Zachary and Yuka Vaughan

We currently live and pastor in Matsudo City, a city of 500,000 Japanese & foreigners right outside of Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. Our calling is to evangelize and disciple Japanese and foreigners living in Japan, train and raise up the next generation of leaders, and plant churches throughout the nation of Japan. October 13th, 2025 Church of God Japan sent us and our three members forth to plant Matsudo Lighthouse Church (MLC). We at MLC monthly do street evangelism, side door ministries, and introduction to Bible studies in order to reach one more soul for Christ and advance His kingdom in Japan.

Church planting is a generational calling in both of our families, as both of our parents are church planters both in Japan and the US. Before we got married, God spoke individually to us that we would be called to plant churches throughout Japan. God directed Zach to plant a church in Matsudo in 2023 with Acts 18:9-10 as our church plant’s founding verse: “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” After 2 years we launched Matsudo Lighthouse Church, and we are believing for a mass harvest.

Japan is known as the missionary graveyard because the spiritual strongholds have clouded and hardened the Japanese peoples’ hearts for centuries. For two years before MLC started, we had put on outreach events with little progress. However, once Matsudo Lighthouse Church had launched, God continued to use us and our members to proclaim Christ in Matsudo. Within MLC’s first six months, we saw our first salvation. Plus, God brought new non-believing families who are hungry for Christ.

We are deeply grateful for the Church of God family for their continued support of Japan COG, Matsudo Lighthouse COG, and us. We are currently meeting at a local community center for MLC’s worship service and outreach programs. We ask for you to prayerfully consider partnering with God and supporting this ministry. We believe MLC is the first of many churches God will use us and our members to plant. Your prayers and financial support greatly advance God’s kingdom work in Japan.