"When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong": A Missionary Family's Journey to Japan

What does it take to walk away from everything you've built: a thriving business, a beloved farm, paid-off debt, and a community you cherish — to follow God into one of the least-reached nations on earth? For John and Lydia Young, the answer wasn't found in their strengths. It was found in their weakness. And in that surrender, they discovered a peace and joy that only God can supply. In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Beth sits down with John and Lydia Young, fourth- and third-generation missionaries preparing to move their family of six to Japan. From a successful tree care business and veterinary practice in Tennessee to a calling that defies worldly logic, John and Lydia share how God closed door after door  and then dramatically opened the one to Japan. Together they explore honor-shame culture, the loneliness of one of the world's most spiritually dark nations, the danger of tying our identity to performance, and the radical truth that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. What You'll Learn Why God often calls us away from our strengths and how that's where true peace is found The eleven-year journey of becoming debt-free before stepping onto the mission field How honor-shame culture shapes Japan's deep loneliness and resistance to the gospel Why perfectionism is a form of bondage  and how grace sets us free from earning our worth The biblical model of sustainable missions: discipleship, the local church, and cultural humility How God still speaks today through small, ordinary moments of obedience and trust About the Guests John and Lydia Young are missionaries with Mission to the World (MTW), preparing to serve in Japan with their four children: Eden, Celia, Jesse, and Silas. John is a skilled arborist and woodworker with a heart for relational evangelism, and Lydia is a veterinarian whose journey through Uganda and rural Tennessee shaped her vision for cross-cultural ministry. Together, they are laying down successful careers to follow God's call to one of the most unreached nations in the world, where there is only one church for every 16,000 Japanese people. To learn more about their mission, partner with them in prayer, or support their work financially, visit Mission to the World at mtw.org and search for the Young family. You can also watch their full ministry introduction here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYUQMbLiwmM If you've ever wondered whether God could use your weakness, your fears, or your unfinished places — this episode is for you. Take a few moments to listen, let the Spirit speak, and consider whether God might be inviting you to step out in faith too. If this episode encourages you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and join us at www.neverperfect.org for more stories of growth, resilience, and faith. Subscribe to the Never Perfect Faith Podcast wherever you listen because perfect isn't the goal. Faithful is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices