Hallelujah! Praised be the name of the Lord. Thank you very much for remembering JCFN ministry in your prayers. Also, thank you very much for your support in different ways. Here in California right now, it is like the beginning of summer. Hope this letter finds you well.
●● SLIM12 ●●
In the middle of April, Setsu and I attended the SLIM conference (www.slimconference.org) held in San Pellegrino, Italy. SLIM stands for "Servant Leadership in Ministry," and focuses on equipping young adults residing in Europe. There is a family camp for Japanese Christians in Europe every year, besides the retreat for young adults in Europe. SLIM conference is almost like the continuation of this retreat, but it has more intention on equipping attendees as servant leaders. It was the very first conference. Similarly, JCFN hosted equipper conference 11 times with focus in equipping. And it is true that it has not happened without support by other organizations and individuals. From our own experiences, we were thinking of attending SLIM so that we might be able to be a part of their support. Setsu was actually invited to speak at four workshops. In addition, we attended there with desire of having a network in Europe.
"I would like to be equipped. I would like to be involved in equipping others." There were about 70 attendees with same purposes like these, and were gathered from 12 countries. When people are gathered with passions, and when their gifts are brought together, we see that God does amazing new things with them. SLIM conference was the place like that. God has started something with it. I was thrilled to be in God's new movement through SLIM. I am very much looking forward to seeing His work through ministries in Europe. This year's family camp will be held in the Netherlands. Please pray for ministries in Europe.
●● Regional Ministries ●●
A new school year started in Japan, and the school year is finishing in the US. The seasons are different, but the ministries in each region are continuously moving forward. Here are some reports from them:
JxJ Seattle, WA
JxJ in Washington state is mainly focusing on short-term (less than one year) students. This is the season that new students are coming from Japan. Now is the time to start building new relationships. The key of relationship-building is to find "a peace child" ("And if a son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him." Luke 10:6) Please pray that they may encounter "a peace child."
Kanto Regional Meeting, Tokyo, Japan
The Kanto Regional Meeting is having both seminars type of meetings and events in order to follow up on returnees. As a community, they welcome new returnees and help them to plug into a small group and location church. Events give a sense of fellowship and seminars give opportunities to experience small groups. The first event after the new school year started in April was "hanami," which is to go to see cherry blossoms. The Yokohama small group organized this event. They had a seminar in May. New returnees were able to join in the meeting. Please continue to pray that the Kanto Regional Meeting is able to become a place for connection. Please also pray for those who are volunteering at the meeting.
●● Research for Japanese ministries overseas ●●
Lately, ministry to Japanese who "reside outside of Japan and return" has been seen as one of important Japan mission. However, due to ever changing demographic situations of Japanese living overseas, ministries also change inevitably. It is difficult to have a big picture and trend of Japanese ministries outside of Japan; however, with information you will provide, that will help the Japan mission and, ultimately, the global mission. We sent out the survey request to the Japanese churches, ministries, and organizations. If you know any ministries suit for giving feedback to this survey, please forward this information. It does not matter whether the ministry is led by Japanese or not; or where it is only targeting Japanese or internationals. It will take 5-10 minutes to answer the questions. Please pray for this survey so that it will give some insights for future JCFN ministries and other ministries to Japanese overseas. Please pray for those ministries.
Survey's link: www.goo.gl/bqYfm
●● Staff Updates ●●
At the end of May, JCFN annual board meeting will be held. Board members will be traveling from all over the States and Japan. Please pray for their trip and meeting. JCFN is facing financial difficulties transiting to the new fiscal year. It will be the topic brought up at the board meeting. Please pray that this meeting may be the place to turn our eyes to what the Lord is doing. Please pray also for the needs to be met.
As I reported, Setsu Shimizu (US staff) and Chihiro visited Italy in April. Chihiro is visiting Central Conference held near Chicago. Setsu has been invited to speak at several events in different places in the US during summer, and she is preparing for them. Please pray for each preparation.
Please pray for Japan office. Maki Goto (Japan staff) is continuously serving at Japan office alone. Please pray also for office worker (part-time, paid worker), Hijiri Martin.
At US headquarters, it will be a little calmed down before summer events. Please also Yuko Ozeki (US staff) and Machiko Miki (US office staff) and their ministries.
Blessings,
Chihiro Nakamura
JCFN Interim International Director
Prayer Requests
● For board meeting.
● For preparation for ANRC12.
● JCFN's ministries in 2012.
● For financial needs.
