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Missionary economics are by definition cross cultural or international in scope and must therefore take into consideration international cost of living factors and foreign exchange rates. Due to the strong Japanese yen against other currencies, Japan has become one of the world's most expensive countries. Within Japan, Tokyo is the most expensive city. Tokyo is apparently the second most expensive city in the world.
To put this in perspective, during the month of April 2008 we rejoiced that unleaded regular gasoline prices dropped to $1.25 per liter or $5.00 per US gallon! This was due to a government mixup in which gasoline taxes were unexpectedly reduced. In May 2008 the tax was reinstated, and our gasoline prices returned to $1.60 per liter or $6.40 per US gallon.
So our financial support package (calculated in US or CN dollars) is astronomically high! We currently need a total annual income of about CD$/US$145,000. Of that amount, 90% comes from our North American supporters--churches and individuals. The remaining 10% comes from our Japanese yen generated income--Dale's part time theology teaching and our part time pastoral ministry.
In addition to salary and minimal benefits such as retirement savings, our financial support package covers the following kinds of expenses:
- ministry expenses (materials, office supplies, office utility fees, communication expenses (prayer letters), etc.)
- ministry travel both in Japan and to/from home assignments
- children's overseas education (K - 12)
- rental housing costs (rent and other legal fees)
- health insurance (international and Japanese)
- legal fees related to living as foreign residents in Japan (passports, visas, resident alien certificates, etc.)
- foreign income tax
- mission administration (primarily in Canada and USA)
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