Introduction to Pastor and Wife [Tan and Izumi Shimizu]
Since April 2021, Tan and Izumi Shimizu have served as the pastoral couple at Takaishi Bible Church. They are a family of five with two sons and one daughter. Tan developed an interest in working in Africa during high school and studied Swahili and African culture in university. Izumi, raised in Indonesia by missionary parents, returned to Japan and, while seeking God’s guidance, studied Indonesian language and culture in university. Together, after studying at the Bible Training Institute in Tokyo, they married and served at Izumi Bible Church for two years from 1998. In 2000, they were sent by the Gospel Fellowship to East Africa, Tanzania, after training in the UK. They served in missionary work through SIM for 20 years (until March 2021).
Cherished Bible Verse
“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
There is nothing wasted in God. I am grateful. (Tan)
“The Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am only a youth”; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.’”
Over 20 years ago, I stepped out to Africa encouraged by this promise. The faithful God has kept and sustained me according to His promise to this day! (Izumi)
“At Takaishi Bible Church, we continue to learn together from God’s Word, the Bible, and walk in prayerful fellowship. Although restrictions continue to limit large group gatherings, we have taken John 13:35 as our theme this year: ‘By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’ Through small groups called Makiba Groups, our fellowship is being deepened. We warmly welcome you.”
Introduction to Associate Pastoral Couple
Since being sent from Kyoto to Takaishi City, Osaka Prefecture, in April 1969, they served for 52 years until March 2021, pioneering and pastoring Takaishi Bible Church. Currently, they continue their ministry as associate pastors in various churches of the Gospel Fellowship.
Testimony of Pastor Shozo Shimizu: “The Lord is Faithful”
The 50 years of Takaishi Bible Church have also been my own 50 years. I was 26 when we began pioneering, and now I am 76. These 50 years as a pastor have been a blessing. Of course, there were many challenges, but each time, my fellowship with the Lord deepened, and I experienced His presence by my side. In my youth, I saw the Lord as my helper; now at 76, I recognize myself as a servant for His work. Like Abraham, who was 100 years old, I am grateful to be taught the true master-servant relationship. The Lord’s blessing is not only in the work but also in being treated as His servant.
The future of Takaishi Bible Church depends on the next generation walking before the Lord. I would be grateful if you would pray for the next steps of Takaishi Bible Church. I believe the Lord, who has guided us for 50 years, will continue to lead. May the Lord be glorified and His glory praised through the journey of Takaishi Bible Church. “If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself.”
2 Timothy 2:13
Excerpt from the 50th Anniversary Magazine of Takaishi Bible Church, April 2019
