Central Conference 07 Report
Hallelujah! I would like to thank all of you who took a part
in CC07 by participation or prayer. Above all we thank the
Lord who has blessed us so abundantly. Basking in such lavish
grace, "awesome" is all I can say about what He has done for
us. God has answered every prayer with richness beyond our
expectations.
1. More participants than we prayed for (almost 70 full-timers)
were given.
2. As we prayed "Challenging yet non-threatening" message
was spoken and many have responded.
3. There was a place created where "real" fellowship and encouragements
took place through SMG and PD.
4. Protection from accidents and sickness (for the most part)
Our prayer now is that the experience from CC07 does not stop
here but become a spring board to apply 4C in each or our
lives. Let us be expectant and ready for more work of God.
Megumi Hayashida, CC07 Director
Alabama Camp Report
Thank you so much for your prayers. Bama Camp (Alabama Camp) was blessed so much!
We had 63 people participating and among them 23 were non-Christians (19 were male students)! To many of these non-Christian students, the message from the Bible was strongly, clearly and gently preached. Their response were various, however, it was clear that the seeds of the Gospel were sown. We ask you to continue to pray for them. It was such an encouraging time to see young Christians serving God and His people so joyfully and faithfully. It was wonderful for us to see how they are maturing in faith.
The network in the Southern areas had expanded. They came from Huntsville, Jacksonville, Mobile, Troy, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham in Alabama, Atlanta and other parts of Georgia, Memphis, Knoxville in Tennessee, Jackson in Mississippi, and so on. Some came by driving over 9 hours one way!
Among these four states, there are over 20 fellowship, outreach groups, and churches. There are 3 Japanese speaking churches in Atlanta. There is a fellowship that meets on regular bases at a house, a Japanese Bible study group meeting at an English speaking church, and Atlanta JCF, a chapter of JCFN. In Mississippi, there is a Japanese speaking church in Jackson. In Tennessee, there are churches in Memphis, Nashville and Maryville, and Japanese Bible studies in several different English speaking churches. There is also an outreach ministry called TJ Night. In Alabama, there is a Japanese speaking church in Birmingham, several Bible study and fellowship and also J Square in Tuscaloosa.
These are not only for the students. Many committed members are those who are internationally married or business men and their families. These Japanese speaking churches and fellowship are also behind this camp, along with English speaking churches with such burdens for Japanese. In fact, 7 non-Christian students came because a lady had opened up her home and invited them over for sukiyaki.
The camp was planned and organized mainly by Japanese students and working people. Pastor Kotaro Hamamatsu (29 years old), a new pastor at the Japanese church in Brairwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL, was the main speaker. He had delivered so clearly the messages from the Bible. It was not only clear but deep and easy to understand even by non-Christians. It was filled with challenge and conviction, along with much love of Jesus. For those of you who would like to listen to them (only in Japanese), please contact us.
It was so much fun overall. Small groups, games, praise time, and campfire, it was filled with uplifting spirit.
Please continue to pray that these souls which were touched during the camp would be watered continuously and that they may come to receive Christ. Also pray for each fellowship and churches and ministries in Southern states.
Setsu Kuroda
Report on CC06 (Central Conference 2006)
This is a report from Chicago.
The story began as Roberta Evensen and John Mehn ended up
on the plane returning from the RJC Conference in February.
This led to a meeting at Roberta's house on April 8th, which
led to this report. Where the Lord will lead in this new network,
we don't know.
But rejoice with them.
Pray for them.
Remember that even though we are doing good things for ministry
with Japanese,@Satan is happy if he can keep us unconnected.
And pray about how you might connect with others in this ministry!
-----------------------
 Over
Memorial Day weekend, 100 Japanese Christians and those who
minister to Japanese gathered at Judson College in suburban
Chicago for the 5th annual JCFN Central Conference. It was
the largest gathering to date and attendees came from 8 states.
The theme for the weekend was "Three Essential Relationships".
In particular, the discussion of "loving oneself" and restoring
relationships, especially those broken with parents, was powerful.
We were encouraged to forgive and look to our Heavenly Father
as a mentor who gives us a new name and identity.
Numerous workshops were given in Japanese and included a presentation
on the book "Boundaries", given by Sachi Nakamura who has
translated it into Japanese, a Q&A on "Tough Questions about
Christianity", and "How to lead an Inductive Bible Study".
 The
new feature this year was the "English Track." Two workshops
were given: one, a panel discussion and testimony time by
4 Japanese believers. The second, led by John Mehn looked
at the recent Gallup Poll results on evangelism in Japan and
also featured 2 Chicago-based ministries: a large ESL program
which hosts 85 Japanese women weekly and a Bible class, going
for 12 years that has sent many "alumni" back to Japan. The
crucial issue of returnees and followup was discussed.
A few highlights of the weekend were the participation, in
the English track, of at least 6 different Japanese individuals
or couples who are "doing their thing" in Michigan and Ohio
- working with students, women and businessmen. Secondly,
we were treated to a Black Gospel workshop, led by a southside
Chicago choir and band which has traveled to Japan. There
is definitely potential to capitalize further on the Japanese
interest in Black Gospel music.
Finally, we paid a bargain $6 for a superb Chinese buffet
dinner! It sure beat pizza!
 Many,
many thanks to all who prayed for us. Those of us who are
ministering to Japanese here in the Midwest were delighted
to meet each other and gain encouragement from being together.
Blessings to all,
Roberta Evensen
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