To Our Friends and Family,
As another month has quickly past, as it seems with much of our time in Japan, it is hard to believe that we have been here for over a year now! What an exciting and fast-paced year it has been! Within this year, the Lord has certainly stretched us and grown us in areas of ministry that we did not imagine we would be a part of so significantly. We have also experienced ways in which God has shaped our passions and talents for His glory, which has been both rewarding and challenging at the same time, such as with Jeremy’s video productions and Kathy’s worship leadership. And, as we continue our time here in Japan for the next several months, we continue to desire to deepen and blossom our relationships with the Japanese non-Christians we have met with the hopes of leaving the imprint of Jesus’ love on their hearts.
This past month we were a part of many conferences all around Japan from the Tokyo area to the southern most part of Japan in the islands of Okinawa. In the beginning of the month, we joined with a group of Dokkyo University students to visit a very active and blossoming church in Osaka, Japan, called J-House. This church is known for being able to bring many non-Christians to a saving knowledge of Christ through their dynamic outreach programs, such as their Friday night ministry called “Funky Party.” Here, many college students are invited to the church to experience fellowship, fun, food, and a “funky talk” (a message). Coming to this church, we were able to extract many ideas and ways in which we can be more creative and effective in our own “Youth Alive” young adult ministry as well as with Dokkyo Bible Study. It was a great learning experience that left the whole group eager and excited for the new college semester to begin in this month of April.
Further preparing for the university life to begin once again, we also were a part of the annual Chi Alpha Evangelism Training Seminar, which was held over a weekend in mid-March in Tokyo. About 50 students gathered, representing colleges all over the Tokyo area as well as some students from colleges in the Osaka area. At this conference, students were exposed as to how to start a Chi Alpha bible study on their individual campuses if there was not one already. And, students were also given new ideas of how to expand and flourish within their existing campus XA clubs. Focusing on evangelism, the main speaker ministered in a way that encouraged and energized the students for the coming semester. There was also a passionate time of prayer over each campus as well as prayer over rising freshman students. In the end, the conference achieved to prepare purposefully and equip effectively the many students who desire to see their campuses won for Christ.
Finally, in the last week of the month, we had the wonderful opportunity to go with the Bible school students of Riverside Chapel for a missions trip to Okinawa. Although this area is known for its tropical climate and hospitable people, it is also an area of Japan that thirsts for spiritual fulfillment. Since the migration of Chinese to these islands, the people of Okinawa have long since participated and incorporated ancient religious practice of Buddhism, Shinto and native traditions into their worship. Thus, during this time, we visited many historical sites, from castles to beaches to shrines, where ancestral worship and cultic strongholds still reside. Together, we prayed for God’s deliverance and victory. Moreover, we also ministered at various Okinawan churches. As a team, we offered special numbers, led worship, presented testimonies, as well as delivered the main messages. During the last several days of our trip, we were joined by Riverside’s head pastor, Pastor Amano, who was the main speaker at an annual youth revival seminar called Fire Typhoon International Conference. Over three days, we not only ministered to others through special songs, human videos, and skits, but we were blessed to see many young people pour their hearts out and cry to the Lord for their homeland. It was so encouraging to witness the overwhelming passion and ardent faith that these young people had as they prayed and worshipped God. By the end of our time in Okinawa, the experience was both sobering as well as inspiring as we first discovered the deep presence of pagan worship but also found a fervent fire for God’s power spreading among the youth of these islands.
As we reflect on this past year, we certainly see the way the Lord has guided our steps, used us in ways in which we did not even imagine as well as stretched us to trust in him faithfully. Although our commitment of one year in Japan has already come and gone, we humbly thank you for continuing to support us financially and spiritually as we believe it's the Lord’s will for us to stay for several more months. This mission in Japan has been a blessing to so many people, especially us, because of all the love, help, support, and prayers that have been selflessly and consistently given by all of you back home. There have certainly been moments of trial here in Japan, but more than that, this has been such a joyful and growing season in our lives in which you all have played a significant part. Thank you so much.
Always,
Jeremy and Kathy
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
February Newsletter
To Our Family and Friends,
Greetings from a blustery Japan! This past month we were surprised to encounter unusually strong and, at times, severe winds making traveling by train as well as bicycle quite the challenge. Yet, many Japanese have likened the recent weather to the moving of the Holy Spirit across this nation. So, we continue to pray that the environmental condition of this nation will reflect the spiritual condition that hungers for revival to burst forth. And, we also pray, as we have been ministering in this country for almost a year now, that the Lord will continue to renew our vision and our strength as well as give us creative and fresh ideas to reach out to the Japanese people.
However, not everything is gusting in Japan, as the universities across the nation remain quiet due to spring recess, which began mid-February until beginning of April. Tokyo University is the only campus that continues its Bible studies, while Waseda and Dokkyo have both been on break. As Jeremy carries on his weekly involvement at this campus, he has been able to witness God’s hand bless this group as there have been a few newcomers who have attended and expressed interest in further Bible learning. Furthermore, although colleges are on holiday, the next two months of March and April will prove to be crucial to the campus ministries as we prepare for the arrival of many new students. With April being the start of a new school year in Japan, we will once again face the flood of first years, who will be making their first official appearance on the college campus. As we saw last year during this time, these students are bombarded by dozens upon dozens of clubs and activities to become involved in. Thus, advertising effectively and convincingly is of the utmost importance for the Bible clubs during this time. As a result, we seek favor from the Lord as well as pray for divine appointments as we anticipate and get ready for a new school year to begin.
While work has not been as heavy with Chi Alpha, we remained busy with RIS due to the semester coming to a close during the last several weeks of February. Making and grading tests, along with tallying semester grades has consumed much of our time during the past two weeks. As a testament to the influence and stature that Riverside Chapel is gaining, the upcoming semester that starts beginning of April will see at least two new students entering the International Church School! Moreover, in addition to the growth of Riverside International School, Riverside Chapel has also expanded as it was recently able to secure an adjacent building to the main sanctuary, which will allow for more classrooms for its church school as well as overall ministry meeting space. This has truly proven to be a blessing to the church body as it is one of the few churches in the Tokyo area that actually sees a growing congregation.
Finally, we want to take this time to extend our many many thanks to all of you for the money that you gave to the Japan Chi Alpha Student Center. For our supporters who were not aware, back in December when we traveled back home briefly, as part of our testimony of the work God is doing here in this nation, we promised to give our ministry support for the months of January and February to the Japan Chi Alpha Student Center. Through your generosity, we were able to give XA, 300,000 Yen! (This roughly translates to nearly $3,000.) While this is a wonderful contribution that was greatly appreciated, there is still over $50,000 to be raised in order to make this building fully operational. We still have faith that this building will open its doors within the next year as we hold on to the grand vision that it will be a mighty catalyst in bringing the youth of Japan to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. And, your giving has certainly furthered this vision into becoming a reality. Thank you so much for taking part and supporting Japan Chi Alpha in this immense undertaking! As there is still much to be done to this project, we continue to welcome any love offerings towards the student center. If you feel led by the Lord to do so, please just “Japan XA Student Center” in the memo of your monthly support to us, and we will pass it along accordingly. Again, thank you so much for your generous hearts through money and prayer in this endeavor.
As the short month of February comes to a close, we continue to seek your partnership in prayer for:
➢ Japan Chi Alpha: that we, along with XA staff, will use this next month to prepare efficiently and innovatively for the new school year. And, that the Lord will ready and soften the hearts of all the new students that we may interact with.
➢ Renewed Strength and Vision: that the Lord will continue to give us purposeful and refreshed minds and hearts as we have been in Japan for almost a year and continue with our routine ministerial duties with Riverside Chapel, Riverside International School, Riverside English School, Chi Alpha, as well as our coffee nights.
Always,
Jeremy and Kathy
Greetings from a blustery Japan! This past month we were surprised to encounter unusually strong and, at times, severe winds making traveling by train as well as bicycle quite the challenge. Yet, many Japanese have likened the recent weather to the moving of the Holy Spirit across this nation. So, we continue to pray that the environmental condition of this nation will reflect the spiritual condition that hungers for revival to burst forth. And, we also pray, as we have been ministering in this country for almost a year now, that the Lord will continue to renew our vision and our strength as well as give us creative and fresh ideas to reach out to the Japanese people.
However, not everything is gusting in Japan, as the universities across the nation remain quiet due to spring recess, which began mid-February until beginning of April. Tokyo University is the only campus that continues its Bible studies, while Waseda and Dokkyo have both been on break. As Jeremy carries on his weekly involvement at this campus, he has been able to witness God’s hand bless this group as there have been a few newcomers who have attended and expressed interest in further Bible learning. Furthermore, although colleges are on holiday, the next two months of March and April will prove to be crucial to the campus ministries as we prepare for the arrival of many new students. With April being the start of a new school year in Japan, we will once again face the flood of first years, who will be making their first official appearance on the college campus. As we saw last year during this time, these students are bombarded by dozens upon dozens of clubs and activities to become involved in. Thus, advertising effectively and convincingly is of the utmost importance for the Bible clubs during this time. As a result, we seek favor from the Lord as well as pray for divine appointments as we anticipate and get ready for a new school year to begin.
While work has not been as heavy with Chi Alpha, we remained busy with RIS due to the semester coming to a close during the last several weeks of February. Making and grading tests, along with tallying semester grades has consumed much of our time during the past two weeks. As a testament to the influence and stature that Riverside Chapel is gaining, the upcoming semester that starts beginning of April will see at least two new students entering the International Church School! Moreover, in addition to the growth of Riverside International School, Riverside Chapel has also expanded as it was recently able to secure an adjacent building to the main sanctuary, which will allow for more classrooms for its church school as well as overall ministry meeting space. This has truly proven to be a blessing to the church body as it is one of the few churches in the Tokyo area that actually sees a growing congregation.
Finally, we want to take this time to extend our many many thanks to all of you for the money that you gave to the Japan Chi Alpha Student Center. For our supporters who were not aware, back in December when we traveled back home briefly, as part of our testimony of the work God is doing here in this nation, we promised to give our ministry support for the months of January and February to the Japan Chi Alpha Student Center. Through your generosity, we were able to give XA, 300,000 Yen! (This roughly translates to nearly $3,000.) While this is a wonderful contribution that was greatly appreciated, there is still over $50,000 to be raised in order to make this building fully operational. We still have faith that this building will open its doors within the next year as we hold on to the grand vision that it will be a mighty catalyst in bringing the youth of Japan to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. And, your giving has certainly furthered this vision into becoming a reality. Thank you so much for taking part and supporting Japan Chi Alpha in this immense undertaking! As there is still much to be done to this project, we continue to welcome any love offerings towards the student center. If you feel led by the Lord to do so, please just “Japan XA Student Center” in the memo of your monthly support to us, and we will pass it along accordingly. Again, thank you so much for your generous hearts through money and prayer in this endeavor.
As the short month of February comes to a close, we continue to seek your partnership in prayer for:
➢ Japan Chi Alpha: that we, along with XA staff, will use this next month to prepare efficiently and innovatively for the new school year. And, that the Lord will ready and soften the hearts of all the new students that we may interact with.
➢ Renewed Strength and Vision: that the Lord will continue to give us purposeful and refreshed minds and hearts as we have been in Japan for almost a year and continue with our routine ministerial duties with Riverside Chapel, Riverside International School, Riverside English School, Chi Alpha, as well as our coffee nights.
Always,
Jeremy and Kathy
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
January Newsletter
To Our Family and Friends,
It seems like ages since the last time we have updated everyone on the happenings in Japan. In fact, it was last year that you all received a letter from us! So, first off, we want to wish all of you a very prosperous and blessed 2008. Upon coming home in December for about three weeks, we were able to see some of you though we wished we could have visited with each one of you individually to thank you for your prayerful support for us for what was most of 2007. As we testified to some of you at Jubilee Christian Center over the holiday, we have been blessed tremendously, and, in turn, we have been able to bless the people of this nation. Every penny given and every prayer spoken has undoubtedly been purposeful in advancing the kingdom of God here in Japan.
Although you are reading this in February, since there was no newsletter for the month of December, we want to share with you all how Chi Alpha’s main event of the Christmas season went. As you might recall, the program that we spent many hours for in prayer, preparation and promotion was called “Jazz in Christmas.” Chi Alpha was blessed to have Steve Sacks, a professional Christian saxophonist living in Tokyo, as our guest for the night. On the way to creating a melodious Christmas mood, Steve Sacks shared the meaning behind tunes such as “Silent Night” –a song which many Japanese are familiar with but may have never known the significance of. After a brief Christmas message was given and the final encore was finished, many people filled out welcome cards, which revealed that many in attendance were not Christians or had never even been to a church. Looking back, the event exceeded many expectations as the size of the 120-person sanctuary was filled to capacity with many non-believers. Even now, we continue to believe that the many seeds that were planted and watered on that night will blossom into a desire for and belief in Jesus Christ.
Since coming back to Japan in early January, we have adjusted back into our schedules at Riverside and Chi Alpha fairly easily. While our daily classes at Riverside International School (RIS) keep us busy, we continue to give private lessons through Riverside English School (RES). Last year, Kathy had many more students simply because of the number of females signing up. Yet, this year, Jeremy has been given three new students to teach once a week. RES has been and continues to be a wonderful opportunity for people from the community to learn English at a cheaper rate from native speakers. And, most importantly, it exposes them to the Japanese church as all the classes are held at Riverside Chapel. Through RES, we have been able to invite our students to outreach events going on in the church as well as to our coffee nights. We ask you to please keep all of our RES students in your prayers since most are not Christians.
Moreover, January marked the time of the year where millions of college students across Japan began to close their academic semesters with final exercises and exams. Many students have also started to prepare for spring vacation, which will last until the end of March. While our work with Chi Alpha and university bible studies will consequently slow down slightly during these two months, our work with the youth of Japan will have only increased greatly. This is due in large part to a vision that Jeremy has been given in the year of 2008, which is to produce a documentary on the youth of Japan and who they say Jesus is. The project will be heavy on interviews in an attempt to capture the reality of the youth’s opinion of Jesus, the church, and Christians. Rather than make a video that highlights only the positive side of the state of Christians and the church in Japan, the project will seek to listen and put a face to the voice of the Japanese who are agnostic or even hostile towards the person and message of Jesus. The aim and audience in mind for the documentary is simply everyone. Once completed, Christians in America will hopefully be inspired to act on bringing the Gospel to Japan. Furthermore, Jeremy hopes to awaken the few Christians in Japan to the millions in darkness around them and motivate them to spread the power and love of Christ to those around them. With our schedules being as they are, finding sufficient time to do the interviewing, filming, and translating will prove to be a great challenge. We ask that you pray for not only the completion of this project but for blessing and favor from the Lord in all areas of this documentary’s production.
Although it was wonderful to have the opportunity to go back home to relax and visit with family and friends, we are very happy to be back in Japan, following God’s plan for our lives. As we press forward into this new year, we remain excited, eager, and expectant of God’s divine working through us in this great nation. Please continue to partner with us in prayer for:
➢ Renewed vision and strength for our remaining time here in Japan going into 2008
➢ RIS and RES: our role within these groups to spread the message and love of Christ through teaching English
➢ Jeremy’s documentary on the Japanese youth’s perception of Jesus
We can only step into this bright year with joy and anticipation within Japan because of the prayer and support we receive from you back home. As always, thank you so much!
Always,
Jeremy & Kathy
It seems like ages since the last time we have updated everyone on the happenings in Japan. In fact, it was last year that you all received a letter from us! So, first off, we want to wish all of you a very prosperous and blessed 2008. Upon coming home in December for about three weeks, we were able to see some of you though we wished we could have visited with each one of you individually to thank you for your prayerful support for us for what was most of 2007. As we testified to some of you at Jubilee Christian Center over the holiday, we have been blessed tremendously, and, in turn, we have been able to bless the people of this nation. Every penny given and every prayer spoken has undoubtedly been purposeful in advancing the kingdom of God here in Japan.
Although you are reading this in February, since there was no newsletter for the month of December, we want to share with you all how Chi Alpha’s main event of the Christmas season went. As you might recall, the program that we spent many hours for in prayer, preparation and promotion was called “Jazz in Christmas.” Chi Alpha was blessed to have Steve Sacks, a professional Christian saxophonist living in Tokyo, as our guest for the night. On the way to creating a melodious Christmas mood, Steve Sacks shared the meaning behind tunes such as “Silent Night” –a song which many Japanese are familiar with but may have never known the significance of. After a brief Christmas message was given and the final encore was finished, many people filled out welcome cards, which revealed that many in attendance were not Christians or had never even been to a church. Looking back, the event exceeded many expectations as the size of the 120-person sanctuary was filled to capacity with many non-believers. Even now, we continue to believe that the many seeds that were planted and watered on that night will blossom into a desire for and belief in Jesus Christ.
Since coming back to Japan in early January, we have adjusted back into our schedules at Riverside and Chi Alpha fairly easily. While our daily classes at Riverside International School (RIS) keep us busy, we continue to give private lessons through Riverside English School (RES). Last year, Kathy had many more students simply because of the number of females signing up. Yet, this year, Jeremy has been given three new students to teach once a week. RES has been and continues to be a wonderful opportunity for people from the community to learn English at a cheaper rate from native speakers. And, most importantly, it exposes them to the Japanese church as all the classes are held at Riverside Chapel. Through RES, we have been able to invite our students to outreach events going on in the church as well as to our coffee nights. We ask you to please keep all of our RES students in your prayers since most are not Christians.
Moreover, January marked the time of the year where millions of college students across Japan began to close their academic semesters with final exercises and exams. Many students have also started to prepare for spring vacation, which will last until the end of March. While our work with Chi Alpha and university bible studies will consequently slow down slightly during these two months, our work with the youth of Japan will have only increased greatly. This is due in large part to a vision that Jeremy has been given in the year of 2008, which is to produce a documentary on the youth of Japan and who they say Jesus is. The project will be heavy on interviews in an attempt to capture the reality of the youth’s opinion of Jesus, the church, and Christians. Rather than make a video that highlights only the positive side of the state of Christians and the church in Japan, the project will seek to listen and put a face to the voice of the Japanese who are agnostic or even hostile towards the person and message of Jesus. The aim and audience in mind for the documentary is simply everyone. Once completed, Christians in America will hopefully be inspired to act on bringing the Gospel to Japan. Furthermore, Jeremy hopes to awaken the few Christians in Japan to the millions in darkness around them and motivate them to spread the power and love of Christ to those around them. With our schedules being as they are, finding sufficient time to do the interviewing, filming, and translating will prove to be a great challenge. We ask that you pray for not only the completion of this project but for blessing and favor from the Lord in all areas of this documentary’s production.
Although it was wonderful to have the opportunity to go back home to relax and visit with family and friends, we are very happy to be back in Japan, following God’s plan for our lives. As we press forward into this new year, we remain excited, eager, and expectant of God’s divine working through us in this great nation. Please continue to partner with us in prayer for:
➢ Renewed vision and strength for our remaining time here in Japan going into 2008
➢ RIS and RES: our role within these groups to spread the message and love of Christ through teaching English
➢ Jeremy’s documentary on the Japanese youth’s perception of Jesus
We can only step into this bright year with joy and anticipation within Japan because of the prayer and support we receive from you back home. As always, thank you so much!
Always,
Jeremy & Kathy
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