Newsletter, December, 2012

Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas! ... from the land of Japan.

I apologize again for not sending newsletter for a while. 

I arrived in Japan on September 12th, and have been spending time here in Japan for 3 months. "ANRC12 - All Nations Returnees Conference," the main purpose of my stay in Japan, was finished in blessings. Wrapping up has been almost done, and US staff members are returning to the US. I will be flying back to the US on December 10th as well.

Here is the summary of my stay in Japan, ANRC12 and what is coming up.


Things besides ANRC12...

Most of my stay in Japan was for ANRC12. I visited Osaka (ANR Kansai) and Nagoya (Inspireunion) as a speaker for regional kick-off meetings of ANRC12. It gave me great opportunities to meditate on the theme of ANRC12. At Kansai meeting, my Not-yet-Christian friend from Irvine Bible study visited me and had a chance to listen to the word of God once again. It was great to see people from both meetings at ANRC12. This was the strength of visiting and meeting people face to face.

In Nagoya, we had BBWIT bridge builders' leadership training camp as our second camp in Japan. Comparing to BBWIT in Tokyo (Feb), most of the attendees were those who are involved in returnee ministry in Tokai area. It made me realize the importance of having BBWIT in different regions. In Tokyo, I had a chance to attend Small Group Host (Leader) lunch meeting for my first time. It is the place for leaders to relearn the vision of JCFN small groups, discuss about the actual needs on hosting small groups, and update what is happening in their small groups.
 
I was in Tokyo for most of the time of my stay in Japan. So, I started my own small group at "Krispy Kreme Doughnut" with 4-6 returnees. Some of them came back to Japan more than 5 years ago, and some just came back to Japan. We got together for only 10 times, but I personally had a great time with them and experienced the importance of being together after reentry. I pray for small group ministry will be continually blessed. Also, in December, we had a reunion of Irvine Bible study group. Unfortunately, most of who attended was from Tokyo area, but I am thankful for this continuous connection with them.


ANRC12...

November 22nd-25th, ANRC12 (All Nations Returnees Conference) was held in Kakegawa, Shizuoka. About 600 people attended, which is the number of those who stayed at hotel was larger than the previous ANRCs in 2009 and 2010. The theme of ANRC12 was "Responding to God's calling as a vessel of compassion." We first reflected on what happened in the regions in Japan after ANRC in 2010. We invited regional leaders on the stage and listened to them sharing the process of past 2 years. There were some regions that their ministries grew, and some regions had difficult time of continuing ministries. Despite of their hardship, I recognize the leaders' heart for returnee follow-up, and I praised God for that. Japan experienced 3.11 during these 2 years as well and it brought "change" to Japan. We heard quite a few returnees responding to God and using their times for Tohoku. I witnessed that God's heart formed their hearts, and the ministries in Tohoku are still going. What an encouragement when I imagine how God is seeing those who are responding to Him.

I was mostly spending my time in back-stage, and had barely time to speak to attendees or reflect on what was spoken at the main sessions. However, seeing returnee attendees' faces, that were enjoying and encouraged by being at ANRC12, itself was encouragement to me. In addition, I was able to attend Japan regional leader's meeting, and it was such a blessing to see the network among them. We haven't heard actual reports from each attendee yet. I just pray that all their process of responding may be protected and guided within God's blessings. 


What is coming up...

Since we poured our time and effort to ANRC12, I cannot give my financial report at this newsletter. Hopefully, I will be able to update my support situation. I am still in need of those who are willing to support monthly. Please keep this in your prayer.

I will be flying from Japan to the US on December 10th. After 3 months of stay in the States, I will be back to Japan some time in late March or early April as a Japan staff member. Due to my green card situation, my stay in Japan will be about 2 years. Please pray for all the preparation and process moving back to Japan. Also, please pray for future ministries in Japan.


Thank you for remembering me in you prayers.

Blessings,

Chihiro Nakamura

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