The Leafs have worked in Tokyo for many years doing church planting. Christian work in Japan is very difficult, as resistance to the Gospel is strong. Ray pastors a church, teaches English classes, directs English seminars, and serves on the partner field council and on the Board of the Christian Academy. Ruth teaches Bible study groups and English classes and is a part-time school nurse at the Christian Academy. The Leafs have three adult children: Ernie, Alice, and John.