We are the Yabukis'! 
 

Roy & Lisa

Lisa was born and raised in Orange, California, in a Christian home. She invited Jesus Christ to be her Savior at age 10 after attending church’s summer camp. Graduating from Biola University in 1988, she felt led to pursue a career in teaching English as a Second Languge.

Roy, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, received Jesus as Savior when he was 12 years old. Roy's parents were international students from Japan many years ago. While studying engineering at Princeton, he dedicated himself to serving the Lord in whatever pursuit God called him to. After post-college studies at Moody Bible Institute, Roy moved back to California and worked in engineering for 8 years at Parker Hannifin. Even in Texas Roy continued consulting with Parker until 2004.

How we got together

Roy and Lisa met in 1990 at a Bible study in Fullerton, CA, and discovered that they had in common going on summer missions trips to Japan. Roy invited Lisa to a picnic for international students as their first “date.” There they met the Gonzagas, their mentors in International Student ministry, and became active in the Friends to Internationals outreach of Calvary Church of Santa Ana. They married in 1994.

The Kids (J-x, T-x, & C-x(x=age))

Roy & Lisa welcomed their son J-x in 1996, then T-x in 2000.

Their daughter, C-x joined the family through adoption in 2004. (click on the name of the child you wish to learn more about) We also had two cats, Jesse & Catarina, who were born in July of 1993. Just recenty, Jesse the cat passed away.

How we got into ministry to international students

Recognizing God’s hand in bringing students from around the world with open hearts to hear the Gospel, Roy & Lisa joined ISI as part-time staff in 1996. They moved to Arlington,Texas in 1998 to re-start & direct the ministry at UT Arlington (UTA). Roy also entered Dallas Theological Seminary. They fellowship at Fielder Road Baptist Church. In addition to a weekly student gathering in their home, they helped to mobilize several churches to reach many of the nearly 3000 international students at UTA.

How we minister to international students now...

In May 2002, ISI challenged Roy to serve as the DFW City Director. Still serving at UTA, he is also responsible for directing the metroplex team of 10 in ministry to the 10,000 students in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area on six major campuses. As a result of Roy’s increased role, Roy & Lisa are currently in the process of raising up financial support to be full time in the ministry.