Newsletter in English: 2010年2月アーカイブ

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.

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.