Maiko Watanabe thought she was coming to Australia to learn more about language " she didn't think she would soon be talking about a whole new career.
The young Japanese woman with a love for Western culture came here in 2002 to study English.
Originally planning to live in America, she was persuaded by CMS missionaries Phil and Lyn Miles to fly down-under instead.
"We have long thought that Australia can provide models of church and ministry that fit the Japanese context better than other models," said Lyn, who knew Maiko through church in Hyogo, near Osaka.
"We then drew on our contacts to find Maiko a place to live, some appropriate work and a church."
Three years later, Maiko is a full-time student at Sydney Missionary and Bible College (SMBC), working for a Diploma of Theology and thinking about what might come next.
"I love this place but I want to go back to Japan to serve in ministry," Maiko says. "There are many needs and a lot of work to be done there."
Maiko's desire to study more than English came through exposure to churches in the Sydney context.
She had already been in a Bible study group led by Mr Miles and was struck by the difference in his style compared to what she had known in the past.
Going along to the evening service at St Andrews' Cathedral, The Bible Talks, cemented the methods he introduced and challenged Maiko's assumptions about the role of lay people.
"I was surprised to see young people leading the group instead of just the minister. It was really exciting! I was challenged to tell others the gospel."
After completing a one-year English-as-a-second language (ESL) course at SMBC, Maiko enrolled in the two-year Diploma, funded by her generous and supportive parents.
She is praying that they will one day share her faith.
"There are many opportunities with Japanese people both here and in Japan," she says.
"I long to work with young adults from non-Christian families. I know what it's like to try to fill the emptiness with career and material things."
Her home church is keen to involve her in ministry but can't afford to employ Maiko full time.
Mr Miles is applying his talent for lateral thinking and Maiko continues to pray about how she will serve her people.
Through her involvement with a Japanese church in Sydney, Maiko has met many people who come to Australia for work or study for up to 12 months.
"They are very open to new ideas when they are here," she says.
"It is hard for Japanese people to change direction and it takes a long time for them to make a commitment to Christ.
"After becoming part of the church here, they need to go back to strong Bible-focused churches in Japan that will continue to encourage and care for them."
Maiko's career change is now challenging her contacts and inspiring her friends.
"We're very excited about Maiko's story. It has been so God-driven and he is producing so much fruit in her life," Mrs Miles says.
