I’ve been a fulltime missionary my whole life and am totally devoted to serving Jesus, 100%. I have lived in India, Ethiopia, and South Africa, and have visited other countries around the World, to spread the gospel. I minister to, teach, and preach the Gospel to as many as I can, telling others of God’s love and His free gift of eternal salvation.

In India I helped build schools for underprivileged children, I taught children from local slum areas, provided aid and medical attention to the needy and helped as many others I could along the way. In South Africa I frequently visited Homes for the elderly, orphanages, and shelters, where I along with my colleagues and children I taught, performed dramas, skits and songs, to bring hope, love, cheer, and faith, which the world at large is sadly lacking in. I am a youth counselor and regularly participate in camps and seminars for both parents and youth. I am also a fulltime teacher of the Bible.

One of the most outstanding experiences of my life happened when I was 16; I was living in India at the time. I had grown up in the comfort and luxury of a 1st world country, with everything handed to me. There in India I met people who had nothing but poverty. Mothers, fathers, children, babies, all living in squalor together. Living in want does not even come close to what they have to live with, day in and day out. I was shocked and horrified to see all that these human beings had to go through, just to survive. I was moved to do something about it. I committed to do all that I could to change my part of the world and make it a better place.

I learned that life really does not consist of the accumulation of things, personal possessions, material gain, wealth or even popularity, what matters most in life is what you have done for others, the love you have given, peace and joy, those are the things that matter most in life, this is worth living for. I once read something Stephen Grellet said….

“ I shall pass through this world but once. Any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now and not defer it. For I shall not pass this way again.”

I know that I don’t have long to live, life is so short, but whatever I can do, let me do it now. This is my life—helping others to find the truth, happiness and the true meaning to life.

My parents have given me an excellent upbringing—being brought up in the Family. I can truly say with all of my heart that I wouldn’t have wanted it any differently. I have a wonderful family who truly loves and cares for me; I have received the best education and training. I am happy. My life is full of joy, peace and satisfaction, many can only dream of. I live in a safe, peaceful and positive environment where I can trust my co-workers and I have the opportunity to live and work with others who have the same visions, goals and faith. I have never regretted the decision I made to live in the Family, not even once. Of course there are ups and downs, that’s life, but the pros far outweigh the cons and compared to many unfortunate others, the life I live is incomparable. The Family is a wonderful place, a true utopia and I couldn’t be happier anywhere else.

For those who have chosen a different path, that’s fine with me, good for them. I love and admire them and do not think any less of them, why should I? We all have our own decisions to make. I respect their decisions and their points of view. However for those who have decided not to move on with their lives and who are bent on criticizing and verbally abusing those of us who are living…get a life! Find out what life is really about and start living it! Day to day! Get out there and do something productive, if not for others then do it for yourself.

May God help you!

Izumi Taniguchi (23) is a second-generation member of the Family International, currently residing in Japan.