Newsletter in Englishの最近のブログ記事

Summer has arrived in the States as Japan enters its rainy season. I am praying for you, especially, during this time of year. Ever since I returned back from Japan in early April, I have been in a "preparation period." We had our annual joint staff meeting to plan for the new fiscal year and also focused on planning for events that will follow later this year. In the midst, I had a chance to go back to Japan for a few days to attend my cousin's wedding. I am so thankful that I have been protected everyday. Thank you all for your prayers!!


■Note...Things on My Mind...■□

In June, we had our annual joint staff meeting, which I will get into detail a bit later. I had to turn in my self-evaluation for the previous year. As I reflected on 2009, my third year as a full-time minister, I confirmed the reason I was called into this ministry. I realized that my gifts are being used as I regularly communicate with regional leaders in various places and am personally involved in discipleship and returnees' re-entry preparation. I thank God for reminding me of this.

Some changes will be taking place in JCFN. One staff is going to resign as another is currently raising support to join the team. And yet, another is taking a sabbatical leave for a few months and another is preparing for marriage. Even more, as I write this report, the JCFN US headquarters is still looking for a place to relocate to. Many things are in transition; in this special season, I can feel that God is teaching me to trust.


I have heard that "to worry" is the opposite of "to worship." I was reminded that as worry and become anxious, my worship was becoming sloppy and trusting in God was not being prioritized. I really pray that I will be able to put my trust in His hands.

I may have mentioned it here before, but there is one thing that I always try to maintain, in spite of my conditions. That is to intentionally have a personal relationship with three people. This is something that I learned from Jesus, who had an especially close relationship with three of the 12 disciples. Like Him, I was able to commit to having a personal relationship with three people this past year. I thank God for guiding me through.

Currently, I am meeting up on a weekly basis with a new Christian for her discipleship. I am also mentoring a girl on Skype since last summer. She had lived in the U.S. for 10 years and became a Christian. First, it started as a requirement of her Bible College, but it has continued even after that program has finished. She actually returned to Japan in May. So I had a chance to follow her through her re-entry process both before and after her return. Her goal is to find a body of Christ to belong to and a good mentor in Japan. The third person is a girl who came to the U.S. three years ago to study, who became a Christian a year later. She has been involved with campus ministry, where she came to the Lord. I have been mentoring her and now helping her to prepare for her return to Japan next month. She is actually serving at JCFN as a short-term intern this summer.

Through these relationships, God has been teaching me the importance of first entering into His presence even before I can begin to look after someone else. Also, spending time with the girls has given me the precious experience to try to more closely relate to the returnees. Please remember those who I am meeting with in your prayers.


□ec 10 Planning Committee Meeting□■

As I reported in the previous newsletter, the ec 10 preparation is ongoing. Committee members met face-to-face in June. While I was in the meeting, I was reminded of how I thrilled I had been to lead meetings at the previous conferences. This year, my position has changed and I was mainly there for support. It was interesting and I enjoyed seeing the great team for this year's ec. As I witnessed the committee members seriously praying and discussing about ec becoming a place to equip returnees, I committed myself to pray that God may use ec in a great way. Please continuously pray for the preparation.

The theme of this year's ec is "Reflect His Holiness - God is within You." The hope is for the conferees to be enter into the process of sanctification in order to become more like Jesus Christ. I pray that the returnees have the assurance of faith, stand firmly in it, and be commissioned to Japan and the world as a reflection of God's holy characteristics. Please pray that those who God is calling to ec may be able to attend and that their need may be met.

For details, check the ec website.


□Annual Joint Staff Meeting□■

June 10th - 13th, we had our annual joint staff meeting. For four straight days, we got together for discussion and planning. Last year, it was held on-line. It was good to meet in person. Since we met in the U.S., only the full-time staff got together, which consists of four staff members. Although it was just the four of us, it was a really good to all be together. Besides me, the rest of the staff have been serving at JCFN for more than 10 years. So sometimes, I could not necessarily keep up with what they were talking about. Regardless, I was thankful to have such a wonderful team to work with in God's ministry.

After ANRC (conference) was held in March, new movements have been born amongst the returnees living in various regions of Japan. The next ANRC will be held in November of 2012. Until then, we are looking forward to seeing these movements in each region and good network to follow-up with the returnees. The networking that is occurring has been termed ANRConnection. Returnees in different places will focus on the same goal and follow up and encourage each another. Those who follow up returnees are called "bridge builders" and we hope to see them everywhere. In order to do that, we recognize the importance to visit each region to cast the vision and encourage each other - this was the main topic discussed during the joint staff meeting.

Now, as for my job description for 2010, most of the responsibilities will not change. However, one big thing was added. That is that I will be traveling around Japan for vision casting, which I just wrote about. In April when I received my green card, I prayed that I may be obedient to the opportunities that God gives me. This is a time to obey God. It is true that there are some benefits to travel to/in Japan by having a green card. It will be easier to go out of and come back into the U.S. with this status, and I will be eligible to obtain JR pass which makes the travel reasonably. Moreover, I recognize the benefit of me being overseas so that I may travel around and meet people. Please pray that I may have this trip to Japan with obedience and humbleness.


□What's Going on with Chihiro□■

Summer is here. There will be different events happening during the summer. In July, we will visit retreats held in Southern California to promote ec. Also, there will be a board meeting and WIT leadership camp. Besides, I will travel to Spain for Europe Japanese Christian conference. Then, I will be in Japan from August to October. Please pray for my physical protection and that I may be able to accomplish God's ministry.

Jul. 12th - 15th: JCFN board meeting (Northern CA)
Jul. 22nd - 24th: WIT10 (CA)
Jul. 27th - Aug. 9th: Europe Japanese Christian Conference (Madrid, Spain) and trip to London
August - October: Trip to Japan
Dec. 27th - Jan. 1st: ec 10 (CA)


■Prayer for Chihiro■□

♪ Thanksgiving ♪
- For protection during my trip to Japan (vacation).
- For supporters continuously being provided.

♪ Requests ♪
- That I am able to obey God's voice.
- For my home church, Chofu Baptist Church.
- For the JCFN headquarter relocation.
- For wisdom for planning of my trip to Japan.
- For financial supporters to be provided consistently.

 

After having stayed in Japan for approximately two months, I am now back in the States. It was great to be with my family and home church family in Japan. I also enjoyed reuniting with returnees there. Still having jet lag, here is my report about my time in Japan!

■Urbana 09 Reunion + Trip to Kansai■□

In February, my first responsibility in Japan was to attend the Urbana 09 reunion. Those who participated in the Urbana tour got together both in Kanto and Kansai. We saw some videos and slideshows from the conference, and reflected on what God led them to experience and learn during the trip. I was very encouraged to hear about how they have been applying what He taught them in their actual life. I sensed God delighting in them. Please continue praying for their faith journey.

Since the trip to Kansai was only for the Urbana reunion, I only stayed for two days. However, during this stay, I was able to meet returnees and visit churches to report about what is going on. I stayed with one of my friends, who is a returnee from New York. I have known her since equipper conference 2001, which I attended from Japan before I went to seminary. She was my small group leader. Because we are the same age and studied in seminary around the same time frame, we have continued to grow close and have been encouraging each other over th eyears. After her stay in the US for more than 10 years, she finally returned to Japan last summer. She told me what kind of journey she has been through during the previous months, and we were able to pray together. The specific conversation we had about her transition, what led her to decide on a home church, etc helped me to learn more about returnees. The short time that we spent together left a big impact. The most interesting comment that she made was that she wants her gifts to be used. Right after she arrived in Japan, she started attending church, but she did not feel a sense of belonging at the church. However, that changed after she began her involvement in a ministry at the church, where her gifts came to life. It is perhaps rare to find someone that comes out and boldly states, "This is my spiritual gift." Therefore, it may be a good idea for those who welcome returnees at church to intentionally ask them certain questions: What kind of ministries they were involved in at their churches while overseas, what passion they have, and what spiritual gifts they have. As for those who are returning or are sending them out, it might be a good idea to guide returnees to reflect on themselves including their spiritual gifts and prepare to explain themselves before their return. Please pray for my dear friend in Kansai and the other returnees.

□ec 10 Planning Committee has kicked off!!□■

The planning committee for equipper conference 2010, held at the end of this year, has begun meeting. This year marks its ten-year anniversary. The new director, Yoshiki Saeki JCFN associate staff, is leading the team. Since the team consists of people in different countries and states, most of the communication is held via Skype. Please pray for their team building and communication as the planning progresses. Currently, they are having discussions about the main theme. During the meetings, I get excited imagining the ec 10 conferees being transformed by God. This year, we will invite the following speakers: Rev. Kenichi Nakagawa (Harvest Time Ministries) from Japan, Mr. Eiji Osato (Japan Baptist Union missionary) from Thailand, and Rev. Manabu Nishikori (New Jersey Japanese Christian Church pastor) from NJ, USA. Please pray for the preparation of speakers as well.

□Something about ANRC 10 & Returnees□■

Thank you very much for your prayers for All Nations Returnees Conference (ANRC10). The special forum was held on March 19, and the main conference was held from the 20th to the 22nd in Kumagaya, Saitama. There were nearly 700 attendees, if we include those that attended only the reunion portion of the conference. The theme of the conference was "One Body, Many Parts." It expresses that returnees, senders, and receivers are connected as one body and that this body exists to actualize the work of the Lord together. Although I was serving backstage, I was excited to see brand new returnees encouraged during ANRC10. What is amazing about ANRC is that the returnees are not only encouraged, but also have an opportunity to connect with others like themselves and even network to bring something back with them to their respective areas. Such new connections in turn help upcoming returnees. In fact, various groups like RIM in Tohoku, RIT in Tochigi, ANRK in Kansai, NNS (Niigata, Nagano, & Shizuoka), etc. have started as the result of ANRC. Please pray for each movement.

After ANRC10, I had a chance to meet up with "Michelle (refraining her real name)," a returnee from Canada. JCFN received a request to follow-up with her. Since she lives close to my parents' house, I decided to have coffee with her. She had lived in Canada for two months, approximately eight years ago, met Christians there, and accepted Christ. After she returned to Japan, however, she has had no interest in Christianity. The reasons were various; her family did not understanding her decision to becoming a Christian, she married a non-Christian man, etc. But God had other plans and I was able to meet and hear her stories. I believe that if she truly had no interest in Christianity, she probably would not have met up with me. I believe that the seed of the Gospel is still in her heart. Honestly, I felt a sense of uneasiness that she had not had a personal follow-up session such as this eight years ago when she first returned to Japan. However, I also sense that this process she is currently going through brings her closer to God and glorifies Him. Several days later, I received an e-mail from the Canadian lady who requested for someone to follow-up with Michelle. The Canadian lady forwarded me Michelle's email which read, "I don't have time to go to church and don't believe in God any more. However, the prayer Chihiro prayed for me was so strong and I felt something Big helping me. That may be the power of God. I may go to her church some time and sing for God." Please pray for her so that she may experience God personally.

There are returnees who are able to go to places like ANRC, and there are also those who have stepped completely away from such communities. By meeting both types of returnees, I was led to reflect about the type of support God wants me to be for the returnees both before and after their returns. God is interested in people. My prayer is for me to be sensitive so that they may stay in relationship with God and obey His calling. May the will of God be done...

□What's Going on with Chihiro□■

Thank you very much for your prayer for my green card application process. On the day I left Japan to return back to the U.S., I received an e-mail from my lawyer reporting about my green card approval. When I arrived back, I received the actual green card in the mailbox at my apartment. Actually a month prior to that, I was told that the Immigration Office had lost all the supporting documents I turned in in December. So, I was surprised at how fast the things progressed since then. I have no doubt that it was it was the work of God. Thank you for your prayers. Because I have received the green card, it will become easier for me to travel between Japan and the U.S. I feel urgency to keep meeting up with returnees in person. I am looking forward to the expansion of the ministry. Please pray for my future ministries. Please continue praying for JCFN's office situation. We are still looking for a place to move. Please pray that we may be obedient to His guidance.

Apr. 17th - 18th: US intensive staff meeting
May 27th - Jun. 1st: Trip to Japan (vacation)
Jun. 5th - 6th: ec 10 planning committee meeting (CA)
Jun. 10th - 13th: Annual joint staff meeting (CA)
Jul. 22nd - 24th: WIT10 (CA)
Dec. 27th - Jan. 1st: ec 10 (CA)

■Prayer for Chihiro■□

♪ Thanksgiving ♪
 For my green card approval.
 For protection during my trip to Japan.
 For supporters continuously being provided.

♪ Requests ♪
 That I am able to meditate on God's word day and night.
 For my home church, Chofu Baptist Church.
 For those who I met during my trip to Japan.
 For financial supporters to be provided consistently.

 

Happy New Year! Thank you very much for joining me in the ministry of the Lord with your prayers. I thank you, in advance, for your involvement in prayer this upcoming year!

■Urbana 09■□

Urbana 09 Mission Convention was the climax of 2009. Sponsored by InterVarsity (Campus ministry), this conference is held every three years. This year was the 22nd convention. About 20,000 students from all over the States and Canada gather to seek God's heart for the world and respond to His calling into the mission field. At this year's conference, 2,232 decided to re-commit, or commit for the first time, to follow Jesus. Over five thousand committed to invite someone who is not a follower of Jesus to study the first four chapters of the Gospel of John, which we learned throughout the convention. Over 2,600 people committed to serve on long-term mission (two years or longer) while a nearly 5000 attendees decided to serve short-term (one week to two years) This is the largest number of commitments Urbana has seen in the past three conferences!

To be honest, when I witnessed the students standing up for their pledge during the conference, I thought to myself, "How can they make this kind of big decision in just six days? Are you sure?" As I reflected back on what I felt, I realized that I had gotten too comfortable as a third year full-time missionary. When God calls people into His ministry, enthusiasm moves them. When Jesus called together His disciples, they dropped whatever they had and simply followed Him without hesitation. I witnessed the same enthusiasm in these students. Those decisions are to be treasured for a lifetime. Some may go into the mission field immediately after the convention, while it may take several years for others. And even more, the mission field may be entirely different than what they expected. Whatever the situation may turn out to be, I am certain that God was pleased with their obedience and commitment. As I intercede for those students, I pray that I, too, will follow the Lord with enthusiasm.

JCFN had an opportunity to take care of those who came from Japan on the "Urbana Tour." We, as JCFN, organized Japanese meetings every night after the main session. We got together to praise God in Japanese and introduce different Japanese ministries so that the attendees will have an opportunity to network. It turned out to be a great time to meet new faces, including returnees. If you would like to know more about Urbana 09, you can check out the videos at Urbana website.

 

□Importance of Discipleship - Second Level□■

Several days after coming back from Urbana 09, I flew back to Atlanta, GA to attend a three-day conference organized by Second Level Ministry. The strictly focus on discipleship. There, we learned the importance of our growth as Jesus' disciples and of our involvement in discipling others around. There were about 30 conferees from all over the States. I also had an opportunity to teach one workshop on mentoring. Through this experience, I was reminded of how much of a passion I have in being involved with the growth of others, as well as mentoring those who want to commit themselves to discipling others.

The purpose of the conference was very simple. According to John 15:8, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." We are called to abide in Christ, which is to abide in the word of God. As a result, we bear fruit of the Spirit, which glorifies God. This idea is sometimes forgotten in our lives or we add a few extra things. We relearned this concept so that we may become thirsty for the truth and experience it our daily life. This is so that we can eventually help others experience this as well.

Personally, I really enjoyed being in small group. I rarely get this kind of opportunity at conference settings. I was encouraged by meeting those who are nourished and equipped by the word of God from different regions. Also, during my personal time, I was reminded of those that I regularly meet for discipleship. I got to reflect on how I can apply what I learned in my relationship with them. Also, I was thinking about the returnees and hoped that they would engrain into their hearts the essence of God's word - becoming Jesus' disciples through the word - before their returning to Japan. For this, I would like to serve the Lord.

 

□My New Year Resolution and Expectation□■

Actually, I had another expectation for God as I attended the Second Level Conference. It was that I may have a new year's resolution for 2010. As I mentioned, I leaned the essence of God's word and to live as a Christ's disciple during the conference. I realized that what I had learned actually turned out to be my new year's resolution. I was reminded of one Bible verse as I was sharing what I was learning in the small group.

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:8

 

To meditate on God's word means "to obey the word of God." God's glory is revealed here, which translates into being "prosperous and successful." This was what I learned from this verse. Simply, I felt that I want to be where God is glorified. So, I chose this verse as my theme verse of this year. For the past three months, I have been invited to preach at a local Japanese church once a month. When I preach the word, I experience the word being delivered to the congregation. That also became the reminder of how important it is to meditate on the word of God. My prayer is that when I am alone, when I am talking to someone, or when I am sharing with the audience, that the my words will be an overflow from the word that I meditate on and that my attitude will be according to the word I meditated on. Please pray for me that I can meditate on the word of God day and night.

In 2010, JCFN headquarters will be heading into a time of big transition. Since 2004, JCFN has been located at its office in Long Beach, CA. However, JCFN decided by faith to move out, and is actively waiting for the next door to be opened. It will be a move within Southern CA, but we are sensing that God is taking JCFN to the next level in His ministry. Please pray that JCFN may be able to listen to His calling and any necessity may be provided.

After a one-year break, equipper conference is coming up at the end of this year. The location and timing is the same as last time, but a brand new director is assigned, and the planning has started. At this point, ec is in the process of recruiting ec 10 planning committee members. Please pray for this process so that those whom God is calling will be gathered for the ec 10 planning team. As the former director, I am hoping to be a good supporter for the new director. Please pray for wisdom to provide the support that he needs.

 

□What's Going on with Chihiro□■

Thank you very much for your prayer for the green card application process. I am currently at the point where I am waiting for the immigration staff to visit the JCFN office. Please continue praying for this. From February to April, I will be in Japan for ANRC (All Nations Returnees Conference) like last year. I am praying that I would be able to accomplish what I need to do in Japan. I will be commuting to the Japan office in Ochanomizu during my stay in Japan. I am looking forward to visiting with those who are in Japan. Please contact me!

Feb. 11th - Apr. 6th: Japan
Feb. 21st: Mejirogaoka Church (Tokyo)
Feb. 17th - 28th: Osaka (Urbana 09 reunion, church visit)
Mar. 19th - 22nd: ANRC10

 

■Prayer for Chihiro■□

♪ Thanksgiving ♪
 For the protection of my trip to Urbana 09 and Atlanta.
 For supporters continuously being provided.

♪ Requests ♪
 For the green card application process.
 That I am able to meditate on God's word day and night.
 For my stay in Japan.
 For financial supporters to be provided consistently.

 

Happy Thanksgiving! This year I, again, prepared a Thanksgiving Dinner. About 15 people came to my place and had great time of fellowship. It was my first time to prepare this dinner, including the turkey, by myself (with some help). It was a great opportunity for me to recognize what a joy it is to serve. This break was a good time of rest. Now I would like to report my ministries for the past months.

■Joy of Salvation and Growth■□
September was a time of great news! Tomomi, whom I have gotten to know through surf school, began joined the Gospel choir in May. Around the same time, her grandmother in Japan became physically weaker and this condition brought us to pray together. While she was in Japan taking care of her dying grandmother, I was reminded to continue praying for her and her situation. She told me she felt that she was being prayed for while she was in Japan. After her visit to Japan, we decided to being studying the Bible together. One Friday after Gospel practice, we had an opportunity to come over to my place to talk and have Bible study. She had been involved in Gospel Choir for several years even before her coming to the States. That was why she was familiar with and had an interest in Jesus Christ, for the lyrics of the songs were all about Him. Then, a surprising sentence came from her mouth. "I think my God is Jesus Christ." I was a bit overwhelmed by those words. I explained the Gospel, our sin, God's love revealed upon Christ's cross, and His resurrection. She was listening and nodding. Then the next sentence she said was, "What a thing I did to Jesus." She clearly understood sin and Christ's redemption. Her heart was already cultivated enough to be reaped. Then, we prayed together before God that she accepted Christ into her heart. I am also amazed by how fast she has been growing spiritually. We continue to meet once a week to learn what it means to become a Christian and how to live as a Christian by listening to the Bible. She has been transformed by the word of God. I am so thankful and joyful that I can report about this. Please continue to pray for Tomomi so that she may grow more in the Lord.

□Trip to the South□■
In October, I visited the South for about 2 weeks. I was able to visit 31 different people and fellowships in Texas, North & South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
In Texas

I visited Dallas and Houston in Texas. I had opportunities to meet with and listen to how Japanese ministries and returnee follow up are taking place from Japanese pastors and church staff from 3 different Japanese churches in Dallas. I also visited the church that has previously sent many students to equipper conference and saw familiar faces. It was a valuable time to meet the pastor and church staff so that I can share the importance of returnee ministry. In fact, they all became Christian outside of Japan, and they understood and agreed with its significance.

I saw a common concern amongst the different churches I visited. Students attending a Christian college and who became Christian are attending English-speaking churches, and do not have enough discipleship training in their mother tongue prior to their return to Japan. I praised God that these churches have recognized such needs. To be able to have such training would be of great value for the students. However, in reality, it is difficult for Japanese churches to collaborate with English speaking churches to prep the students for their eventual return. My prayer for them is that somehow that they can become closer and work together so that more returnees may be prepared before their returns.

In the South, North Carolina, and Tennessee
God sent me a partner to travel with to SC, NC, and TN. She is a staff worker of a ministry called "Second Level" (www.secondlevel.org) located in Atlanta that emphasizes on discipleship and utilizes online resources. We visited Japanese pastors, international ministries staff workers, and Japanese students in those states. In NC, we visited two Japanese pastors. One church is located in the area where Japanese business men and their families live. In order to effective in ministry, that church outreaches to such families and their children. Another church pastor has a heart for cities that do not have Japanese pastors. He visits neighborhood cities and states to encourage the local Japanese people. I witnessed "customized" ministries that specifically target the various needs of the Japanese at each location. Those differences are necessary to build the Kingdom of God. Every responsibility is entrusted by One God for His Kingdom. Also, seeing that people are constantly returning to Japan or moving around to different locations, I recognize how "being equipped" is applicable to each person.

In Georgia
I stayed in Atlanta. I had opportunities to visit pastors from three different Japanese churches. There is a JCFN regional chapter called "AJCF" in Atlanta monthly. It focuses on equipping Japanese Christians in the South (particularly Atlanta). People from other states also drive hours to attend this monthly meeting. It was my first time participating in AJCF. Each month, volunteer staff workers plan the meeting with the focus to equip. Also, AJCF is the place for people from different churches to get together. Most of the AJCF volunteer staff attended WIT leadership camp in the summer, and I was encouraged to be able to observe how they have grown so much since the summer. Following the AJCF meeting, we had a chance to reflect on that night's service, dinner together, and plan for the next meeting. I am so thankful that we have such a connection regardless of where we reside. Please pray for AJCF to be further used for the glory of the Lord.

□SEEK 09□■
The day after I came back from my trip to the South, I attended an event called "SEEK09." This event is used by Christian Japanese students in Los Angeles to evangelize to other Japanese students. They gather from different churches and ministries, but have the same vision to reach out to Japanese students. This was the second event since last year. It was not only meant to be an evangelistic event, but also to bring blessings to the local churches. It was made up of three parts: An athletic event, dinner, and stage performance. There were people visiting from Northern CA and other states in order to encourage them. I am not sure about the exact number of attendants, but I have heard that approximately 300-500 people came. People accepted Christ at the event and following the event. A vision from the verse, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch" was shared at SEEK. Now is the time to prepare the net prior to fishing. The net represents networking. When the time comes, we will catch the entire nation of Japan with this net. That is why people coming from different state and people in different countries prayed for SEEK. I was very excited to see with my own eyes this part of the vision at SEEK. At the same time, I felt privileged to know that equipper conference plays a big part in creating this net for networking. What a privilege it is that I can help God fish! I want to keep praying and working for this net so that the mesh may be become even smaller and smaller.

□What's Going on with Chihiro□■
I am gathering more documentation and references for my application of the green card. I believe the next step following this process is to have someone sent from Immigration to our JCFN office. If everything goes well, I should be receiving my card. Now is the time to wait. Please pray for each upcoming process.
Urbana Conference in December, Second Level Ministries meeting in January, and Japan trip for All Nations Returnees Conference around February or March. I will continue to have different trips each month from now on.
Dec. 27th - Jan. 1st: Urbana09 (MO) I will fly to St. Louis on 25th and come back to LA on the 1st.
Jan. 15th - 18th: Second Level Ministries Meeting (GA)
Mar. 19th - 22nd: ANRC10

■Prayer for Chihiro■□
♪ Thanksgiving ♪
 For the protection and guidance of my trip to South.
 For supporters continuously being provided.
♪ Requests ♪
 For the green card application process.
 For wisdom when I relate with and minister to others.
 For each trip to be safe and protected.
 For financial supporters to be provided consistently.

I hope this newsletter finds you well, surviving this hot summer season. In particular, I pray that each one of you may be physically protected during this time. Here in Long Beach, the weather is great. Although it is hot in the daytime, it gets cooler in the mornings and evenings. Here is my ministry report since May!

 

■Conferences in May■□

During May, I visited two different conferences. One was Central Conference directed by JCFN Midwest volunteers.

It was the seventh conference and 157 people, including partial attendees, participated. This was the largest Central Conference ever. It was held at Judson University, located 40 miles northwest of Chicago. Rev. Masashi Sugita, who is the pastor of Dublin Baptist Japanese Church in OH, was the main speaker and shared Biblical insights on the conference theme, "ONE - the most important thing." I personally observed leadership change the Central Conference. Those who have been long involved from the beginning, now served in the background and were focusing on raising up the next leaders. I was so encouraged to see these mature leaders serving emerging leaders. It was evident that God's hands were on the Japanese ministries in the Midwest and I praised God for that. Please remember the Japanese people in the Midwest in your prayers.

The second conference I attended in May was ACMI, which stands for Association of Christians Ministering among Internationals. The main focus of this conference was to learn how to utilize online social networking tools such as facebook in ministries. I was amazed to see those in senior ages who have already retired from missionary work there to learn such a thing in order to reach out to the younger generations. What a humble learning posture they have! Also, JCFN had a seminar, "Understanding Young Japanese Minds and Hearts" to present what kind of backgrounds and culture Japanese young people grow up in. Those who are ministering to Japanese international students attended this seminar. Surely, God raised those local workers with a heart for the Japanese in order to reach out to them who are in the places that may not be natural for the Japanese to be. Please remember those workers in different places in the States in your prayers.

 

□Virtual Joint Staff Meeting□■

Usually, JCFN staff workers get together in March for an annual joint staff meeting. However since we had ANRC this past March, we decided to have an "online joint staff meeting" in June this year. Considering the time difference between Japan and US and our capability of concentration, we had three-hour online meetings for five weeks. It was a time to reflect on the previous year for each staff worker and to plan for the upcoming year. We thanked God for giving us the great tool for making this online meeting possible. But at the same time, we acknowledged how important it is to meet face to face.

My focus in the ministry this year is US regions. I will contact not only JCFN official regional meetings and conferences, but also different regional meetings happening all over the States. It is to know what God is doing in different regions, to identify returnees from such regions, and to follow-up with them. In fact, I have monthly accountability calls with regional leaders and talk about an hour with them on the phone. I listen to what they had for fellowship, consult for specific needs, ask about returnees of where they are going back and how they are doing, and pray together for their ministries and themselves. We cannot actually go there to support, but we have other ways to support them despite the distance. This is how we join in God's ministry together with them. Please pray for God's wisdom as I listen to, talk to, and pray with them.

 

□WIT 09□■

In July, we had our third WIT (Whatever It Takes) Leadership Camp at Concordia University in Irvine, CA. Twenty-seven regional leaders from 11 states got together to learn about leadership for three days. They did not just learn about leadership for themselves but also learned how to equip arising leaders. Especially in the States, it is a fast-paced ministry with lots incoming and outgoing leaders. It is very important for them to see beyond what they do as a ministry.

The mission statement of WIT 09 was "Nurturing Influential Leaders to Fulfill Christ's Mission." We as leaders learned in three perspectives, (1) Christ's Mission, (2) Assurance of Calling, and (3) Fulfillment by Influence. Planning committee members from past WIT participants planned detailed contents and taught workshops. It was great to see not only attendees to grow but also those who plan to be equipped as leaders.

As I mentioned about my responsibility in the JCFN ministry before, I will be following-up with regional leaders from various areas. During WIT, I was able to meet these leaders with whom I will be contacting monthly. Thinking of future communication, it was very helpful and meaningful that I could actually meet them face to face and spend some time with them. Please remember the leaders sent out from WIT 09 and their ministries back in their regions. Also please pray that WIT's follow-up ministry will be more effective.

Personally, it turned out to be a great time to reflect on how my gift, passion and what I am doing are related to each other. Honestly, I was anxious about heading into my third year as a JCFN staff worker. For the previous two years, although it was huge responsibility to be equipper conference director, that functioned as my identity. Now that I was in my third year, that identity was gone. I have been praying about what I am supposed to do as a JCFN staff worker and what God wants me to do. As I prayed and laid out an annual plan for the joint staff meeting and reflected on my given gifts and mission, I was able to see that everything was integrated with each other. My spiritual gift is "pastoring," which means having a heart to equip Christians. Also, I have always had a passion to support those who are wounded since I was in junior high school. I actually learned about this while I was in college in Japan. I finally recognized that my given spiritual gifts, passion and experiences are being specifically utilized to communicate and encourage regional leaders.

Through WIT, I identified my lifelong mission, which is "To be specifically involved in restoration and growth of those who are not in true love relationship with God because of their wound and unhealed identity from God. I take my opportunity to listen and speak as the privilege from God and would like to fulfill this mission. I thank God for giving me relationship with others.

 

□What's Going on with Chihiro□■

As I wrote in my previous newsletter, I am currently in the process of applying for a green card. I am done with all of the paperwork that I need to do, and am now waiting to hear from immigration. Especially, I am waiting to receive travel permit in order to have international travels and work permit because of my visa expiration next spring. Please pray that both permits may be approved shortly.

During October, I am planning to travel to the South to witness God's work there and to be an encouragement to the ministries in those areas. I will be traveling by myself but am hoping to have company with those who are in the South, and networking with new people.
Oct.: Trip to South
Dec. 27th - Jan. 1st: Urbana09 (MO) I will fly to St. Louis on the 25th and come back to LA on the 1st.

 

■Prayer for Chihiro■□

♪ Thanksgiving ♪
 For the conviction I have about the ministry I am involved with and my role there.
 For supporters continuously being provided.

♪ Requests ♪
 For the process of applying for the green card.
 For planning my trip to the south so that I can discern where to visit.
 For financial supporters to be provided consistently.

I arrived back to America after a two-and-a-half-month trip to Japan, including some personal vacation time. Now that I'm back, two-and-a-half months feels like it was a long time. I had to readjust to America! I'm now going to reflect on the past several months!

 

 ■in Japan ~ ANRC■□

We held the All Nations Returnees conference (ANRC) in Saitama prefecture during a three-day weekend in March. Over 600 attendees came--a number well beyond our expectation. Programs for returnees from all of the world were prepared. These included programs both for those who are sending-out the returnees and programs for individuals who are receiving returnees into Japan.

Personally, I did not begin preparing for ANRC until mid-February when I arrived in Japan. I had still been amidst completing ec08 duties up till then. It was only since then that I began to learn about what God was going to reveal. On the actual day of the conference, I was in awe of God's works and simply worshiped Him for who He is and what He was doing there. With ec 08, I confessed to you that I had limited God by thinking, "If I prepare things this way, God will answer me like this." At ANRC, it felt as though God allowed me to see the exact opposite by learning to simply enjoy His works.

What God showed me through ANRC was far beyond my imagination. Maybe this was become I was ill-prepared, but I felt that God wanted to begin a new Work and wanted to encourage the attendees to do so. The program consisted of: General Session, Seminars, World Celebration, International Regional Meeting (Reunion), and Japan Regional Meeting. It was apparent, especially during small group time, that International Returnees were the main attendees of the conference; despite the fact that the members of the small groups were merely made up of those that were sitting close by, they immediately got into deep conversations. It was obvious that these individuals had previously been in small groups and understood the necessity of sharing their thoughts with one another. Because of this, networking with other Returnees that currently live nearby had a very great impact. After ANRC, ANRC reunions and small groups developed. The harvest was reaped. Because of the harvest, it was decided that ANRC will be held again around the same time next year. We are praying that it not be just an event, but that it become something that connect various regions and leads into follow-up of the returnees.

 

□Vacation in Thailand□■

After ANRC, I visited a church in Osaka for Mission Report, visited with returnees in Nagoya, and went on a small trip. After that awaited my ten-day trip to Thailand!! This was my first extended vacation. My friends from seminary live in Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani as missionaries so I visited them.

Mid-April is Lunar New Year in Thailand and the Water Festival takes place. Chiang Mai, the first place that I visited, is renown for its over-the-top celebration of the Water Festival. As you can probably guess from the name, the custom is to wet each other with water. Pickup trucks carrying barrels of water drive by as they drench pedestrians and vice versa. That day, everyone in the city was soaked from the top of their heads to their feet. This was the kick-off to my fun stay in Thailand.

One of the reasons I visited Thailand was for leisure. But the other reason I visited was to see other mission works. I wanted to see the same God working in a different place and observe His works. I wanted to be encouraged by that and praise the Lord even in a different country.

At Chiang Mai, I spent time with a Japanese family that has a heart to minister to the Karen Tribe. My friend teaches at a Bible school so that the individuals from the tribe can be prepared when they return to their own villages to share the gospel with their own words. My friend shared that although it's possible for the missionaries to go into the villages, it is much more strategic to prepare the natives to share with their own people in their own tongue. It is similar to the Japanese hearing the gospel overseas, accepting the message, learning to share the gospel in Japanese and being prepared for their return. Though the culture and the language is not the same, the fundamental concept is the same.

Much development has taken place since my friends first started ministering there. Currently the Karen tribe have electricity and roads have been paved. However, in order to get to some of the villages, one must take unpaved roads and once the rainy season starts, cars cannot be driven to the villages. The gospel is being spread is through the student dormitories. The children first believe and as the rest of the family see the changes taking place in their child, their families then become believers. Apparently, the whole village is then changed!

There are many villages and villages that the gospel has not yet been delivered to. However, some believers have been led to share the gospel to their neighboring villages and deliver it by foot. When I asked if they receive training to do this, I was informed that those who have been led to share with their neighbors go out on their own will because, "I want to share the gospel with my neighbors!" "A passion that moves" is what expands God's work. I want to always return to that starting point. However, workers are few. I want to return to the village with a team some day.

After a one-week stay in Chiang Mai, I visited my American friend in a town called Ubon Ratchathani, located in the North Eastern part of Thailand, close to the Laotian border. Though the stay was only three days long, I had a chance to visit the group of people that my friend is ministering to, sightsee, and enjoy spending time with Thai teachers. It was a time of good fellowship. Unlike the Karen tribal villages, this town was closer to a city, and it felt as though it was more accessible to both supplies and data. In comparison to the Karen tribe where entire villages are changed, this ministry is based more on a personal relationship, introducing Christ as the friendship develops. My friend shared that growing as Christ's disciples is a vital part of this ministry. Recently, one of the villagers was saved. My friend is attempting to develop a relationship to assist the individual become a leader that creates disciples. I was then introduced to a villager that has leadership potential but was not confident in her abilities. I shared with her my calling and the Words I received at that particular time in my life. Seeing that she was encouraged by this, it allowed me to remember the time that I first received this calling and I then had an opportunity to reconfirm that God continues to strengthen me. I am so grateful that God works through us no matter where we are at in the world.

 

□What's Going on with Chihiro□■

I am now in my second term (first term: two years; second term: four years) as JCFN staff. It has been two year since I received my R-1 (Religious worker) visa. In order to remain in North America, I have decided to apply for a green card (my R-1 visa expires in March 2010). I am in the process of gather the necessary documents in order to submit my application in mid-May.

May. 23rd - 27th: Central Conference 2009 (IL)
May. 29th - 31th: ACMI Conference 2009 (CA)
Jul. 16th - 18th: WIT09 Leadership Camp (CA)
Dec. 27th - Jan. 1st: Urbana09 (MO)

 

□Prayer for Chihiro□■

♪ Thanksgiving ♪
 My trip to Japan and Thailand were blessed
 For supporters continuously being provided.

♪ Requests ♪
 It is the first year that I am not the director of ec. May I be diligent in my daily work.
 Monthly needs have increased. May financial supporters be provided consistently.

 

More than one-sixth of the near year passed before getting a chance to send out a newsletter along with a 2009 greeting. equipper conference (ec), which I was in charge of directing these two years, has ended in blessing. I spent much of the beginning of the year finishing up the post-ec duties before arriving in Japan mid-February. I would like to report about ec and my most recent life in Japan.

 

■BIG WORK x TWO YEARS■□

equipper conference, familiar to many as "ec," was so blessed. I gratefully took the role as the director for both 2007 and 2008. Since I had been mentioning to you about this conference in my previous newsletters, you may have been praying for this. Thank you very much for your involvement in this conference.

A total of 350 attendees gather from the US, Japan, Canada, Australia, China and Italy to participate in ec 08. The unique characteristic of the ec 08 attendees was that the majority of the conferees were first-comers. Also, many attendees were newly saved in 2008, and had just begun their life as a Christian. They may have heard about this conference from their friends who have attended ec in previous years. During the first evening session, I felt that the first-comers were quietly trying to feel out the atmosphere of ec. But as time went by, it was apparent to me that they seemed to get used to the conference. It was perhaps their young flexible nature that allowed them to adapt, and I was sure that God sent those who He wanted to be there at the same time.

This year, we learned about "peace," following the theme of "reconciliation" of ec 07. Those who are invited into relationship of peace with God are now also invited into the mission as peacemakers. We decided to focus on this theme from the planning stages. However, God had different plans. God kept speaking to the conferees about "Jesus' cross" and to "transform like Jesus" within the relationship of peace. As I listened to, I felt that God really wanting the conferees to build the foundation of faith before their returning to Japan.

Personally, there are several things that I have learned through being the director. During ec 08, I had a chance to talk with one of the main speakers about blessings for those who are involved with the preparation. He shared with me about the responsibility of those who have helped plan with Him. It involves lifting up what we have planned up to God, so that they can see how God uses what they have for His glory. It is a privilege that only those who were involved in the process can experience. Sometimes, we tend to hold onto what we accomplish (although it is God who entrusts those roles to us in the first place). However, I thought that it is also God who combines His work and our work and makes us feel that we were a part of it when we lift up all things we have done. It was my privilege to experience this by serving as the director of ec, God's Big Project.

Another thing that I have learned was about my own leadership style. In mid-January, I had a Skype meeting with some of the committee members who were involved with the planning of ec in order for us to share in the blessings after the conference. We shared about our reflections, what we learned from one another, gave thanks and encouragement. As I listened to their words, I realized that I was so blessed to be able to work with this team. I was so encouraged by the words given to me. "How wonderful it was that you firmly stood by the theme given to you by God." "You had a strong passion for the word of God." Those words led me think that it was such a good experience for me to serve as the director. It was especially an encouragement since it came from those who worked closest with me. They objectively identified my leadership style. At the same time, one reason I was able to execute such a style was because we had built a trustful relationship since 2007. I learned that it is important for ministry leaders to stand on what God shows them and to build trusting relationships with ministry teammates in order to share the vision. I am very thankful to the committee members and to God who provided them.

It has been two months since ec 08. By this time there are many conferees who have already returned to Japan for good. Please remember the conferees in your prayers so that they can keep their promises they made with God during ec 08 and serve God as peacemakers.
Let me know if you would like to stop receiving my newsletter.

 

□I'm Here in Japan!□■

As I wrote in the beginning, I arrived in Japan mid-February. The purpose of this visit is to help with All Nations Returnees Conference (ANRC) held from 19, 20-22 of March in Kumagaya, Saitama. I will also take a vacation in April. This conference targets three groups: 1) Returnees from all over the world, 2) those in Japan who receive them, and 3) those in overseas who send them home. This is not only for encouraging the returnees but also for networking between the receivers and senders in order to brainstorm about returnee ministry together. Several organizations and churches including JCFN are in the loop of planning this conference. I hope to see you there, too. Please tell your friends about ANRC. Since this kind of conference is the first conference in Japan, I expect God's movement in this. The details for this conference are at www.allnations.jp.

During my stay in Japan, I am hoping to meet up with returnees and friends. The other day, I visited JCFN's Shinagawa small group. Most of the members are new returnees who went back to Japan recently. What I noticed while I was participating in this small group was that they were sharing about looking for the churches to become a part of. They are visiting different churches to become a part of Christ's body. I felt that it is very important for them to learn of the importance to be a part of the body before their return to Japan. They are obedient, and listening to God's calling. Also it is very important for them to find their church body while the feel their thirst, just as I saw them, sharing their concerns and encouragements. It is important not only for the returnees but also for all Christians -- to have a relationship with God and to put themselves into the relationship with others in order to encourage their faith journey. I am so thankful that they realize the need for this firm foundation. Please pray for the returnees to find a body of Christ that they can be a part of.
ANRC is also a place of reunion. It is a great encouragement for returnees to meet old friends after their return to Japan. So, I am planning to have a reunion with Long Beach friends in February. Please pray that I can be a good encouragement to those whom I meet during my stay in Japan. Also, please pray for me so that I can meet I should meet.

 

□What's Going on with Chihiro□■

As I wrote, I am staying in Japan from two and half months from the mid-February. I will spend my time helping ANRC and will also have opportunities to give messages at couple churches. Then, I will visit my missionary friends from seminary in Thailand for ten days in April as a personal vacation. I am looking forward to being stimulated as I see different mission fields.

Feb. 12th - Apr. 27th: Stay in Japan
Feb. 27th: Long Beach reunion
Mar. 8th: Message at Chofu Baptist Church (Tokyo)
Mar. 19th - 22nd: ANRC (Saitama)
Mar. 29th: Message at Hope Chapel Osaka (Osaka)
Apr. 13th - 23rd: Vacation in Thailand
End of May: Central Conference 2009 (IL)

 

□Prayer for Chihiro□■

♪ Thanksgiving ♪
 For ec 08 finished in blessings.
 For supporters continuously being provided.

♪ Requests ♪
 So that I can meet those whom I should meet in Japan.
 So that I can concentrate on the Word and prayer.
 To continue to be provided with financial supporters.