JEMS 2011 Summer Ministries Set

JEMS invites you to be in prayer for our teams as they prepare for ministries in Brazil this summer.  We will have three teams representing JEMS in six ministry locations.

Please pray for the Okada family (Mark, Pam, Luke, Lindsey, Leighton and Lilly - Lauren is not participating this year) traveling from Dallas, Texas and serving at Camp Shalom outside of the city of São Paulo.  They will be on the field from July 14-25.

Prayers are appreciated for JEMS' Tri-Church Team:  The team includes Greg Oda (team leader), Rosie Yokomizo, Darryl and Helena Wong.  They will be serving in three churches over a period of three consecutive weeks.  Pray for their ministries at the Diadema Free Methodist Church (July 11-17), Jordanopolis Free Methodist Church (July 18-24) and Sorocaba Free Methodist Church (July 25-31).

Our third team (PO-LO team), led by Justine Morey, will be serving in two Brazilian cities in two neighboring Brazilian states.  The team members are Shawn Arata, Deborah Hino, Brittany Morey, Cory Morinishi and Rianna Wong.  They will be serving in the cities of Pompeia (SP) from July 11-17 and Londrina (Parana) from July 18-24. 

PO-LO - did you get it?

 

Pastor John will be accompanying the teams as well as meeting with local church and denominational leaders throughout the southern region.  

Please pray for visa acquisition (which can sometimes be political), for travel safety, for health and adaptation, and for effective ministries and bridge building among the various age groups with whom we will be working.

Thank you!
PJ

Recruitment, Training, Ministry

I'm very grateful to God for the wonderful team that has been assembled for ministry with JEMS in South America this summer.

A total of sixteen will be traveling to serve in five different ministry locations in Brazil.  Two teams come from the LA area and will serve between two and three weeks.

The southern California team is pictured below.  On the left side of the photo are team leaders Justine Morey and Greg Oda:

An additional family of five will be traveling from the Dallas area.

At the end of March, we transitioned from the recruitment phase to the training cycle of our program as we prepare our volunteers for ministry.  As always, our training focuses on prayer support development, culture and language training, and ministry preparation.  

Now as we are well into May, the administrative side of the ministry goes into full swing as travel, insurance, documentation must all be arranged.  We are stunned by the cost of travel this year.  Fuel surcharges and general airfare costs have pushed fares quite high.  I overheard the Japan department mention that flights from LA to Tokyo are running around $2000.

LA to São Paulo are not quite that bad, but running easily over $1200.  We could definitely use your prayers for our team members who will all be raising their financial support.

Within the last month,, the JEMS South America department has been blessed by the addition of a new staff member.  Justine Morey has come on-board as a part-time missions coordinator with JEMS.  She will begin raising her financial support in order to begin her service with JEMS.  She is currently volunteering her hours and providing leadership and assistance.

Justine recently returned from six months of service in Marília, Brazil as a JEMS short-termer.  Her love for Brazil continues to have a expression as she will serve as a training leader and team leader, taking a group of five to Brazil this July.  Please pray for Justine as she raises her financial support for this staff position.

My own financial support could use your consideration as I will need to raise $4000 for the summer ministry in July.  My duties will involve the field coordination and oversight of the teams while in-country.  I will also meet with denominational and local church leadership to continue to cultivate JEMS partnerships in South America.

If you are led to or able to support my ministry, please follow this LINK to the JEMS donation page.  Once on the page, you can find my account by selecting "South America International Ministry," then the sub-category, "Rev. John Katagi, Director."  Thanks so much in advance.  It's really appreciated!

Wishing you a wonderful spring!

PJ

JACC in the News

In a nice surprise, Pastor John was recently asked to share about the church by the local Camarillo newspaper.  The article came out on Friday, March 11.

An excerpt from the article

To connect these cultural characteristics with faith, the main theme and message of the church is restoration.

“All of us are broken in some way, and we’re looking for a paramount healing for restoration within ourselves, with other people and with God,” Katagi said.

The Sunday message usually entails mending broken relationships to grow closer to God, he said.

“People do experience difficulties, challenges and hardships in their lives, and sometimes it’s hard to get back on your feet,” Katagi said. “I want people to know there’s a God who loves us and people who care for us and there is a place people can find acceptance.”

“When you’re hearing something like a gospel message, it has to hit your heart,” Katagi said. “You can understand the words, but language is not only mental but emotional. Hearing the message in your mother language has a far greater impact.”

See the complete article at:
Reproduction of Print Article

or 

Camarillo Acorn online article

Please continue to pray for our ministry as we face new challenges related to our new ministry model.


Thank you!

An invitation to volunteer with JEMS in 2011

Volunteer Opportunities available to serve in several church and ministry contexts:

• Vacation Bible School and English Camp Ministry in Nikkei churches in São Paulo (city), Brazil
• Sports-themed VBS in multi-cultural church in São Paulo state.
• Dance Team ministry in Nikkei church in Londrina, Brazil
• Construction Team ministry in campground in Panorama, Brazil
• Camping Team ministry outside of São Paulo (city), Brazil
• Children and Youth Vacation Bible School ministry with Nikkei church in Asunción, Paraguay

Application Deadline:  March 31, 2011

Application information and forms LINK

Dramatic and difficult challenges greet the New Year in Camarillo.

Please pray for the ministry in Camarillo as economic realities have resulted in immensely difficult and painful decisions.  Early last week, the leadership of Celebration - Japanese American Christian Chapel voted to eliminate one pastoral staff position in an effort to reduce expenses and ensure the church's future ministry.   The decision was the result of a yearlong evaluation of resources, efforts at cost reduction and an examination of the church's vision and direction.

Effective immediately, the two congregations - English speaking and Japanese language departments - will join together for Sunday worship.  Japanese language ministries will be enfolded together with the Celebration ministry and continue under the care of the Japanese language elders, the Celebration leadership and Pastor John as the newly solo pastor.  

Japanese language (Nichigo) small group ministries will continue with some pastoral guidance.  It is hoped that these small groups will have the cohesion to continue as they have over the years.  Some adjustments are expected to occur.  


Pastor John will be actively seeking assistance from any who can offer ministry support in the Japanese language, ranging from translation responsibilities to small group development and maintenance. 

Our prayers are with Yamamoto sensei and his family as they seek the Lord's guidance regarding their next steps.   We have great affection and appreciation for Pastor Yamamoto whose service to the church began in February 1996.  

          
          Rev Yamamoto pictured above right (blue shirt)

Please also pray for the church family as this reflects a major change in the dynamic of ministry and fellowship.  Pray that the church will have a future that will bless and encourage those who attend and participate.

Wishing you every best for the Christmas season!

Did 2010 go by quickly?  Or am I getting older?  Maybe a little of both? 

It was a year in which ministry continued by the grace of God.  I am blessed to serve with the Celebration congregation in Camarillo, supported by the leadership team of the Japanese American Christian Chapel (pictured below).

In my second job, working together with the JEMS staff has been a delight.  Although I only work in the office part-time (once a week), the staff is very welcoming and helps me to meet my workload challenges.  

This past year included travel to South America in January and again in July-August to continue JEMS' relationship with churches and leaders in Brazil and Paraguay.

JEMS Headquarters staff pictured above.

JEMS Brazil Evangelistic Basketball Team with Pr John pictured below.

It was a tremendous joy to spend a few days this fall visiting my daughter and her husband in Atlanta.

My how they've grown!  I'm thrilled whenever my adult children are able to get together with their dad. 

Will, Tracey, Brandon and Alyssa

I am grateful for your expressions of love and support through the year.  May I take this opportunity to convey my warmest wishes for you and yours during the Christmas and New Year holidays.  Look forward to seeing you soon!

Blessings,

John

Autumn Updates

As a consequence of the fall that I took in Marilia, Brazil on August 4th, I've had X-rays and an MRI taken.  My doctor called this afternoon to say that my medial meniscus is completely torn and tibial collateral ligament is partially torn. Next step: orthopedic surgeon for possible arthroscopic surgery. My doc's recommendation: "stay off the leg." 

Any orthopedic surgeon suggestions are welcome.  Please email me.

My JEMS Office schedule is being scaled back through the next two months as I need to increase my financial support.  This is difficult as my Sundays are occupied with my ministry in Camarillo thus preventing opportunities to share with other churches and congregations.  Should the Lord lead you to consider supporting my JEMS ministry, it would be much appreciated.  You can now make a contribution online with your credit card by going to this link! 

 

(Under categories and funds, please go to category: South America International Ministry, and sub-category, Rev John Katagi.  Thank you!)

On the positive side, news comes from our JEMS volunteer, Justine Morey:  "Just wanted to let you know Pastor Daniel and I went to the Federal Police station today, and I am officially cleared to stay 3 more months. Praise the Lord!!!" 

...Please continue to pray for Justine's ministry in Marilia. Also visit her prayer blog at:

http://justinekeiko.blogspot.com/

Also, as a direct result of my July-August visit to South America, JEMS has received five to six requests for JEMS workers to serve in projects in 2011.  Please join me in praying now that God would supply workers for his harvest field in Brazil and Paraguay.


Links you may have missed:

End of Summer Ministry Report

Celebration Camarillo Outdoor Worship and Picnic Video

Thank you for remembering JEMS South America ministry!

Pr John

Atualizações do setembro

Como conseqüência da queda que levei em Marília, Brasil, em 04 de agosto, eu fui tomar de raios-X e uma ressonância magnética. Meu médico ligou nesta tarde para dizer que o meu menisco medial é completamente rasgado e ligamento colateral tibial é parcialmente rasgado. Próximo passo: cirurgia artroscópica. Por favor, fique em oração.

Meu horário no escritório da JEMS está sendo reduzido durante os próximos dois meses, porque eu preciso aumentar meu sustento financeiro. Isto é difícil como o meu domingos são ocupados com o meu ministério em Camarillo, perdendo oportunidades de compartilhar com outras igrejas e congregações sobre meu ministério com JEMS.

No lado positivo, a notícia vem do nosso voluntário da JEMS, Justine Morey: "Só queria que você saiba Pastor Daniel Abe e eu fomos à estação de Polícia Federal hoje, e estou oficialmente aprovada para ficar mais três meses. Louvado seja o Senhor! ! "

... Por favor continuem em oração para o ministério de Justine em Marília. Também visite seu blog em oração:
http://justinekeiko.blogspot.com/

Além disso, como resultado direto da minha visita de julho e agosto na América do Sul, JEMS recebeu 5 pedidos de obreiros ou equipes para servir de projetos em 2011. Por favor, juntem comigo em oração agora que Deus iria levantar obreiros para a sua colheita no Brasil e no Paraguai.

Links você pode ter perdido:

Relatório do Ministério de Verão

Video de minha igreja:  Celebration Camarillo (culto ao ar livre e piquenique)

Obrigado por lembrar JEMS ministério América do Sul!
Pr John

New Celebration Worship and Picnic Video (Summer 2010)

Just as summer launched, our church had its annual worship and picnic at Mission Oaks Park in Camarillo.  You're invited to enjoy the fun!

To read the most recent update on the summer mission, please click this link.

Three P's - Paraguay, Pompeia and (São) Paulo

Thank you for your prayers as the summer ministry teams arrived at LAX on Tuesday night, August 10th.  I wanted to share just briefly, and mostly through photos, the last two weeks of ministry we shared in South America.  

My apologies as this belated post is due in part to the unavailability of a computer while on the field, but I want you to know that your prayers made a significant difference. The fact that I didn't break my leg in an awkward fall down a metal spiral staircase in Brazil is a testament to God's care.  You'll have to ask me about that.  

As the poster indicates, 2011 will be the two-hundredth anniversary of Paraguay's independence from Spain.  2011 will also provide opportunity for possible ministry as the local Nikkei church in Asuncion has asked for a JEMS team in July of next year.

The church continues under the leadership of Pastor Koki and Mari Nowada.  The ministry has a strong outreach to children.  2011 will be an opportunity to provide a VBS program for them in Asuncion as well as in the farming colonies of southern Paraguay.

My visit included an opportunity to speak, to engage long-time friends, to visit family and to see the ministry firsthand.

Pastor John preaching in Asuncion's Free Methodist Church

Pastor Koki Nowada leading Sunday worship.  Sadato Yoshizaki on guitar.

PJ with Eiji. We met in 1993 maybe.

A happy moment.

Really, a children's ministry!  Won't you consider serving in 2011?

Asuncion bonus:  time with my relatives (my dad's cousin and family)

Meeting friends who met the JEMS team in 2009

Upon leaving Paraguay, my next stop would be an important one on the way to Pompeia.  Six hours from the city of São Paulo is the small town of Marilia, where JEMS worker, Justine Morey is serving.

I was able to meet with Justine and with the pastor and leadership of the church to get an update on her ministry there.

Justine and Pastor Daniel Abe

Leadership of the Marilia Free Methodist Church where Justine is serving

Justine was also able to travel to Pompeia to spend time in fellowship and ministry with the JEMS basketball team.

The team enjoyed meeting Justine and vice versa.

Matt Asami working with at-risk kids in Pompeia

Garrett Nakasuji sharing his testimony at half-time

Jonathan Nitao sharing on another night in Pompeia.  Many thanks to Ivan Shiozawa for his interpretation ministry and many other expressions of care and support for the JEMS team.

The JEMS team's last night together in Pompeia.
Please pray for Justine as she continues her ministry in Marilia until December 11, 2010.

Huge appreciation to Pastor Guto Umeki for the open door and warm hearts.

Then it was back to São Paulo and a final dinner with our friends . . .



. . .  and then, good-bye at the airport

Ministry is never a solo, but a symphony.  There are many people who contribute to a ministry's effectiveness.  Much of the success of our ministry and opportunities in São Paulo was made possible by the hard work of several key leaders.  I want to thank Wellington Tsutsumida and Patricia Tokuyama for their investment of time and energy.  Prior to our arrival, they organized, coordinated, invited others to be involved in this project.  They also took a number of days off during our stay to accompany the team and to make certain that we were welcomed and well cared for.  Thank you so much!

"Ton" and "Patch" pictured with Mrs Tsutsumida.  Muito obrigado!

It was a wonderful three weeks of ministry, and its impact will continue to be seen in the lives of the people we were able to meet.  Please pray that the many seeds of the gospel shared would take root.  Pray as well for the four initial (and early) requests I received for JEMS workers in 2011.  Pray specifically if there is a place in your schedule for missions next year!