JEMA staff introductions

In Summer 2016 we introduced you to the staff we currently had working for JEMA. Atsuko Tateishi continues as the office manager, but there have been staff changes. Ai Nightingale left the office for a time, but has returned. We asked our new staff some questions about themselves:

Michiru Pleasants プレザンツ みちる

I grew up in Fuchu and Kokubunji in Tokyo. I’ve also lived in Australia.

I currently teach private piano lessons and am an accompanist for vocal lessons. I’ve also worked as a childcare worker. At the moment I work about six hours a week for JEMA, mainly at the office. In the future I’d love to visit countries and cities I’ve never been to, such as Greece, Vienna, and Versailles.

Hobbies? I like going to Japanese gardens and parks. I especially like to be refreshed by walking and praying in green surroundings in the morning.

What excites you about JEMA? I get to be involved in the mission field in Japan and get to know about their ministries.

Grace Koshino 越野グレース

I grew up in a small town called North Tawton in Devon, England. As a child I enjoyed going to the butcher who gave me sweets!

As an adult I worked in sales and marketing for a Japanese company in London. I currently work 4.5 hours a week for JEMA. In the future I’d like to visit castles across Japan with my family.

Hobbies? I enjoy baking, traveling, sewing and chatting with my friends.

What excites you about JEMA? Working with friendly people and getting to know missionaries serving in Japan.

Mayumi Penner　ペナー真由美

I grew up in Saitama Prefecture until I was 17, then moved to the United States. I also spent about 1½ years in different countries in Europe.

Currently, I homeschool my kids who are 12 and 11 years old. I’ve previously worked as a translator. I work for JEMA about three hours per week from home. In the future I would love to travel with my family and show the kids places we have studied about.

Hobbies? I can spend hours online searching for good homeschooling curricula.

What excites you about JEMA? I have heard a lot about JEMA from friends, so it is fun to be able to finally meet the many people I have heard about.