J and R were born and raised in Taiwan and emigrated separately to the US during their teen years. They are very much a TCK (Third Culture Kid) family. Their parents have lived in Taiwan, the US, and South America. J was in Ecuador from 1979-83 studying in an MK high school and met Jesus there. R grew up in a Christian family in Taiwan.

J and R met in a church in California and married in 1997. And then, carrying on the tradition, raised their three kids in East Asia, Taiwan, and the US.

J worked as an internal medicine physician before being called to serve in East Asia. Together, the two of them ministered with HIV/AIDS care ministries in East Asia and later with a working-class outreach in Taiwan. They did a one-year sabbatical and then resumed ministering to global workers in the US and Taiwan. Concurrently, J served as a board member for a Christian academy in Taiwan as well as a Hong Kong sending agency.

As Paraclete associates based in the US and Taiwan, they hope to come alongside to encourage and exhort (“parakaleo”) global servants. They desire to embody the Living Christ in these interpersonal meetings as they pray for growing biblical faithfulness from the heart. They plan to develop deep relationships with global workers serving in or sent from East Asia and Taiwan to help them succeed in their personal, family, and ministry goals.

J and R claim “tropical blood” and never thought they’d live in a cold climate like Michigan. They say, “Our most fluent language at home is ‘Chinglish,’ a combination of Chinese and English.”

J likes nature walks, good books, jigsaw puzzles, true-life movies, and fishing. R relaxes with movies, nature walks, thrifting, playing guitar, and gardening.