It's not fair to post this picture in the midst of such an intense heat wave in California. I hope that you're doing well despite the crazy temperatures.
Health Update
Thank you all for your prayers and support over the last five months. It's been that long since my heart attack and subsequent cardiac bypass surgery. The recovery is moving along - though I suppose not as quickly as I had thought. But God continues to be faithful as I returned to ministry on April 1st. I have been back to a thirty-hour work week for some time now.
Ministry NewsCommunity
In addition to a weekly preaching schedule, the ministry here has included weekly Bible study and visitation. As I get more involved with the community, I am pleased with inroads that are being opened. I was recently invited to serve on a local JACL planning committee and look forward to the opportunity to become acquainted with more folks here.
New Members
Father's Day was a special Sunday as we received three new members into the church and baptized another newcomer to the fellowship.
Peter (pictured above, right) retains membership at his home church and is therefore an Associate Member at JACC. He continues to provide leadership for our young worship music team, the youngest being twelve years of age! This is consistent with the first cardinal rule of church planting: involve everyone! (The second cardinal rule of church planting is to count everything that walks through the door on Sunday morning!)
Church Name Selection
We are in the process of selecting and submitting potential names to the congregation for their ratification. Although our intention was to finalize this process by June (06), my health situation delayed progress and discussion. We are hoping to move forward before the end of summer. We can certainly use prayer for grace and strength to accompany this transition.
Training
With our Tuesday night Bible study on summer hiatus, I am offering training workshops in their place. These workshops are intended to be practical lessons in cultivating life and ministry skills. The two-part July workshop dealt with communication. Perhaps the announcement in the Sunday bulletin was a bit too direct: "After someone says hello, are you stuck for an answer?" But most agreed that the workshops were helpful in developing relationship skills.
In August, we return with "Intersections," developed during my time away from professional ministry. The workshop description (from the early 2006 prayer letter)
Pray for this workshop which will be presented on August 8 and 15 at the church.
Preparing for the Wave
We are committed to the growth of JACC. At the same time, I feel a bit unprepared. Sort of like how sleepy Ventura County has been recently inundated with people from LA and Santa Barbara all looking to buy homes here. (Don't ask me how that's coming). Many of our streets are being torn up to install larger sewer and storm drains. Verizon is hiring more installers for the number of new residents coming into the county.
In the same way, JACC is needing to prepare its infrastructure for growth. In the last four months, a good number of hours has been spent with church administration. The developing of policies and guidelines that will assist the church as it begins to grow. Yeah, administration isn't fun, but it's necessary to anticipate the wave that is on its way.
(Click photo to enlarge)
Personal News
I am so pleased and blessed to have been able to attend my son Brandon's wedding day last Saturday, July 22nd. He and Alyssa have been friends since the second grade. She is a wonderful young person. I am sure that you will join me in asking God for his blessing on their marriage relationship.
Introducing you to the ministry of JACC
No. This is not VH1. But let me use this video of our recent church picnic to introduce our church family to you. The picnic was held on Sunday, June 25th.
Special thanks are expressed to Peter Tomita for the photos and videography.
Not able to see the video? Click here for Google video version.
Please keep the ministry of the Japanese American Christian Chapel in your prayers!!
Thank you!
Pastor John
Thank you!
Pastor John
