Japan - Motoe Yamada

Motoe Yamada
Japan

Motoe Yamada, the daughter of a Buddhist monk, left her home in Japan to study in the U.S. The stresses of knowing little English and adapting to a new culture were eased by the welcome and support of the campus ministry at the University of Toledo.

Through her interaction within the ministry, led by the Rev. Dee Baker, Motoe came to faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized. After attending an annual Student Forum conference, Motoe was elected to the United Methodist Student Movement (UMSM) national steering committee, opening wider connections within United Methodism.

Through the UMSM, Motoe served on the Council for Ecumenical Student Christian Ministries, a partnership of six U.S. Protestant student movements. She became connected to the World Student Christian Federation and attended a leadership conference sponsored by the World Methodist Council.

Motoe, a recent seminary graduate, is now associate pastor at Buena Vista United Methodist Church in Alameda, Calif.