by Joseph Miranda

The question, “Why not me?” echoed in my heart as I read God’s Generals: The Revivalists by Roberts Liardon. This book recounts the lives of men and women who, fueled by an unquenchable passion for God, refused to settle for an ordinary existence. Their encounters with God set them ablaze, making Jesus their sole desire and compelling them to share His story, His death, burial, and resurrection with the world. What truly set them apart was their commitment to “go out and preach everywhere” (Mark 16:20).

I never imagined myself as a preacher of the Gospel. For years, my fear of public speaking kept me hidden behind my guitar, avoiding the spotlight and the microphone. Yet the words “why not me” began to resonate deep within my spirit. I started to question: Why couldn’t I be the vessel God uses to reach unbelievers? Why couldn’t I pray for the sick and witness their healing in Jesus’ name? Why couldn’t I cast out demons by the authority Christ has given us?
The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead empowered those generals of God to impact their generation, and I realized that this same Holy Ghost is at work today. So, what is the difference? If we are filled with the Holy Ghost, why aren’t we experiencing the same miracles as the early church, Azusa Street, and those revivalists?

In my search for answers, I asked my assistant pastor, Ricardo Mancilla, “Why isn’t the church going out to evangelize and seeing the miracles we read about in the Bible?” His response changed the trajectory of my life: “Joseph, if we want to see anything done, it has to start with us.”
From that moment, under the covering and authority of my pastor, we began ministering in the streets of Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, and Tijuana every weekend. I resolved that my city would have a witness for Jesus. I grew weary of seeing other religions and groups evangelizing in the streets and wondered, where is the Apostolic church? Where are the young people passionate for the Kingdom of God?.

It is not enough to move from one service to another, keeping our talents within the church walls. God is calling us to GO! He is calling us to be a witness for Jesus outside of the four walls of the church building. He called us the light of the world and a city set on a hill. We must let the light of the Gospel shine and obey His command in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

In April of 2025, I received a call inviting me to serve as a Missionary in Training in Japan for three months through International Missions of the Apostolic Assembly. International Evangelist Domingo Garcia and Minister Jeremy Garza excitedly explained the purpose of the trip: reaching a nation where less than 1% of the population has heard the Gospel. Despite their enthusiasm, my mind raced with reasons I could not go; my career was thriving, my bills persisted, I had just signed a lease, and my church responsibilities weighed heavily. I couldn’t see how a three-month mission trip fit into my life, so I declined.

For two weeks after that call, every time I prayed, I felt an overwhelming burden for Japan and for souls who had never heard the Gospel. The Lord led me to Romans 10:13–14: “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”

I realized that God was calling me to preach the Gospel. Reading in Matthew about the disciples dropping their nets to follow Jesus, I asked myself, Am I worthy to call myself a disciple if I am not willing to drop my nets to follow Him? In God’s presence, I broke down and surrendered my will in obedience to Christ’s call.
The next day, I texted Evangelist Garcia and Minister Garza: “If you still need someone to go, here I am. Send me. I’ll go.”

As I stepped out in faith and obedience, God began to open doors I never imagined. My workplace allowed me to work part-time remotely from Japan, and my bosses, who are Mormon, supported me in my mission: “As long as you are preaching Jesus, we want to support you in this.”
Going to Japan meant embracing a new culture, learning a new language, and adapting to unfamiliar norms. We depended entirely on the power of the Holy Ghost to witness. As Scripture says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.”

My missionary partner, Jeremy Garza, and I stepped out in faith every day, looking for opportunities to sow the Gospel. As Matthew 13:3 says, “Behold, the sower went out to sow.” What we quickly noticed in Japan was the desperate need for the Gospel to be preached. The majority of people are lost in idolatry and the worship of many gods. On nearly every corner, there are shrines and temples; worship directed toward gods who cannot save and idols who cannot hear.

This idolatry is so deeply embedded in the culture that it will take a profound disruption—along with a renewed recognition of the one true and living God, Jesus Christ—to break it. He came to seek and to save those who are lost. Throughout our mission, we witnessed firsthand the depression, loneliness, and vices that many people struggle with. Beneath the surface of a friendly and orderly society, there is a heaviness that covers the nation. As we went out to evangelize and connect with locals, we saw clearly the desperate need for Jesus in Japan. Many of the young people we encountered were depressed, suicidal, and ultimately lost, lacking purpose beyond long work hours, alcohol, and drug use.

With even greater urgency, we knew we had to take territory and bring about a spiritual disruption. A strategy the Lord gave us was to unite with local churches in prayer and intentionally connect with young people. As we joined prayer meetings and built relationships, the friends we made naturally became our translators when we went out to preach the Gospel. We would preach in English, and they would translate into Japanese. With the purchase of an amplifier and a wireless microphone, we set up in various locations throughout Tokyo to worship in the streets and preach the Gospel. From parks and subway stations to street corners and massive crosswalks, we did not cease teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There were many moments of public worship where the presence of God would stop people in their tracks as they were captivated by the Holy Spirit. God used my missionary partner, Jeremy Garza, powerfully through his gift of worship on the guitar. The atmosphere would shift, preparing hearts for the ministry of the Word of God. These moments created opportunities to connect with souls and present Jesus to them.

For the majority of people we spoke with, it was their first time hearing the name of Jesus. We showed them that there is one God who created all things and created them with purpose. Sin caused separation from God, but only through Jesus can our sins be forgiven and our relationship with God restored.

Throughout the three months we lived in Japan, we built many relationships, shared the Gospel with hundreds of people on the streets, and had the privilege of discipling several individuals who are now our friends and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Three individuals received baptism in the name of Jesus: Ramiro, Koji Koji, and Betty. Each gave their life to Jesus Christ and was connected to a local church for continued discipleship.

The same God who called the disciples to drop their nets is still calling today. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Who will carry the torch of Apostolic ministry in this generation? Why not you? Why not you be the one to boldly pray for the sick, preach the Gospel, make disciples, and take the light of Jesus Christ into the darkest of places, whether across the street or across the world? If God can use anyone, why not you? Why can’t you be the igniter in your youth group? Be the catalyst for an outpouring in your city. Jesus is still asking, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Darkness covers the world, but God is setting a generation ablaze to shine His light. IS TIME TO RISE UP AND GO.

You don’t need to cross oceans or travel far to share the love of Jesus. Your mission field is right where you are. Preaching the gospel begins with a simple conversation, an act of kindness, or a prayer for a neighbor. Trust that the Holy Spirit will give you the courage, words, and power to make a difference. Everything is possible when you obey God’s call. Today, choose to step outside of your comfort zone and let your light shine. The world around you is waiting for hope. GO boldly and share the good news. Your obedience can change lives!

About the Author

Joseph Miranda serves as an ordained minister and the General Treasurer at Fountain of Praise in Oceanside, California. He works under the leadership and guidance of Pastor Daniel Martinez, contributing to both the spiritual and administrative aspects of the church community. Over the years, Joseph has worked and continues to serve in various capacities within the church, demonstrating dedication and versatility in ministry and service.