Who are Claire & Tohru?

Tohru and Claire Inoue have been our International Missionaries since April 2007. They are currently on furlough in Calgary where Tohru is studying at Ambrose University College (formerly Canadian Theological Seminary) and Claire is volunteering as the SIM representative for Alberta. They plan to go back to the Sudan in 2008.

Here are their stories:

Claire (Coburn) Inoue graduated out of Providence College, south of Winnipeg, and has worked for SIM since 1995 in Ethiopia and Sudan, working with a specific Sudanese tribe. First she worked for 5 1/2 years in the Sudanese refugee camps in Ethiopia and then she came to the Sudan in 2005 when the repatriation of the refugees in Ethiopia was taking place. In the refugee camps she taught English and managed non-formal educational programs. This included working with church youth groups on large drama productions, starting a girls' education program as well as planning the logistics and organizing a church leaders' conference. She used her artistic talents to facilitate educational mural painting for schools and a paediatric ward. She also worked with a group of boys who had come from the north to get an education in the south. In April, 2005, she met Tohru Inoue who was working for Samaritan's Purse in the same village. They had a romantic wedding on October 21, 2006 on the beach in Watamu, Kenya. While on furlough, they were able to celebrate their wedding in British Columbia with both sides of the family and friends. As well as her volunteer work as an SIM rep in Calgary, Claire is taking painting classes in her spare time.

Tohru Inoue was born in Montreal. He went to McGill University and received his degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation he went to Uganda where he worked with Samaritan's Purse in their water purification programs. He then went to Sudan, again with Samaritan's Purse, where he managed the running of a field hospital, livestock programs, agriculture programs, non-formal educational programs, emergency feeding programs, church leaders workshops, church assessments and operation Christmas Child shoebox distributions. Tohru is now preparing to work for SIM along with Claire. As part of this preparation he is studying at Ambrose for one year. He and Claire are also involved as they serve in their local church and minister to many different individuals. Tohru has had the opportunity to use his gift of music as he leads worship in the seminary chapel. They have also been able to share their experiences in the field both in churches and in the seminary.

How can I be involved?

• Pray! See the monthly GOM prayer requests for Tohru and Claire in the Faith Community Bible Church bulletins. Save these bulletins for reference.
• Read the Inoue.s newsletters. To receive a copy of their periodical newsletters contact missions@faithcommunitybiblechurch.com.
• Check out their blog: claireandtohru.blogspot.com.
• Write, email or phone. Missionaries like to hear our news as well so that they can keep in touch. (See below)

Contact Information

Alberta address:
Tohru and Claire Inoue
205 Edgehill Dr. N.W.
Calgary, AB
T3A 2W6

Phone: (403) 668-9160

Email: claire.inoue@gmail.com and tohru.inoue@gmail.com