Spring 2007

As we age, and God grants us a measure of grown-up wisdom, we discover more than ever that we are products of God’s grace. We are shaped and molded by his hand. Sometimes gently, sometimes firmly. But God remains ever the craftsman committed to creating the image of Jesus Christ in us.

I am grateful that God never gives up on us. Aren't you? It is through the experience of failure and heartache that his grace allows our lives, and my life, to continue to be testimonies of God’s unrelenting commitment to his children.

Without a doubt, God is committed to the restoration of his people. As you have read in this prayer weblog, I was invited to return to pastoral ministry in Ventura County in June 2005. Even as the work continues with the Japanese American Christian Chapel, another opportunity for ministry has presented itself.

Rev. Sam Tonomura and Mr. Stan Date of the Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society (JEMS) recently approached me and asked if I might consider a part-time position with the organization, overseeing the development of missions strategies and the implementation of field ministries. Thus with the affirmation of the JEMS Board of Directors and the support of JACC's Board of Elders, I have agreed to work with JEMS on a ten hour/week basis. This time commitment will be adjusted as needed for training periods and other additional ministries.

Pictured here at the March 2007 Holiness Missions Conference in San Fernando (L-R): Frank Ogura (San Diego), Greg Oda (JEMS South America Sending Board), Rev. Sam Tonomura (kneeling, JEMS Executive Director), Darryl Wong (JEMS Missions Administrator), PJ and Rev Ichibei Honda (Pastor, San Diego Japanese Christian Church).

I ask for your prayers as I begin anew with JEMS. Please pray that God would move hearts to be involved prayerfully and financially in this ministry. Pray as well for interest and opportunities from South American churches to partner with us anew.

To receive information about how you can be involved, please drop an email to:
johnk [at] jems [dot] org - - - - - (Please self-correct the email format)

What Will I Be Doing?

I have submitted a proposal to JEMS that outlines five basic goals for the first year:

1. Orientation and Updating

• Learn current laws regarding visa requirements for tourists, workers

• Determine ministry costs: travel, visa, worker home stay, material expenses, administration, other.

• Re-establish contact with local Brazilian community: e.g., travel agencies, sponsors, social service and evangelical organizations

2. Raising awareness and financial support

• Create new South America Missions brochure

• Share opportunities through the JEMS Journal and South America Newsletter

• Update the JEMS South America website

• Seek opportunities to speak (non-Sundays).

3. Recruitment

• Review current process/procedures

• Reconnect with JEMS-affiliated churches

• Work to create a cohesive approach to overseas ministry.

• Strengthen and repopulate the JEMS South America Missions Committee

4. Training of Workers

• Recruit a volunteer training staff
• Review and update training curriculum and training timetable

5. On-field contact

• Reestablish contact with denominational leaders and pastors in SA.
• Determine where needs and ministries may be supported by JEMS.

Please pray with me that these goals would be met given the time and opportunity allotted for JEMS ministry.

Japanese American Christian Chapel (Church) Happenings

We're grateful for God's continued provision of people open to serving the body at JACC.

Worship

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Peter and Fernando have been faithfully providing worship leadership over the past year and a half. We're so blessed by their willing and steadfast spirits.

Youth Ministry

The Board of Elders also welcomed Dr Matt Lee (pictured with wife, Kayomi) as our youth director in January 2007. Matt is working with our middle school through college age young people.

Pray for upcoming events:

• English Elders Retreat: Saturday, April 14, 2007

• Focus: John 15
• Where are we going?
• Strategies for healthy growth
• Encouraging involvement
• Initiating change
  

Special Events

• Men’s Breakfast – Saturday, March 31
• Potluck Outreach – April 29
• JACL Children's Festival - hosted at JACC - May 5
  
• Junko Worship Concert presentation - May 6
• Picnic Outreach – May 20

Thanks for taking time to hear what's happening with PJ!