Update: As of January 2009, VYM missionaries became full-time employees of LCMS World Mission, in the GEO program (Globally Engaged in Outreach). The program hasn't changed, but we now have the full benefits of employees. This also (unfortunately) means that the funds required for the program have increased.

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Volunteer Youth Ministry Japan was established in 1973. It grew out of an earlier program (established in 1965) called Prince of Peace Volunteers. It gives LCMS members who are recent college graduates the opportunity to share the Gospel with the people of Japan. VYM also serves Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Venezuela, although each program is independent.

The current VYM program is a partnership between the LCMS and the Japanese Lutheran Church (NRK). The volunteers (aka "V-ers") are recruited by the LCMS and approved by the NRK.

V-ers commit to two and a half years of service in Japan. Following six months of training in Tokyo, where they learn the Japanese language and culture, they are placed with a partnering congregation in Japan.

Since serving with VYM is a volunteer position, V-ers don't get paid. They receive a monthly stipend to buy food and pay utilities, but the money they receive comes from funds they have raised from their personal mission support network. The Japan program costs about $25,000 for the full two and a half years.

Compared to the cost of living in Japan, $25,000 for more than two years is (still) surprisingly low. This is mostly because of the partnership with NRK. The Japanese church provides housing for the V-ers, cutting out a significant amount of the cost.