The Tea Table is a special feature where you have the chance to get to know our team on a more personal level. Pour yourself some tea (hot or sweet– we won’t judge) and enjoy. Have a question you’d like to ask our team? Just leave it in the comments below!
What are your names and how/where do you serve with CODE?
Our names are Gil and Michika Cauthorn. We are missionaries in Osaka, Japan. Our focus is intentional decipleship of young Japanese through our church, MustardSeed Church in Osaka, and through hosting house church in our home.
How did the two of you meet and when did you get married?
We met on my first missionary trip to Japan, back in 2007. Michika was actually still in high school! haha We were married on the 9th of March 2013.
What is one thing you’ve learned about God through being new parents?
Being parents has really taught us about how amazing grace and the love of God really is for us. Being a parent is an amazing and challenging journey. But there are no words to describe the depth of love and desire to protect that we have for our little girl. We are just a young married couple. We don’t know what we are doing. We are learning. And this is how we feel for our girl. How much more must God desire to love, protect and be in community with us? It’s amazing.
We recently celebrated Valentine’s Day. What’s been your best date together?
Our engagement date was great! Michika had no idea what was going to happen. We went to a park in Osaka where we could swim with Dolphins, not stand in a shallow tank…but actually swim and get picked up by dolphins! It was awesome! When we got out I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me, and a dolphin met us up on deck. 🙂
What advice would you give to married couples considering full time ministry?
Be intentional on developing your family culture with your spouse. Your home and culture between the two of you is a microcosm. The storms come in harder when you intentionally step into ministry together. Build that culture, Christ centered, servant-hearted, ready to relentlessly love….especially when things get aggravating. Love first! 🙂
What is your favorite American food and what is your favorite Japanese food?
Steaks! and as far as Japanese food….Sushi and Gyudon! 🙂
If you could invite one person over, living or dead, for dinner in your home, who would it be and why?
C.S. Lewis. I would love to have a pint and just listen to him share his perspective on everything!