Newsletter in English: 2009年2月アーカイブ

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.
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□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.