Praise the name of the Lord! How are you doing?
On March 30th, I arrived in Japan, and started my ministry as JCFN Japan staff on April 1st. Before I left the States, people I have know for a while and students I had done ministry with held a farewell party for me. Although I became a Christian in Japan, I have spent one third of my life and almost a half of my Christian life in the States. That fact makes me think that I too am a returnee. I am open to whatever doors God opens for His work in Japan. Please continue to prayer for my life and ministry in Japan.
In Michigan
Annual Joint Staff Meeting
JCFN annual joint staff meeting was held at the JCFN US Headquarters in the middle of March. We reflected on our ministry in 2012 and discussed what we foresee for 2013. Particularly, we had a time to discuss who is the JCFN's ministry target as we have our 21 years of ministry experience. We agreed that we are for those who are in transition of re-entry so that they may glorify God as equipped Christians.
Kanto Regional Meeting... Ministries in Regions
JCFN Kanto region meeting people held a welcome party for me right after my arrival in Japan. Looking back at my time before I left Japan for study in the States 10 and a half years ago, I had an opportunity to attend the equipper conference from Japan, knew about JCFN ministry, and started attending JCFN Kanto regional meetings after the conference. I feel amazed to see different people from those days have heart for returnee follow-up ministry and organized regional meeting. God surely placed His workers in His place and His time. I pray that more workers are raised all over Japan.
Returnee Follow-up
Through my experience of re-entry, I again recognized the importance of personal follow-up.
When I was staying in Japan last fall, I experimentally started "Krispy Small Group" which meets at Krispy Kreme Doughnut Café in Shinjuku at every Tuesday evening. That same small group was started from April again. More returnees were added. We meet in person, chat, open the Bible, and pray together. These simple things are really important for follow-up.
The other day, I had an e-mail from one returnee. "Recently I cannot go to church, don't have time to read the Bible, and even have no time to contact Christian friends. I feel devastated." I felt thankful for her telling her honest situation. Then, I had a privilege to go to church close to where she lives together with her on one Sunday. It was such a special experience for me; seeing her less pressured to go to a new church, sharing the atmosphere of the church, and introducing her directly to the church people. This kind of personal follow-up can be done by being in Japan. I would like to have my heart to the place and people where needs are. Please continue to pray for returnees.
What's Coming up?
Now I am still in the process of planning my ministry in Japan. I would like to visit returnee ministries in different regions in Japan. At the same time, I would like to visit churches which welcome returnees in order to have more close relationship between churches and JCFN. Also, I need to do support-raising. Please pray for my planning. Also, please let me know if you would like to have me share the ministry.
In the early May, I will visit InspireUnion, returnee ministry in Nagoya. In the end of May, I am planning to take some days off to visit Tohoku, and expecting to visit temporary housings and network as well. Please pray for each trip.
On May 19th, I will have preaching responsibility at my home church, Chofu Baptist Church.
Also, I started open office time, so-called "JCFN de Ocha-LUNCH" on every Thursday lunch time. I am hoping it will be gathering place for returnees who work near JCFN office in Ochanomizu.
♪Thanksgiving♪
◇ For God's guidance for 10.5 years (6 years as JCFN staff) and opportunities to be equipped during the years.
◇ For continuous financial supporters.
♪Prayer♪
◇ For my trips in May.
◇ For my planning of ministries in Japan.
◇ For my home church, Chofu Baptist Church.
◇ For more financial supporters to be provided.
