Immigrants, internationals, and refugees are our neighbors. They may be refugees who have experienced significant trauma in their journey to our country. Others have immigrated to join family members or to find a safer and a more economically viable life. Some are here working in international business.
Many come from countries closed to the gospel and yet, here in the US we have freedom to reach them. They are contributing to a revitalization of the church in America.
Our mission in Neighbors is to bring the transforming love of Jesus to communities through relationships, innovative approaches, and partnerships, living out the Great Commandment while helping fulfill the Great Commission.
One such partnership is with One Voice Fellowship, a four-year-old church plant of/for internationals, involving expressions of community and worship in Amharic, Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Spanish, Urdu, and Uyghur.
Meet Rose
The North Korean refugee experience, along with the impact of generational trauma, has been a significant part of Rose’s family history and journey, and she has long desired to reach the broken-hearted in the intersection of evangelism and mercy.
Rose worked in D.C. from 2007-2013 as a congressional staffer as well as a Deloitte consultant. During that time, she met Christ and grew an insatiable desire to live and share the gospel as her full-time vocation during that time. Upon meeting her now husband, Mike, in their local church, she joined Cru as full-time staff.
Meet Mike
Mike’s family immigrated from Japan, with Mike becoming the first known Christian in his entire lineage, followed by his mother a decade later.
Christ's work in Mike's life beginning freshman year of college moved him from being an "outsider" to experiencing everlasting nearness to God and His people and being transferred from darkness to God's marvelous light (Col. 1:13). Cru has greatly helped immerse Mike in the gospel that captivates hearts, transforms lives and cultivates communities of refuge that further proclaim and demonstrate the story of Jesus to a world that is waiting.
As Cru staff, we are engaging the curious, equipping the follower, and investing in partnerships so that every immigrant, international, and refugee finds their place in God's story. Here are some ways we serve:
- Mike: Leader in Men's Discipleship of One Voice Fellowship, Volunteer Coordinator of English Summer Camp, Leader of a Welcome Support Team for Afghan resettlement, host of prayer/small groups, Cru staff Connections Coach/Facilitator, IIR National Lead Team Interim Member
- Rose: Connecter with ladies in evangelistic relationships, Consultant for innovative approaches/ministry strategy, Committed Mother (for our primary disciples)
We are privileged as Cru staff to intentionally come alongside our neighbors in their transitions to life in a new country and local community. What difference might it make to have a friend and advocate who cares about who they are and their journey (past, present, and future) through tangible support and God's word?
We wish to honor Jesus who has gone ahead of us to prepare a home for us, to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, and to show the power and hope of the gospel.
Our privilege as Cru staff is partnering with individuals and churches in the Lord’s work for the abounding and flourishing of the gospel in hearts, lives, and communities.
The prayers and financial generosity of our partners are eternal investments into the transforming love of Jesus reaching the whole city through relationships, innovative approaches and partnerships.
We, Mike and Rose, are committed to faithful financial stewardship, seeking ongoing equipping and flourishing as a family on mission, dedicating and investing every fiber of our being into God's manifold work, praying for our partners, and seeking to encourage your faith by relaying the stories the Lord is bringing about on the field.
Can you sense the abounding and advancement of the Kingdom of God as a result of this partnership with you, us, and the neighbors we are reaching?
Apostle Paul wrote to his partnering church in Philippians 4:17, "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account." Do you sense that you would be spiritually blessed in partnering with us in the Lord’s work?
We hope and pray we would ultimately be mutually blessed, loved, and strengthened in partnership!
Please fill out this contact form if you'd like to get in touch! You may also reach us via our contact below. We hope to be as generous as God is to us through peoples like yourselves.
Romans 15:5-7 (CSB): “5 Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice. 7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.”
In finding home again,
Mike and Rose Fujimoto
—with (L-R): Selah, David, and Ethan