is a team effort, and we thank God for the partnerships He has provided.

AJ

I grew up in South Africa and came to faith in Christ as a teenager through the ministry of a local Vacation Bible School. Before entering ministry, I worked in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry and later completed theological studies. Over the years I have served in youth ministry, pastoral ministry, and cross-cultural ministry.

I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, sports, gaming, good coffee, and exploring Japan. Above all, I am thankful that God allows ordinary people to participate in His extraordinary work of building His church.

Aven

I was born in Cape Town and grew up in East London, South Africa. I came to know Christ during my high school years and soon developed a love for missions and seeing people from every nation come to know Him.

Before moving to Japan, I worked in education and student ministry. I have always enjoyed building relationships, encouraging others, and finding practical ways to show the love of Christ. Since moving to Japan, I have been involved in language study, hospitality ministry, outreach, and supporting our church planting efforts.

I enjoy baking, spending time with friends, learning Japanese, and raising our family in Japan. It is a privilege to serve the Lord here and to see His faithfulness day by day.

Our Family

Today we are grateful to call Japan home. Life and ministry here bring both challenges and blessings, but we are excited about what the Lord is doing in Urawa Misono and look forward to seeing how He continues to build His church in the years ahead.