Greetings in the name of the Lord

My family and I are excited that we have finally arrived in Okinawa, Japan and have become a part of the Neighborhood Church family.  My name is Tony DelaCruz and I am originally from the state of New Jersey, where I met my wife Susan.  We have four children: Joshua 22, Sarah 20, Sam 18 and Alyssa 6 who are with us at Neighborhood Assembly and are anxious to serve in ministry as well. I graduated from Central Bible College in December, 2005 at the age of 51. Our long term goal was to become missionaries, but we thought that we would have to serve 2 years in the States before it would be possible.  After graduation, I sent out 50 resumes seeking a ministerial position from a church as a children’s pastor.  We were offered a position but declined, not feeling led there.  In God’s timing, the opportunity for Okinawa, Japan opened for us.  We never dreamed that we could reach our long term goal of missionary service so quickly. This was the easy part. 

After accepting this position at Neighborhood Assembly, we faced many challenges: we had to sell our home, sell three cars, custody battle for Alyssa, Sue’s father collapsed and she had to perform CPR to revive him, and Sam almost died from an asthma attack. Through all of these things that have taken place, we have found that Jesus has been faithful.  Even as we were in route to Okinawa, we learned that Sue’s niece had a brain tumor but with the prayers of believers she is in rehab and doing well. 

Since arriving and being a part of Neighborhood, as Associate Pastor, I will be responsible for a number of areas: children from birth to young adult, Sunday School, and other areas of ministry when called upon to perform.  A new chapter has begun for the DelaCruz family at Neighborhood Assembly in Okinawa, Japan. 

Blessings, 

Pastor Tony DelaCruz

Neighborhood Assembly